Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best place to see the rare mountain gorilla. Located in South western Uganda, the 331 sq. km Bwindi National Park is home to almost half of the world’s remaining population of the endangered mountain gorillas. This park is known as the Impenetrable Forest for good reason; the trees are thick and the forest is thicker with dense undergrowth, creepers, bamboos and parasitic plants such as mistletoe and orchids. This environment is the habitat for mountain gorilla’s, chimpanzee, and 8 other species of primate.
Things to See
Almost half the world’s population of an estimated 900 mountain gorillas have sanctuary here, making Bwindi the base for an important scientific conservation program.
Mountain gorillas
Likely to See:
Chimpanzee
Black-and-White Colobus Monkey
Grey-Cheeked Mangabey
L’Hoest’s Monkey
Blue Monkey
Elephant
Giant Forest Hog
Duiker
Lucky to See:
N/A
Rare to See/Not Present:
African wildlife traditionally found on the savannah
In addition to its star gorillas, Bwindi is host to bush pig, giant forest hog and over 300 species of birds including rare forest birds. Others who have found a home in this ecosystem include many types of bats and rodents, 14 species of snakes, 27 species of frogs and toads, 6 chameleon types, 14 lizards, skinks and geckos and 200 species of butterfly. Bwindi is to the west of the country and is 560 km from Kampala.
The rain forest at Bwindi Impenetrable Park is home to 345 species of bird such as the great blue turaco, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Lühder’s bushshrike, vanga flycatcher, black-faced rufous-warbler, black-throated apalis and the green broadbill.
Things to Do
At Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park you won’t find the traditional game drive-based safari. A visit to Bwindi means you’re interested in seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. To do so requires some moderate hiking. As the park name indicates, the terrain is a dense forested jungle that covers 127 square miles (329 sq km). Visitors can expect to hike from one to four hours to reach the gorillas. Once found, hikers are permitted to observe the gorillas for about an hour before hiking home. This unique, thrilling experience is a must for anyone in good physical condition.
Gorilla tracking is the most popular adventure activity that attracts touristrs to Bwindi. Gorilla tracking is limited to small groups and the licenses are issued to ensure minimum disruption to the routine of the animals. Tracking gorillas is an arduous task and you should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking. Good physical condition is a must. You are advised to make arrangements 4-12 months prior to the date of your visit. Bwindi is essentially a rain forest and it is necessary to bring along a raincoat, walking boots and gloves.
Activities
Hiking
Interesting & Essential Facts about Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Over 300 gorillas are known to inhabit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are a different sub-species than the mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
Bwindi is the only forest inhabited by both chimpanzees and gorillas. The dense, jungle-like forest is home to more species of trees, ferns, birds and butterflies than any other East African forest.
Gorillas live in troops of anywhere from 3 to 40 and are active during the day.
Hikers in Bwindi are led by a guide, an armed guard and a tracker.
The gorillas are fairly predictable in their movements and relatively easy to track. However, since they are always on the move, there is a sense of adventure that accompanies every search.
Visitors need to be in good shape and be able to hike on trails, climb down into gullies, pull themselves up steep hills using vines and traverse through rugged terrain.
To prevent humans from transferring any communicable diseases to the gorillas, visitors are required to stay at least 22 feet (7 meters) from the animals.
Juvenile gorillas are the most curious and most likely to approach humans. Adult females are less outgoing. The silverbacks tend to keep to themselves and stay the furthest away.
Your guide will instruct you on how to behave around the gorillas and what to do if one approaches you.
Gorillas are herbivores and will not attack unless they feel threatened or are provoked.
Gorilla trekking safaris are expensive because the park fees are some of the highest on the continent – but the proceeds help the preservation of the endangered gorillas and the experience is like no other.
Best Time to Visit
June – Oct. & Dec. – March = Best gorilla viewing
Nov. = Good gorilla viewing
April & May = Fair gorilla viewing