Bwindi National Park is situated in southwestern Uganda and covers an area of 32,084 hectares. It is located in a very scenic landscape in the Albertine Rift Valley. Bwindi is where Kigezi and the western Uganda highlands meet, and it is here that one can appreciate the beauty of the vast montane forest. The forest itself dates back to the last Ice Age and is one of the most diverse areas in Africa, largely due to its varied altitudinal vegetation zones. This includes approximately 90% forest coverage over the entire park, with four main trailheads which allow access for guests.
Bwindi has a tropical climate with a mean annual temperature range of a minimum of 7-15 degrees Celsius. This takes place during the rainy season which is experienced in March-May and September-November and a maximum of 20–27 degrees Celsius during the rest of The Democratic Republic of Congo borders Bwindi of Congo in the west and the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley lies in the western part of the park. The people living around the edge of the park are mostly of Bakiga and Bafumbira origins, and they engage in agriculture, with planting of potatoes being the most common activity. There are a few areas of light grazing land; however, the people receive much of their resources from the park itself. This includes collection of water, wood, and harvesting of food. There are a number of nature walks offered on the outskirts of the park so that you may visit these villages and learn about the Bakiga and Bafumbira cultures. Many of the people also perform cultural dances and if requested, a performance can be arranged.
A Close look at Bwindi National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the western arm of the East African Rift Valley, about 530km from Kampala. It is one of the largest natural forests in East Africa, with both lowland forests and forest and is accessible only on foot. The park itself is 331 square kilometers and is located 1160m to 2607m above sea level. Bwindi was gazetted as a National Park in 1991 and declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in 1994. The Mubare gorilla group was the first to become available for tourism in Uganda in April 1993. Nine groups are now habituated or tourism, and one for research.
Afro montane forest dominates the park, and it is one of the richest areas for flora and fauna in East Africa. The forests date back to the ice a and are a home to many montane species primarily those endemic to the Albertine Rift. Many of these species are very rare with only a few hundred surviving globally. In particular, the area is a sanctuary for L’Hoest’s monkey and chnzee and the threatened species such as the African elephant, African green broadbill, and the Giant forest hog. Over 348 species of bird have been recorded in the park. Due to its ecological uniqueness and natural beauty, Bwindi has become one of Uganda’s top tourist destinations.
Importance of Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most valuable conservation areas and a popular tourist destination in Uganda. It is an internationally recognized conservation area and is known for its exceptional biodiversity. It is located at the edge of the western rift valley, and it protects kilometres of square kilometres of montane and lowland forest. Furthermore, it is the oldest and the most biologically dense forest in Africa. It is on record that the forests of Central Africa have been gradually shrinking from the effects of human civilization and natural climatic changes. As a resulhe numbers of highly endangered mountain gorillas and other unique species have decreased. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the last stronghold for the mountain gorillas. The park has 4 gorilla trekking regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the most dramatic wildlife experiences in the world. Mountain gorillas are some of the most endangered species in the world, and finding them is an achievement on its own. The mountain gorilla is a large, herbivorous hominid that is greatly in danger of extinction, with only an estimated 800 remaining in the world today. Half of these are located in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda. This gorilla tour provides a fantastic opportunity to track the mountain gorillas through Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest, one of the most astonishing and memorable wildlife experiences.
