One of the last remaining habitats of the mountain gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s most recently created national parks. Almost half of the gorillas left in the world live here, which is estimated to be only 330 of them.
Also known as the Impenetrable Forest, it covers 331km², and a lot of conservational effort has been invested here so that the gorillas can survive. Enjoying this protection along with the gorillas, are all the other animals, birds, insects and plant-life that share the forest with them. This include 20 forest elephants, at least 10 species of primate (including Colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and baboons), duikers, bushbucks, and the rare giant forest hog. Bwindi is one of the richest areas for flora and fauna in Africa.
A visit with the gorillas is truly an amazing experience, but the entire process is not for the weak, impatient traveller. Firstly, to arrange the experience, can be quite difficult, and secondly, the walking is not child’s play. Only 32 permits per day are allowed for Bwindi, and must be booked through the UWA office (041-346287) in Kampala. You’ll be making your way through a mountainous and heavily forested area, and you could be walking for up to four hours before you get to see your first gorilla.
Activities:
Birding
Village walks
Craft shops
Tribal dancing
Cycling/mountain biking
Mountain gorilla trekking
Hiking/nature walks
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