BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is part of the chain of tropical rainforests that extend from DR Congo and northern Rwanda. It is filled with dense undergrowth; vines and other vegetation make it almost ‘impenetrable’. The park is located in south western Uganda, covering parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro, and Kabale Districts It was gazetted in 1991 with an area of 331 sq kms.

The impenetrable forest is a water drainage area that supports several agricultural lands along the slopes of the Rwenzori ranges. Ishasha River drains in Lake Edward near the park, and 2 other rivers Kanyamwabo and Shongi flow into Lake Mutanda located within the park.

Flora

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 realize 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 colorful and noisy life for a moment, until silence reigns again.

There are more than 163 species of trees, 104 ferns, vines, herbs and shrubs all stretching along the valley floor. The lowland rainforest and montane forest vegetation constantly struggles to reach heights that will allow it to receive more light. Huge trees are festooned with creepers and parasitic plants such as mistletoe and orchids. Giant thickets of bamboo thrive in the humid atmosphere and, where sunlight breaks though, the elegant heliconia, or lobster claw, spreads its colorful petals.

Fauna and wildlife

Bwindi impenetrable national park is one of Africa’s richest ecosystems and at least 120 species of mammal are found here. There are African elephant, bush pig, giant forest hog, buffaloes, many species of bats and rodents and at least 346 species of birds including rare forest birds. The numbers go on and on … 27 species of frogs and toads, 6 chameleons at least 202 species of butterfly.

Bwindi forest is a sanctuary for almost half the world’s population of Bwindi mountain gorillas (about 330 of 600). Established as a safe habitat for several families of Bwindi mountain gorillas it is now the location of an important scientific conservation program. Other diurnal primates meet on Uganda primate safaris within the park include chimpanzees, L’hoest monkeys, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys. The park was declared a UNESCO world heritage site to conserve the endangered Bwindi Gorillas and other primates found within the forest.

Wit more than 202 different birds with Bwindi national park Uganda, 24 of these are endemic to the Albertine rift including Chaplin’s flycatcher, African giant swallow tail, cream banded swallow tail, African green broadbill and Grauer’s rush warbler.

Bwindi Gorilla safaris

Bwindi Uganda Gorilla safaris are one unforgettable experience part of the prime attractions on Uganda Safaris. Bwindi impenetrable forest is home to 2 habituated groups of Mountain Gorilla’s namely the Mubare group of 16 gorillas and the Habiyanja group 23 gorillas. Both groups are tracked daily by not more than 6 visitors who are escorted by National Park rangers and guides.

Report to the ranger station at 8.00am where two groups of 6 to 8 travellers meet their local guides and head out into the forest. The trek can take from half an hour to five hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. You sit in the forest among the gorillas listening to them grumble at each other and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the silverback.

You will be told that if the big male silverback charges at you, you should look down and remain exactly where you are in a submissive pose. These words of wisdom are directly opposite to your natural instincts, but luckily a ranger is there to grab you should your feet disobey the instructions. The noise of the silverback pounding his chest during this mock charge is akin to overhead thunder and more than enough to make your knees knock and heart miss a beat. As the gorillas grow more accustomed to human presence, the charges do not happen so often. Each gorilla group is only visited for one hour a day.

Getting there

From Kampala, Bwindi forest National Park is located 414 km in Kabale town for travel time of 6-7hours. You’ll require stron 4X4 vehicle to climb the steep slopes of the Kisoro hills on murram road to reach the park headquarters via Kanungu

Bwindi Gorilla Park is often very cold for the early morning and in the nights with temperature between 7º C and 20ºC especially for June and July, 2 rainy season with short rains in March and May and longer periods of heavy rains from September and November. Remember to pack warm clothing.

Bwindi Impenetrable forest park is surrounded by several Bwindi accommodation options located in the small town of Buhoma with up market, budget and luxury tourist facilities. Up market accommodation is available at Lake Kintandara camp, Gorilla resort, Gorilla Forest Camp, Engagi camp, Bwindi Volcanoes Lodges, Mantana tented camp and Nkuringo Gorilla camp. Budget facilties and camps are also part of what is available for overnight. Some of these options include Bwindi Bandas, Ruhija Guesthouse and many self catering inns I Kisoro town.

 

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