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Uganda
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BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in
southwestern Uganda in East Africa. The park is part of
the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is situated along
the Democratic Republic of Congo border next to the
Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western
Rift Valley. It comprises 331 square kilometers of
jungle forests and contains both montane and lowland
forest and is accessible only on foot.
A gorilla in bwindi national park during a safari This is
regarded to be one of the most biologically forest in
Africa, largely due to its antiquity and an altitude
range of between 1,160 and 2,607m above sea level.
Bwindi is a true rain forest, spread over a series of
steep ridges and valleys that form the eastern edge of
the Albertine Rift Valley. The National park has an
average rain fall of 1,500mm, and it is a vital
catchments area, the source of five major rivers, which
flow into Lake Albert.
Tourism to Bwindi focuses on Gorilla tracking at two
locations, Buhoma and recently established location at
Nkuringo. More than half of the World’s mountain Gorilla
population is resident in Bwindi., an estimated 320
individuals living in 15 troops.
SPECIES DIVERSITY
Bwindi National Park harbors at least 120 mammal species
more than any national park in Uganda. The list consists
mainly of small mammals such as Rodents and Bats, to
over 11 types of primates including the healthy
chimpanzee population , Red-tailed and blue monkey,
black and white colobus monkeys and Olive baboon.
A total of 350 bird species have been recorded in Bwindi.
Of particular interest to birders (bird watching) are 23
species endemic to the Albertine Rift, and at least 14
species recorded nowhere else in Uganda, among them the
African green broadbill, white-tailed blue flycatcher,
brown necked parrot and frazers eagle owl. In addition
to its extensive bird checklist, Bwindi is also a home
to at least 200 butterfly species, including eight
Albertine Rift Endemics.
GORILLA TRACKING
This is the major tourist activity in Bwindi, with four
Gorilla groups available daily for tourists. Mubare
Group (10 gorillas, 1 silverback) was opened for tourism
in 1993, Habinyanja group (18 gorillas, 1 Silverback)
opened I July 1998, Rushegura group (10 gorillas, 1
Silverback) was opened in July 2004, while Nkuringo
group (19 gorillas, 2 silverbacks) was opened for
tourism in April 2004
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NATURE WALKS
Bwindi is widely thought to support the greatest
diversity of any East African forest, and the Buhoma
area has more to offer than Gorilla tracking. Five
different trails, ranging from 30 minutes to eight hours
lead from Buhoma offering the opportunity to enjoy the
humility of the forest and several different monkey
species. For birders, over 190 bird species have been
recorded in the Buhoma area.
The Munyanga River trail; This lies outside the national
park and so no guide is needed. It is an ideal short
walk for visitors with little time. Here you can see
birds and primates of the forest edge.
The waterfall trail; this provides an attractive feature
of the forest with a profusion of tree ferns, epithytic
ferns, orchids and Bwindi’s colorful array of
butterflies. This trail which leads to 3 delight crystal
waterfalls typifies your impression of a tropical
rainforest.
Muzubijiro Loop Trail; This trail offers 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 picnic lunch.
The Rushura Trail; this trail take about 3 hours and
offers good views across the western rift valley floor.
To the west, Congo’s Parc Nationale des Virungas
provides spectacular backdrop and on clear days like
Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Ivo River Trail; this the longest trail in the park and
will occupy you for a full day. It is highly recommended
for bird watchers.
Buhoma Village Tourist walk; A recent introduction is a
three-hour stroll through Buhoma and its margins to see
the customs and practices of the Bakiga and Batwa
people. The tour take sin varied activities such as
farming, brewing local beer, dispensing traditional
medicines and concludes with dancing displays by members
of the Batwa community.
Hit the 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.
ACCOMMODATION IN BWINDI
There are a number of choices to cater for the up market
as well as the budget tourist accommodation;
Up market Accommodation
Gorilla Forest Camp: This is a modern Tented camp with
flash toilets and solar power. It is owned by Sanctuary
lodges, this fabulous tented camp is easily the
luxurious option at Bwindi. The secluded self contained
walk-in-twin tents are protected beneath a thatch roof
extending over a private deck, while meals and drinks
are served in an originally decorated-sided common area.
A good variety of monkeys regularly pass through the
ground.
Volcanoes Bwindi Camp Bwindi Lodge overlooks the
primeval Bwindi forest, home to gorillas, monkeys,
chimpanzees and birds. Amidst the many noises of forest
life, it is the perfect place to experience the magic of
this impenetrable forest. The tented camp that was there
previously has been replaced by a newly built stunning
eco-lodge comprising eight Bandas.
Gorilla Resort is the newest luxury camp to appear out
of the forest at Buhoma. The camp is composed of a main
lodge building with lounge, restaurant, bar, and a
suspended deck that features a campfire overlooking the
rain forest.
Mantana Camp: This classic site tented camp
adjoins a small patch of the forest rustling with
birdlife. The self contained tents all have solar
lighting, an eco-friendly toilet and a private veranda.
Budget and Camping
Buhoma Homestead; Located within the boundary of
the forest is this mid-range lodge operated by Wild
Frontiers Uganda.
Lake Kitandara Camp; Located just outside the park gate
at Buhoma. The camp has recently been upgraded in 2006
with each tent supplied with piped hot water, has a
flushing toilet, a hand washing and bath tap, bath room
mirror, towel rack and solar power. The dining and
reception has also been refurbished.
Bring your own tent.
ACCESS
Kampala to Kabale is a distance of 4140 km on bitumen
surface and takes 6-7 hours. An additional 120 km from
Kabale to Buhoma Park Headquarters via Kanungu and
Kanyantoroogo on murram surface take 3-4 hours and my
require a 4WD vehicle. Kabale-Ruhija-Buhoma is 95 Km and
takes about 3-4 hours. This road is not frequently used
by the public. A $WD vehicle is recommended.
The re is also a bus from Kampala to Butogota. Taxis for
hire are available for about $15 form Butogota to Buhoma
Park Headquarters.
Tour and Safari itineraries to Bwindi Impenetrable
Forest National Park
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