Located in south-western Uganda, high on the edge of the western Rift Valley on the highest block of the Rukiga Highlands, flanked by the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjacent to the Parc National des Virunga, this is one of the largest (331 sq. km) natural forests in Africa. Because of its range and size, and because it includes both montane and lowland forests, the species diversity is extremely high. A large number of plants and animals are endemic to the region.
Half the world’s population of mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi National Park, the remainder roaming between Zaire, Rwanda and Uganda in the Virunga Conservation area. Vegetation is typical tropical rain forest with very dense undergrowth. There are 163 species of trees, 346 species of birds, 202 species of butterflies and a wide range of reptiles. There are also 120 species of mammals, making it one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. A small number of mountain elephants will be found in the southeast region around the Mubwindo Swamp.
The park is surrounded by some of the most densely populated areas of Uganda, with the main ethnic groups being the Bakiga and the Bafumbira.
Activities in the Park
Mountain gorilla tracking is the main tourist attraction. There are 20 habituated groups of gorillas, and viewing is strictly controlled to ensure the sustainability of the primates. Strict rules must be followed to prevent behavioral disturbances and the transmission of diseases from humans to the gorillas. (Even a common cold can be fatal to the primates). Only six visitors are allowed in at any one time a day per habituated group, and details can be obtained from the park headquarters or any Ugandan tour operator.
The rugged terrain makes trekking gorillas strenuous work. The exercise involves walking through thick forest up steep and slippery slopes, to where the gorillas were found the previous day. Trackers then look for any signs – pressed down grass, broken twigs, dung – that might tell them the direction the group has taken. With visitors following through the dense undergrowth, the search continues, at times literally crawling through the thickets, until the gorillas are found. Mountain gorillas cover long distances each day and so tours can last anywhere between three to nine hours.
There are a number of other hiking trails in the park and guides should be arranged in advance. The area around Buhoma is an excellent place for watching many different primates and birds, (and is famous for its tumbling waterfalls).
Birding adventures
The unique ancient peak tropical rain forests of Bwindi impenetrable national park harbors various bird species which some are endemic species to the Albert rift valley. The forest is recorded with over 450 bird species among the fewer 23 of Uganda’s 24 are endemic to the Albertine rift valley including the specials and globally threatened African broad greenbill and shelley’s crimson wing. The other bird species to encounter include western green tinkerbird, chestnut throated apalises, white browed crombec and woodland warbler among many. On a nature walk with an experienced birder guide their possibilities of watching over 100 bird species.
Mountain biking
The adventure is run by NGO Ride for A Woman which provide guided mountain biking trips through the forest or villages around Buhoma section. This kind of adventure is recommendable for birding activities as it can lead to better and far birding spots.
Nature walking adventure
There spectacular trail for nature walks within Buhoma gorilla trekking section, nature walking exposes trekkers closer to nature. Most interesting full day nature walking is the River Ivi trail, this crosses from Buhoma to Nkuringo section covering 14km through the planed but never built path and reaching the main to Nkuringo trek more 6km uphill on the Nkuringo village road.
Batwa Cultural experience
Hours meeting with the Batwa people once forgotten after were displaced from the forest to conserve the endangered species. The Batwa like are also endangered people who almost lived to extinction, however, the group of people were reorganized and formed initiatives that now showcase their way 0of life to tourist in order to earn for the survival of the day. Among the activities tourist can engage in at Batwa communities include the bee keeping, mushrooming, hunting demonstrations and crafts. Cultural entertainment with stories of the legendary Twa, songs and dances.