Bwindi Impenetrable, 331 kms square, is situated in South Western part of Uganda, on the boundary of the Albertine Rift Valley, on an elevation array from 1.160 m to 2.607m. In the local language “bwindi” “mubwindi”) “dark place”, referring to the impenetrable nature of the thick forest This 331km² of montane rainforest is the only forest in Africa where gorillas and chimpanzees occur together. The world population of mountain gorillas is currently estimated at 600, half of which live in Bwindi, alongside an estimated 350-400 chimpanzee. In addition to the gorillas and chimps this ancient rainforest – one of the few in Africa to have flourished throughout the last Ice Age (making it over 25,000 years old) – is home to several other mammals (approx. 93 species) as well as roughly 360 species of bird.
SPECIES: There are 11 species of primates, including chimpanzee, the monkey variants such as Hoest’s, red-tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus, olive baboon. Specially, Bwindi is home to 360 Gorilla gorilla beringei*, a half of the total remaining world population. There are 346 species of birds registered (Bwindi contains 90% of all Albertine Rift endemics, hard to experience in any other place in East Africa) and 200 of butterflies. Mammals count only 30 (buffaloes, leopards, elephants). The national park has 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, of which the black-and-white colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent. The forest birding ranks with the best in Uganda, with 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemics present.
ACTIVITIES: The primary activity is “gorilla trekking” to the accustomed 4 families of Gorilla safari gorilla beringei*. Hiking trials are open to people to sight birds, butterflies, primates, trees (along the Munyaga, Waterfall, Rushura, River Ivi and Bamboo zone trials). Specially recommended for bird watchers are the River Ivi and Mu bwindi swamp nature walks. Cultural walk to Buhoma village community, to see the traditional homestead, the local healer, the banana brewing, handicraft and cultural performance.
