Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the Rift Valley. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve was gazzeted 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.327 km2 of tangled plant life draped over a deep fissured landscape of steep, slippery valleys & high, draughty ridges The hillsides which are mist-covered are sheltered by one of the ancient and very biologically varied rainforests 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 320 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 is habitat to more than half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas. Actually there are over 300 mountain gorillas living here. Gorilla devotees visit Uganda from different corners of the world to enjoy this Ultimate Safari in Uganda – Mountain Gorilla tours / tracking 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.
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 areas in the whole of Uganda which makes this 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. 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 rainforest anyone will ever come across.
This biologically varied region as well offers shelter to an 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. A gorilla safari tour will cover plentiful Opportunities to the following major tourist activities at Bwindi impenetrable forest include Gorilla Trekking, Gorilla Habituation of over 25 gorilla families, Bird watching, The Batwa cultural experience, Forest walks/hiking, Mountain biking, Buhoma community walks, Lake Mutand visit.
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 are 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
There are several ways of accessing Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park; there are charter flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi town which links up to Buhoma sector or Kisoro Airstrip which links to Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga sector. Visitors to Bwindi can also take flight from Kajjansi Airfield.
On road, one can take the Kampala – Kabale – Ruhija route or Kampala – Ntungamo – Rukungiri – Kihihi – Buhoma/Nyondo. Alternatively, you can take the Kampala-Kabale-Kisoro-Rushaga/Nkuringo route.
The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is between June and August, and then again in December through to February. These are the driest months, with the best chance of sunny skies and clear days perfect for wildlife viewing, although showers are always possible.
Besides gorillas Bwindi impenetrable forest is also home to the following animals and bird Elephants, duikers, buffaloes, golden cats, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, black-fronted Duiker, yellow-backed duiker, clawless otter, side-striped jackal, civet, numerous bats and rodents ,Common Bulbul, African Emerald cuckoo, African blue, White tailed blue, Fly catchers, African green pigeon, African harrier hawk, Cinnamon-chested bee eater.
Catering and accommodation services while at Bwindi Impenetrable forest can be got in the following places Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is one of the most luxurious options in Bwindi ,Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge offers visitors to the park a high-end experience with impeccable facilities and service, Buhoma is found right inside the park, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, The lodge is an innovative, community-focused enterprise that is committed to supporting the long-term protection of Bwindi gorillas, Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge is a simple, independent lodge found right in the heart of Bwindi national park. This wonderful location is set right beside the Munyanga River and surrounded by the Impenetrable, Bakiga Bwindi Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge ,Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge,Four Gorillas Lodge,Nkuringo Bwindi orilla Lodge,Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge Bwindi
