Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in southwestern Uganda and it’s among the unique wildlife destination in Uganda. With the land area of 331 kilometer squares, a large portion of the national park is covered by a dense forest hence the name impenetrable forest national park. There are a number of wildlife species in Bwindi impenetrable Forest that allure a number of adventurous tourists interested in exclusive wildlife safari experiences in east Africa and Uganda in particular. The major wildlife wonders one should not miss while in Bwindi include
The Mountain Gorillas
They are endangered apes and the prime attractions in Bwindi Forest. Bwindi is a home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on the planet with 11 habituated mountain gorilla families each family being trekked by a group of 8 tourists a day.
The mountain gorillas live along the slopes of the misty forested mountains in Bwindi and trekking them offers exclusive wildlife safaris. On the day of gorilla trekking, tourists are expected to wake up in the morning and head to the park headquarters for a briefing in the morning together with their trekking gear, drinking water and packed lunch. After the briefing, they head to the forested mountains ascending to track the gorillas,an activity that takes 1-8 hours depending on the movement of the apes in their natural wild.
After meeting and staying in the presence of the gorillas for a maximum of one hour, the tourists descend back to the national park headquarters where they are given certificates of participation. The mountain gorilla trekking experience can be best enjoyed during the dry season.
The Birds
There are over 300 bird species in the jungles of Bwindi including 24 species that are endemic to the Albertine rift. While in the forest, you cannot fails to see birds like the African broadbill, fowls, Turacos like the black-billed Turacos and many others. The national park is among the major birding destinations in Uganda and therefore going there for birding can never be a regrettable idea. A pair of binoculars for clear viewing is recommended.
Bwindi impenetrable forest is not only a habitat for mountain gorillas but also other wildlife species and its therefore a diverse ecosystem among the must visit wildlife destinations in Uganda.
The Local Culture
The local people around this national park are the Batwa pygmies who were initial forest dwellers but because of need for conservation were forced to move out of the forest. They have unique cultural practices and usually demonstrate their hunter-gatherer skills plus traditional dance performances for the tourists. The Batwa cultural experience is very exciting memorable as you discover the unique ways of life of one of the cultural group in Uganda.
Other wildlife species in Bwindi impenetrable national park include the thick and evergreen vegetation with different types of trees that stand several meters above the ground. There are also a number of butterflies and many other small insects and reptiles in Bwindi impenetrable forest.
Getting There
Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in southwestern Uganda and getting there by road takes about 6 to 7 hours. The drive is very exciting as it takes tourists through the beautiful countryside of Uganda with scenic views of the gently sloping and terraced Kigezi highlands.
Alternatively, one can use air transport with charter planes from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kihihi or Kayonza airstrips ad then connect to the national park.
Best Time To Visit
The national park can be best visited during the dry season because it’s when it’s easy to move through the forested mountains. The roads connecting to Bwindi are also very passable during the dry season.
What To Carry
A raincoat and a waterproof jacket is highly recommended because most times its hard to predict rain fall meaning It can happen at anytime of the year. Other essentials include good hiking shoes, a sweater, a pair of hand gloves and a camera to capture the great moments while in the forest.
