Bwindi impenetrable National Park

A gorilla in the wildBwindi impenetrable National Park is located on the edge of the western rift valley (Albertine rift), South Western Uganda. It is shared by Rukungiri, Kabale and Kisoro Districts.
It covers around 331 square kilometres on an Altitude Range of 1160 metres (Ishasha gorge) to 2607 metres (Rwamanyonyi Peak). The annual average temperature Range is 7-20 degrees Celcius the coldest period being June and July.
Heaviest rains are experienced in March-April and September - November. Other months are generally dry.
Annual Precipitation: 1130 mm - 2390 mm
Coldest Period: June-July
Majority tribes are Bakiga and Bafumbira and few are Batwa, and these are the densest settlements in Uganda, (233 people/ square kilometers)

SPECIES DIVERSITY
Bwindi is a habitat to 326 gorillas almost half of the world's population of mountain gorillas. The forest has about 30 elephants and 120 species of mammals including 7 diurnal primates. 360 species of birds and over 200 species of butterflies. This Afro -montane forest has dense under storey of fern, vines, and shrubs. About 324 tree species have been recorded here, of which 10 don't occur else in Uganda.

GORILLA SAFARIS TO UGANDA
It is a major tourist attraction in Bwindi. Two gorillas groups are currently available to be visited on daily basis. Mubare group (16 gorillas; 1 silverback) was opened for tourism in 1993, while Habinyanja group (23 gorillas, 2 silver backs) was ready in July 1998. A third group of gorillas (17 members, 2 silver back) is due to open for tourism soon. Get updates from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Headquarters or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Maximums of 8 gorilla permits per day are sold for each of these groups at UWA Headquarters in Kampala. Book at least 3 months (but not more than one year) in advance to ensure that requested dates are available.

Gorillas Tracking in Bwindi can be strenuous therefore make sure you are physically fit. Carry jungle boots and rain jackets given the fact that the park is often wet.

Gorilla tracking experience starts at 8:30 am local time and occasionally lasts the whole day!
Once tracked, gorillas are supposed to be met for only one hour
For Conservation reasons, visits to the gorillas are tightly controlled. The following rules apply and must be strictly adhered to

BIRD WATCHING SAFARIS IN UGANDA
Bwindi is the Bird watcher's paradise! It holds 348 species of birds and contains 90% of all Albertine rift Endemic such as; the Short-tailed Warbler, Rusty-faced woodland Warbler, Bar-tailed Trogon, Gruel's Rush Warbler, Wilcock's Honey-guide, Yellow-eyed black Fly-catcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, Dusky Crimson Wing, White-tailed Blue Monarch among others, difficult or impossible to see in any other part of EastAfrica.
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 guide so that appropriate early morning departures can be arranged.

NATURE WALKS

Breast feeding Gorilla family

For the visitor having 2 or 3 days in Bwindi, the park has 4 outlandish hiking trails. On all these trails, you have opportunities to see and learn about primates, many species of birds, butterflies, trees, and other organisms. Arrange at the reception for a guide. The guide's company is obligatory and yet affords you an excellent understanding of nature's system at work in the park.

THE MUNYANGA RIVER TRAIL
Is an ideal short walk for visitors with little time to spare. Here you can see birds and primates of the forest edge.
THE POPULAR WATERFALL TRAIL provides an attractive feature of the forest with a profusion of tree ferns, epithetic ferns, orchids and Bwindi's colorful array of butterflies. This trail which leads to 3 delightful crystal clear waterfalls typifies your impression of a tropical rain forest.
THE RUSHURRA TRAIL
Commands expansive views across the western rift valley floor. To the west, Congo's Parc Nationale Des Virungas provides a spectacular backdrop, and on clear Das Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountain are visible.
THE MUZABAJIRRO TRAIL
Offer breath-taking views of Bwindi Forest. Western Rift Valley and the Virungas. On the way, you witness hundreds of pre-historic tree ferns. The top of this trail is a great place for a picnic lunch.
THE RIVER IVY TRAIL
So far the longest in the park will occupy you for a full day. It is highly recommended for bird watchers.
BUHOMA VILLAGE TOURISTS WALK
The local community manages the village tourist walk that takes up to three hours and the proceeds received here are ploughed into the community to improve on their welfare. The walk introduces you to a number of interesting sites such as a typical rural homestead, a visit to the local traditional healers, a banana beer brewing demonstration site and much more.
HIT THE TRAIL IN YOUR CAR
Visitors with their own 4 -wheel drive transport should consider crossing the rugged centre of the park through Ruhija. This transect affords the visitor with Uganda's finest vistas of deep undisturbed forests. Watch out for duikers, primates and both forest and grassland bird species. In Ruhija, visitors can take the three-hour scenery packed hike to the Mubwindi swamp. You may also walk to the Bamboo zone (the only such area in the park).
THE BAMBOO TRAIL
The Bamboo trail offers 14 vegetation types and is one of the areas of highest diversity in the park. At the top of this trail, you witness panoramic views encompassing L. Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.
CULTURAL PERFORMANCE
In the evenings, participate in captivating traditional performances presented by Women's groups. Proceeds from these go directly to improve the welfare of families around the park.