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. |
