Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in southwest Uganda, close to the border with Congo. It is well known for the presence of gorillas and for becoming a popular destination for gorilla trekking. Standing eye to eye with an entire family of wild gorillas is one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have. In addition to the mountain gorillas, another eleven species of primate call the park home and can be seen.
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 date back to more than 25,000 years, comprising of about 400 varied plant species. More notably, this “impenetrable forest” in addition protects a 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 a habitat to more than half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas. actually, there are over 300 mountain gorillas living here. Gorilla devotees for Uganda tours 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 in this magnificent forest will certainly unveil to you the reason why the forest was named so. You will as well be in a position to fast tell why actually the forest is also regarded as Impenetrable. One requires to be really 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 these areas 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 are 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.
Top Things to Do in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
For the active visitor, the park has got a lot to do during your visit. From the popular gorilla treks to nature walks through well-developed trails, you will enjoy explorations through the impenetrable jungles of Bwindi. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an outdoor paradise for wildlife watchers, hiking enthusiasts, family vacationers, outdoor lovers, and photographers of all skill levels. Though gorilla trekking is the major thing to do, there are many adventure activities that tourists can enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here are the top things to do in Bwindi Forest.
Gorilla Trekking
Mountain gorillas are indisputably Bwindi’s stars of the show where they were habituated since 1993. There are presently four sectors in Bwindi with over 19 habituated groups where 18 of them are open for gorilla tracking while the remaining one was reserved for research purposes. Bwindi is the favorite destination for gorilla trekking and the most affordable destination for travelers
Gorilla Habituation
This fascinating experience is only available and possible in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and tourists spend a maximum of 4 hours with a mountain gorilla family. This breathtaking experience is a one-of-a-kind experience in the whole world. There are currently two gorilla groups undergoing habituation and tourists can visit them and experience what others say is fascinating
Bird watching
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. It homes over 351 species of birds including 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as Rusty-faced woodland Warbler, Bar-tailed Trogon, Short-tailed Warbler, Kivu Ground Thrush, and White-tailed Blue Monarch among others, which are hard to spot in any other part of East Africa. This Park was also selected as Africa’s number one birding site.
Nature walks/hiking
This is commonly done by tourists who have mostly 2 -4 days to explore the Bwindi. There are various trails thought-out the four sectors (Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo) and tourists can add nature walks t0 their gorilla trek. Nature walks help tourists to explore tree species, some primate species, butterflies, and even bird species. Learn about the most popular trails to take while in Bwindi Impenetrable ForestThe Rwenzoris are the legendary “Mountains of the moon”, a reflection of the mist-shrouded mountains of this rugged massif that tower almost 4,000 m above the Albertine Rift Valley, making them visible from great distances. These mountains offer a unique and pristine landscape of alpine vegetation studded with charismatic giant lobelias, groundsels, and heathers which have been called “Africa’s botanical big game”. The combination of spectacular snow-capped peaks, glaciers, V-shaped valleys, fast-flowing rivers with magnificent waterfalls, clear blue lakes and unique flora contributes to the area’s exceptional natural beauty.