| GORILLA
TRACKING:
This is the major activity in Bwindi, with four gorilla
groups currently available daily for tourists. Mubare
group (10 gorillas, 1 silverback) was opened for tourism
in 1993, Habinyanja group (18 gorillas, 1 silverback)
opened in July 1998, and Rushegura group (10 gorillas,
1 silverback) was opened in July 2002, while Nkuringo
group (19 gorillas, 2 silverbacks) was opened for tourism
in April 2004.
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi can be challenging,
therefore ensure fitness. Gorilla tracking experience
starts at 8.30 am local time and can last from a few
hours to a whole day! Registration at the gate commences
at 7.45 am.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL
PARK
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in south
western Uganda, on the edge of the Western Rift Valley
(Albertine rift) and is shared by Kanungu, Kabale and
Kisoro districts. It is 331 sq km in size and on an
altitude range of 1,160 meters (Ishasha gorge) to 2,607
meters (Rwamanyonyi Peak). The annual average temperature
range is 7°C - 20°C with the coldest period
being June and July.
Of the local people neighbouring the
park, the majority are Bakiga and Bafumbira, constituting
the densest settlements in Uganda (350 people/sq km).
A few Batwa are also found.
Species Diversity:
Bwindi is home to 326 gorillas, almost a half of the
world’s population of mountain gorillas. There
are also 346 species of birds and over 200 species of
butterflies. This afromontane forest has dense under
storey of fern, vines and shrubs. About 324 tree species
have been recorded here, 10 of which occur nowhere else
in Uganda.
Bird Watching: Bwindi
is the bird watchers haven! It holds 346 species of
birds and contains 90% of all Albertine rift endemics,
difficult or impossible to see in any other part of
East Africa and seven IUCN red data listed species.
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 Park Management so that appropriate
early morning departures can be arranged. |
