Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the
southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the Rift Valley. 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 travel to Uganda from different corners of the world to
enjoy this Ultimate Safari in Uganda - Mountain Gorilla trekking / 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. 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 rainforest 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 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.
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