BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

Altitude: 1,160m – 2,607m above sea level.

It’s 331 square kilometers found in south- western Uganda containing both montane and tableland ora and it was declared UNESCO world heritage site in 1994 in order to guard this remarkable biodiversity. Uganda ´s foremost tourist attraction and indeed one of the world ´s most remarkable wildlife encounters, is tracking the mountain gorillas across the misty inclinations of the remote Bwindi impenetrable forest. Bwindi forestlands contain exceptional variety of vegetation and fauna, species counts list 310 butteries, 88moths, 200 trees, 51reptiles and 120 types of mammal. The several primates set up in tn Bwindi impenetrable include the chimpanzees, blue monkeys, l´Hoest ´s monkey and the powerful mountain gorillas. Birdlife is also exceptionally rich with 357 species including Albertine Rift endemics like as short- tailed warbler, shelley ´s crimson wing, African green broadbill and the blue- headed sunbird.

ACTIVITIES IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Gorilla tracking.

This is by far the most popular exercise though it does not have to be so considering how diverse the forest is. Bwindi is the best park to track mountain gorillas in East and Central Africa. About half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas is found in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Bwindi also has the highest number of habituated gorilla families – 14 in total. It’s only in Bwindi that excursionists can go for the gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla tracking usually begins with brie ng early in the morning. The briefing ng covers important topics like as how to act around the primates what to expect and what to pack. The real tracking can take between 30 twinkles to 4 hours depending on the gorilla family and their position. An advance company of trackers is sent earlier to detect the primates. This advance crew of trackers also locates the gorilla family before communicating by radio to the rangers leading the tourists with details about their position. It’s because of this advance crew of trackers that the chance of spotting mountain gorillas is veritably high. Tourists are allowed only one hour with the gorillas. This is because the beasts are semi-wild and prolonged presence of humans may get to their nerves

Gorilla Habituation Experience.

The gorilla habituation experience was introduced in Bwindi more recently. This exercise allows primate lovers additional time (four hours) observing the primates instead of the standard gorilla trekking (four hours) Tourists taking part in the 3 Days gorilla habituation experience get a chance to move with experienced trackers and some of the stylish primate experimenters. The scientists partake information about the gorilla habituation process and current issues related to gorilla conservation.

Hiking and Nature Walks. Bwindi is a park with great biodiversity and the park authorities have assured that visitors also witness the other good holdings that the park has to offer. To that end, several trails have been established to allow visitors wonder at the forest, its animals like birds, butter ies and primates. One such trail starts from Buhoma to Nkuringo, from Nkuringo to Lake Mutanda and them from Nkuringo to Kisoro. These trails go through amazing scenery and give chances to mingle with the locals. The Buhoma Village walk in particular takes tourists to original communities where they can learn about how members of an indigenous African lineage spend their day. The waterfall trail on the other hand exposes visitors to pristine timber with orchids, ferns, catcalls and butter ies. This particular trail ends with a sighting of beautiful falls containing pure water. The short Munyaga River trail at the valley below Buhoma, provides chances to see birds and primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys and Colobus Monkeys.

Mountain Biking/ Cycling.

For those who feel that cycling is more pleasurable also the nature walks, they can arrange to hire a mountain bike through their lodge and go explore the surrounding areas. The “for a woman” project hires mountain bikes to tourist in the Buhoma sector at a cost with the proceeds used to improve the lives of the indigenous women in the area. The design also provides attendants companion bikers through the original town lets and in the timber where they can sight some of the forest creatures and waterfalls. Biking isn’t actually prominent in Bwindi as a whole except for places like Buhoma but lodges in other sectors are picking up and organizing the activity for guests on a small scale.

Birding.

Bwindi is one of the stylish birding destinations in Uganda and Africa for that matter. 90 of the species in the park are endemic to the Albertine rift. Seasoned birders can expect to see at least one hundred species in a day. The best way to spot the birds is to follow the River Ivi trail, Munyaga River trail, Ruhija’s bamboo trail and the Mubwindi Swamp trail. The Munyaga River Trail is the best option for birders with little time to spare. Some of the species to look out for are the yellow- whiskered greenbuls, Yellow- eyed black Fly- catcher, White- tailed Blue Monarch, white- tailed blue ycatcher, White- browed Crombec, White- bellied Robin Chat, white tailed blue monarch, Western Green Tinkerbird, Western Bronze- naped Pigeon, strange weaver, Short- tailed Warbler, Shelley’s Crimson- wing, Ruwenzori Batis, Rusty- faced

woodland Warbler, Red- throated Alethe, red- tailed bulbul, Red- faced Woodland Warbler, Purple- breasted, Mountain masked Apalis, Chestnut – throated Apalises, McKinnon’s slate shrike, Kivu Ground Thrush, honey guide, Handsome Francolin, Gruel’s Rush Warbler, Green inker bird, Grauer’s broadbill, Frazer’s eagle owl, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Elliot’s woodpecker, dim crimson honey guide, Dusky crimson wing, Collared Apalis, Cinnamon- chested Bee- eaters, Chapin’s Flycatcher, blue- headed sunbird, Regal Sunbirds, blue turaco, Black billed Turaco, black bee- eater, Bar- tailed Trogon, the Wing, Bar- tailed Trogon, barred long- tailed cuckoos, bar tailed trogon, Archer’s Robin- Chat, African Wood Owl, African Green Broadbill, Mountain and Yellow- streaked Greenbuls.

Visiting the Batwa People.

The Batwa pygmies are believed to be the oldest indigenous lineage in Uganda. Whereas utmost of the other tribes in Uganda migrated from various parts of Africa to their current locations, the Batwa had lived in Bwindi forest for over 5,000 years.

Cultural and Village Walks.

Apart from the Batwa, other tribes like the Bakiga live on the edges of the forest. Tourists can visit one of these tribes and learn about their culture and economic activities. The Bakiga also have their own unique artistic dances and ways of doing things. They can take you to see their traditional doctors and blacksmiths or train you how to weave, make native beer and cook native dishes. You’ll surely have chances to buy beautiful native art pieces. There are openings to give back to the community. You could visit one of the original seminaries or community hospitals and make a cash donation or arrange to donate items like sewing machines, water tanks and other essentials. It’s important to hire a guide who’s knowledgeable about the area, local people and customs. Always consult with the park office, your lodge or tour company before making any donations to ensure it reaches the right people

Canoeing.

Canoeing is perfect in Lake Mutanda. The Lake sits in an area with remarkable beauty and great views of the Virunga ranges of mountains. additionally, forest birds love visiting and nesting in the papyrus swamps and beautiful lake islands making them excellent for bird watching. While on the dug- out canoe, expect to encounter several local fishers and villagers washing and collecting water by the Lakeside.

Visiting Bwindi Community Hospital:

This hospital is found in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The hospital is of good quality by local standards and this is partially because it receives generous donations from tourists and other visitors to the park. The hospital has a special section for children, provides eye and dental care beside the other common clinical services. Bwindi Community Hospital has helped reduce the mortality rate among the local communities and helped take services closer to people in need. Tourists are allowed access to most parts of the hospital to learn something about the healthcare system in a developing country.

Visiting the Bwindi Bar and Restaurant

For those who love food and drinks, this is a must go to place while at the Buhoma sector of Bwindi. The facility trains youthful disadvantaged people on the essentials of hospitality management including preparing some of the tastiest local and international dishes around. This is the place to go if you want to try out local food like Uganda’s notorious Rolex, cassava chips, Bwindi Salsa, Matooke and groundnut sauce. You can also order for American coffee and fairies among other internationally known meals.

 How to get there.

The main trailhead is Buhoma and is about 460kms from kampala and can be reached from several directions, the main safaris circuit approaches from the north through ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, providing a chance to search for the famous climbing lions.

Bwindi impenetrable is 160kms from Mweya in the central Queen Elizabeth Ntional Park and 62kms from ishasha.

The most direct route from Kampala follows a surfaced road to Rukungiri via Mbarara andNtungamo.then through the highlands to Buhoma via Kihihi and Butogota.

The Ruhija trial head is best entered from Kampala- Kisoro road turning north from the surfaced highway 18 km beyond Kabale city and the park can also be accessed by air.