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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 world’s
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 .Don’t 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 331km² 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 Bandas & Gorilla Nest Campsite
Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite
Bwindi National Park Adventure Safaris
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