Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the most popular of Uganda’s national parks is one of top tourist spots in Africa. Located in the southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the Rift Valley, the park protects more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the wild. The hillsides which are mist-covered are sheltered by one of the ancient and very biologically varied rain forests in Uganda that dates back to more than 25,000 years, comprising of about 400 varied plant species. More notably, this “impenetrable forest” in addition protects an predictable 440 population of mountain gorillas – approximately half of the population in the world, among which are a number of habituated groups, that can be tracked by visitors.
Bwindi Forest is an IUCN world heritage site that inhabit to more than half the world’s total remaining population of the endangered mountain gorillas, and today it is a prime spot for gorilla trekking safaris, a highly demanded adventure activity that can only be done in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo.Over the last years, intriguing travelers have been traveling to Uganda from different corners of the world to enjoy this ultimate adventure, tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and taking a hike this magnificent forest will certainly unveil to you the reason why the forest was named so. You will as well be in position to fast tell why actually the forest is also regarded as Impenetrable. One requires being realistically physically fit to take part in this mountain gorilla tracking / trekking adventure because it may involve climbing the steep terrain
In addition to the endangered impressive mountain gorillas, there are also 346 bird species and more than 200 butterfly species, about 324 species of trees, ten of which are only found in this area in the whole of Uganda. This is really a destination to explore. Because there are few habituated Gorillas living here (gorillas that have been trained to withstand human presence and not likely to attack), actually the time offered to see them is limited and so are the permits which currently are offered at a cost of $500 per individual. No person ever complains after spending some time with these very fascinating Mountain Gorillas in Uganda within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is among the most stunning rain forest anyone will ever come across.
This biologically varied region as well offers shelter to a additional 120 mammals, among which are various primate species like the baboons plus chimpanzees, in addition to elephants as well as antelopes. Furthermore, there are about 350 bird species supported within this forest, among which are twenty three Albertine Rift endemics. The adjacent towns of Nkuringo as well as Buhoma offer a remarkable collection of luxury lodges, budget campsites, restaurants, rustic bandas and craft stalls in addition to guiding services. There are plentiful Opportunities to discover the neighboring Bakiga plus Batwa Pygmy people’s cultures which they well showcase in performances plus workshops as well as on guided village walks.
While in Uganda, besides visiting the mountain gorillas, you can take a safari to Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo National Park and other interesting tourist areas that are worth checking out.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve was gazetted in the year of 1942 and later in 1992 it was upgraded to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and in 1994 it was recognized as a World Heritage Site in Uganda. In local language (Lukiga), Bwindi actually means ‘Impenetrable.’ This repeated warning is apt, for Bwindi is all however impenetrable; 327 km2 of tangled plant life draped over a deep fissured landscape of steep, slippery valleys & high, draughty ridges. However if the terrain is far from easy to manage, it’s well worth the effort. A trek through this is among Africa’s most ancient rainforests, in search of the vulnerable mountain gorilla, ranks among one of the world’s premier wildlife encounters.
Bwindi could be very cold especially in the morning & night. The annual mean temperatures range is 7°C to 20°C with the coldest months being June & July. Hence warm clothing is required, plus wet weather gear because Bwindi receives up to 2390mm of rain every year. This is centered on during 2 wet seasons, short rains in March- May & heavy rainfall in the months of September-November. In Bwindi, rain often falls as long hours of soft drizzle, instead of short tropical deluge. A tour agent will help you prepare depending on the season.
Where Else Can you see the Mountain Gorillas? A visit to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where you can trek the trans-boundary gorilla family “Nyakagezi which cross from Uganda, Rwanda and Congo or visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is a great opportunity to see the other half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Visit the Virunga Gorilla Park for gorilla trekking and here the trek is cheap at $ 400 dollars or you can experience the low land gorillas in Kauzi biega in Congo.
For more information about Bwindi, visit the Bwindi Gorilla National Park website.
