Bwindi Impenetrable national park covers an area of about 331 square kilometres with an altitude Range of Approximately 1160 metres (Ishasha gorge) and 2607 metres (Rwamunyonyi Peak). It receives an annual Temperature Range of 7-20 degrees Celcius the coldest Period being June-July Annual Precipitation is 1130 mm - 2390 mm and it experiences the heaviest rains in March-April and September - November other months being generally dry. Majority of the local people living around the park are Bakiga and Bafumbira, and it constitutes the densest settlements in Uganda, ( 233 people/ square kilometers )
Bwindi is a home to 326 gorillas, almost a half of the worlds population of mountain gorillas. It has about 120 species of mammals including 7 diurnal primates and about 30 elephants.
There are about 360 species of birds and over 200 species of butterflies. This Afro -montane forest has dense under storey of fern, vines, shrubs. About 324 tree species have been recorded here, 10 of which occur no where else in Uganda.
TOURISM ACTIVITIES AT THE PARK.
GORILLA SAFARIS , UGANDA SAFARIS
This is a major tourist activity in Bwindi with four gorillas groups are currently
available to be visited on daily basis. Gorilla safaris are carried out at Mubare group (10 gorillas; 1 silverback ) was Opened for tourism in 1993, while Habinyanja group (18 gorillas, 1silver backs) was ready in July 1998, Rushegura group (10gorillas and 1 silver back )was opened for tourism in july 2002 while Nkuringo group (19gorillas ,2silver backs)was opened for tourism in April 2004Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Nevertheless, for updates check with WWW.uwa.or.ug. Book atleast 3 months in advance (but not more than one year) to ensure that the requested dates are available.
Six permits per day are sold for each of these groups at UWA Headquarters in Kampala. Gorilla Trekking Uganda in Bwindi can be rigorous, therefore ensure physical fitness. Carry jungle boots and rain jackets because the park is often wet. If you cant cope up with the jungle sounds .Dont forget rain gears, sunscreens, insect repellants , a hat given the fact that the weather is un predictable
Your gorilla tracking experience starts at 8:30 am local time and occasionally lasts the whole day!
For Conservation reasons, visits to the gorillas are tightly controlled.
Among Companies offering excellent Gorilla safaris include African Pearl for Uganda Safari and many more.
BIRD WATCHING SAFARIS BWINDI
Bwindi is the Bird watchers paradise! It holds 348 species of birds and Contains 90% of all Albertine rift Endemic such as; the Short-tailed Warbler, Rusty-faced woodland Warbler, Bar-tailed Trogon, Gruer's Rush Warbler, Wilcock's Honey-guide, Yellow-eyed black Fly-catcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, Dusky Crimson Wing, White-tailed Blue Monarch among others, difficult or impossible to see in any other part of EastAfrica.
An experienced bird watcher can identify up to 100 species in a day! Visit Ruhija and Buhoma for this dream. Indicate your interest to the guide so that appropriate early morning departures can be arranged.
NATURE WALKS IN BWINDI
For the visitor who has 2 or 3 days in Bwindi the park has 4 fantastic hiking trails. On all these trails, you have opportunities to see and learn about primates, many species of birds, butterflies, trees, and other organisms. Arrange at the reception for a guide. The guide's company is mandatory For it affords you an superior comprehension of nature's system at work in the park.
THE MUNYANGA RIVER TRAIL
Is an ideal short walk for visitors with little time to spare. Here you can see birds and primates of the forest edge.
THE POPULAR WATERFALL TRAIL provides an attractive feature of the forest with a profusion of tree ferns, epithetic ferns, orchids and Bwindi's colourful array of butterflies. This trail which leads to 3 delightful crystal clear waterfalls typifies your impression of a tropical rain forest.
THE RUSHURRA TRAIL
Commands expansive views across the western rift valley floor. To the west, Congo's Parc Nationale Des Virungas provides a spectacular backdrop, and on clear das Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountain are visible.
THE MUZABAJIRRO TRAIL
Offer breath-taking views of Bwindi Forest. Western Rift Valley and the Virungas. On the way, you witness hundreds of pre-historic tree ferns. The top of this trail is a great place for a picnic lunch.
THE RUIZI RIVER TRAIL
So far the longest in the park will occupy you for a full day. It is highly recommended for bird watchers.
TRAIL IN YOUR CAR.
Visitors with their own 4 -wheel drive transport should consider crossing the rugged centre of the park through Ruhija. This transect affords the visitor with Uganda's finest vistas of deep undisturbed forests. Watch out for duikers, primates and both forest and grassland bird species. In Ruhija,
visitors can take the three-hour scenery packed hike to the Mubwindi swamp. You may also walk to the Bamboo zone (the only such area in the park).
THE BAMBOO TRAIL
The Bamboo trail offers 14 vegetation types and is one of the areas of highest diversity in the park. At the top of this trail, you witness panoramic views encompassing L. Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.
CULTURAL PERFORMANCE
In the evenings, participate in captivating traditional performances presented by Women's groups. Proceeds from these go directly to improve the welfare of families around the park.
Safari to Bwindi National Park Uganda.
530km south west of Kampala (8.5 hour drive). Nestled down in the south west of the country, on the edge of the Western Rift Valley this 331km of montane rainforest is the only forest in Africa where gorillas and chimpanzees occur together. The world population of mountain gorillas is currently estimated at 600, half of which live in Bwindi, alongside an estimated 350-400 chimpanzee. In addition to the gorillas and chimps this ancient rainforest - one of the few in Africa to have flourished throughout the last Ice Age (making it over 25,000 years old) - is home to several other mammals (approx. 93 species) as well as roughly 360 species of bird.
As you walk among the shadows of the leafy canopy, this rainforest reveals the smells and sounds of Africa, just as it has been for centuries.
Without doubt, your first impression of the dense jungle will be its almost audible silence. Jungle creatures are very, very shy, but, as you pick your way along the trail, through the dense undergrowth, you'll realise that the jungle is alive. Thousands of living organisms are discreetly watching and waiting whilst you pass through their protective home and, from time to time, the complete tranquility will be shattered by a darting forest bird or group of chattering monkeys leaping through the stands of ancient trees, disturbing the secretive residents and setting up a chain reaction. Now, the ever-wary jungle comes to colourful and noisy life for a moment, until silence reigns again.
Bwindi Tour Uganda
Here, in Bwindi Impenetrable, your guide will take you along river trails with delightful waterfalls, up steep slopes and into forest clearings in search of an enormous array of reserved, exquisite and exciting jungle creatures who live in this deep forest. A forest : which in itself is a complex and remarkable living organism
The Road from Kabale passes through the eastern edge of the forest, affording some magnificent views. The park headquarters, and entrance, are at Buhoma. Four-wheeled drive is required. 560 km from Kampala.
Accommodation Options in Bwindi National Park.
Mantana Luxury camps
Gorilla Forest Camp
Volcanoes Bwindi Camp
Buhoma Homestead
Lake Kitandara Camp Bwindi
Buhoma Community Bandas and Camps
Bwindi Travellers Motel Butogota
Bwindi-View BandasGorilla Nest Campsite
Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite
Bwindi National Park Adventure Safaris
|
