What to do in Bwindi

The mist-covered hillsides of Bwindi’s ‘impenetrable’ forest are home to over half the world's population of wild mountain gorillas. You'll depart in the early hours with a seasoned ranger to trek the rugged terrain in search of one of 19 habituated family groups, and once found, spend a precious hour watching them. While the hike can be gruelling, the sight of a fully-grown silverback emerging from the vines or the rambunctious baby gorillas playing close to their mothers is one you won't forget. The gorillas are well-hidden from the world and you'll have the chance to see them just as they are when no one's watching. There is also the option of a habituation permit, where you'll spend up to four hours with the gorillas. Trekking can be done year-round, but the ideal conditions are probably from June to September and December to February when the park is drier and humidity is lower. Trekking in the middle months does, however, attract a lower permit price. The choice is yours!

While the gorillas may be the stars of the show in Bwindi, it is one of the most ecologically rich rainforests in the world and there's plenty more to see. Join a seasoned guide on a walk beneath the lush canopy, where 350 species of bird dwell, including 14 that aren't found anywhere else in Uganda. There are a variety of well-developed trails, ranging from the short but sweet to seven-hour trails traversing the highest point in Bwindi. Along the way, you may see cascading waterfalls, views of the Great Rift Valley and soaring mountain peaks, and plenty of wildlife. Look out everything from Pel's Fishing Owl to the cinnamon-chested bee-eater, forest elephant and incredible, exotic orchid. While the forest trails are open throughout the year, the dry season (June to September, December to February) will be the most enjoyable time to walk them.

In the southern-most corner of Uganda, Lake Mutanda sits 1800m above sea level and has long been known as one of the most picturesque lakes in Africa. With its scenic surrounds that vary from secluded villages to the Virunga massifs, Lake Mutanda is well-positioned for mountain biking. On a full day out, begin at on the lake shores, where you may spot African otters and incredible birdlife before cycling through tiny villages and matooke (banana) fields, meeting the local people and seeing Uganda at its most laid-back. There's also the chance to take a more adventurous route into the lush and rugged foothills.

Known as the 'Keepers of the Forest', the Batwa are the original people of Bwindi. You'll hike into the forest with an expertly-trained guide to visit the Batwa settlement and meet the tribe, a real honor that not many can say they have had the chance to do. You'll join the women as they cook meals made with ingredients from the forest, meet medicine men and hear how they use the flora and fauna to heal ailments, and learn all about their hunter-gatherer lifestyle that has continued over thousands of years. The Batwa tribe will share their ancient legends and traditional songs, before waving you off.

At Ride 4 a Woman you can learn how to cook traditional dishes of the Bakiga tribe. Wander through their gardens, pick and dig your choice of vegetables and herbs then set to work with the chef in the kitchen.

Work with expert members of the Buhoma community to weave baskets from grass collected from the hills of Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Seated on mats in the gardens of Ride 4 a Woman, the women will get you started showing you the skills needed to weave. Once you are confident, you are then free to create your very own African souvenir, which you can then take home. This relaxing activity gives you time to sit and interact with local Ugandan women within their own community, nestled among the misty hills of Bwindi, home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas.

The Kiga dance, local to Buhoma is one of the key dances of the region’s Bakiga tribe. You will be welcomed to join and learn – you even get to wear the traditional dress. The Kiga dance is a celebratory dance demonstrating happiness. The dancing of the Bakiga tribe is known for its show of strength with stamping aplenty! It is a huge amount of fun and great exercise all in the stunning setting of the Bwindi Impenetrable forest, home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas.

One of the key income streams supporting the Ride 4 a Woman initiative is from the sales of the beautiful products created by the women, from stunning African fabrics. In the grounds of R4W, nestled in the hills of the Bwindi Impenetrable forest, you can learn how to pedal sew with the women of Buhoma, producing your choice of product, ready to take home. You can make a coin purse, a pillow case dress, a bandana, a sunglasses case or maybe some napkins for the dinner table back home.