Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forests National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable
National Park is in southern Uganda, on the edge of the Rift Valley. One of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, stretching back over 25,000 years, is engulfed by its foggy hillsides. With roughly 400 plant species, the forest is one of Africa’s most diversified ecosystems. There are 320 mountain gorillas (about half of the world’s population), 350 bird species, 120 mammals, and many others… The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park should not be missed.
Overview
Overview
Because it is home to more than half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, which are classified as critically endangered, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most sought-after world-class tourist attraction. Bwindi (which means "darkness" or "impenetrable" in local dialect) was a forest reserve from 1942 until 1991, when it was upgraded to a fully-fledged national park. In the 321k2 national park, tangled vegetation drapes across a deeply fissured terrain of steep, slippery valleys and high arid hills. The chilly weather and challenging terrain give an unrivalled atmosphere and seclusion for travellers wishing to meet and interact with their kinfolk. One of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters is a trek through one of Africa's oldest rain forests in search of endangered Mountain Gorillas.
ATTRACTIONS
Flora and Fauna (Flora and Fauna)
Because of three primary characteristics, Bwindi sustains a huge amount of biodiversity. Its slopes cover a 1,447-meter attitudinal range, resulting in habitats ranging from lowland woodland at 1,160 metres to uncommon Afromontane flora at 2,600 metres. It's also quite old, and it's part of the incredibly diverse Albertine Rift Endemic Area. Bwindi was one of the few'refugia' that survived after most of Africa's woods vanished during the ice age's arid climate (12,000-18,000 years ago). As a result, while most modern forests are less than 12,000 years old, Bwindi's flora has been weaving itself into tangles for at least 25,000 years, amassing a diverse species list in the process. There are 310 butterfly species, 51 reptiles, 200 plants, 88 moths, and 120 animal species on this list.
Mountain Gorillas are a type of gorilla that lives in the
Mountain gorillas are organised into groups with distinct home ranges. Tourists are able to track ten habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi. Three are near Buhoma, three are near Ruhija, and the remaining four are tracked from the southern section (Nkuringo/Rushaga).
World of Primates
Mountain gorillas, chimps, baboons, L'Hoest, red-tailed, blue monkeys, black and white Colobus, and nocturnal bush infants are among the ten primates found in the park.
Birding
Over 350 bird species have been reported in Bwindi, including 23 endemics (90 percent of all Albertine Rift endemics) such the short-tailed Warbler, Shelly's Crimsonwing, African Green Broadbill, and Blue-headed Sunbird, as well as seven IUCN red data listed species. The African Emerald Cuckoo, African Blue White-tailed Flycatchers, and Red-headed Bluebill are all easy to spot.
ACCESSIBILTY
By Road
The park is around 530 kilometres from Kampala city and may be accessible by road from a variety of directions, including through Queen Elizabeth National Park (Mweya) - via Kihihi to Buhoma.
It is also accessible from Kampala via Kabale via Kanungu to Buhoma (5-6 hours); Ntungamo via Rukungiri through Kihihi to Buhoma (5-6 hours); Kabale-Ruhija-Buhoma (S-6 hours); Kabale-Nkuringo (6-7 hours); Kisoro-Rubuguri/Nkuringo (2 hours).
A 4x4 vehicle is advised for a visit to Bwindi.
Airplane
Visitors to Buhoma can charter flights to Kayonza (near Butogota), Savannah (Kihihi), and Ishasha airstrips from Entebbe Airport or Kampala (Kajjansi airport) to the tarmac airstrip in Kisoro town.
ACCOMMODATION
Silverback Lodge Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Chameleon Hill Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Bwindi Gorilla Lodge Nkuringo
