 |
|
Bwindi is an Afro montane rain forest with steep ridges and valley forming the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. It is a homestead and stronghold to half the worlds endangered Mountain Gorilla. Previously a forest reserve (1932) and declared a National Park in 1991. It covers an area of 331 sq km. It is situated in south western Uganda and is about 540 km from Kampala (8-10 hours by car). Apart from the Gorillas the park has a wide variety of other wildlife: 350 bird species (23 endemic to Albertine Rift),324 tree species,200 butterflies,13 species of primate.
a) Gorrilla Tracking
This is the most popular tourist attraction of the park and there are four habituated groups of Gorillas which can be visited:- Mubare (M group), Habinyanja(H group),Rushegura (R group) and Nkuringo group.
Fees: Non Residents $
375 East African Residents $355
These fees include guide fees, park entrance for the day and community
levy and are subjected to changes. Tracking starts at 8.30 am and duration
is between 5 hours to whole day depending to where the Gorillas are.
A
maximum of 32 permits are available per day therefore booking of permits
is advised 3 months in advance .Permits can be acquired from either Bwindi
or Mgahiga National Park. The minimum age for tracking is 15 years.
Bwindi has a total of 357 bird species including 23 species which are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Among these are:- Sunbirds (regal, blue headed, double colored), Strange weaver, Rwenzori batis, Collared apalis, Chapin flycatcher, Archer’s robin chat, Kivu thrush etc. A visit to Buhoma and Ruhija gives you the best chance of seeing some of these species.
c) Nature Walks
The park has hiking trails:- Munyaga, Rushara and Muzabajiro. On these
trails you can experience the beauty of the rain forest and you can see
giant ferns, orchids, epiphytes, primates, birds, beautiful butterflies
and three water fall. All the walks are guided and normally start at:-
Morning walk 8:30 a.m.
Afternoon walk 2.15 p.m.
