Bwindi National Park was formerly
known as the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is a magnificent green swathe
of dense rainforest on the steep ridges of the Western Rift Valley
in southwest Uganda, very close to the border with the D.R.C. This
ancient rainforest succeeded in surviving the last Ice Age and is
one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. A recently proclaimed
World Heritage site, its unique and precious flora sustains roughly
half of the worldwide population of mountain gorillas - believed to be only around 600. Of these, there are three groups of habituated
gorillas in Bwindi that can be visited on a gorilla track. The Bwindi
chimpanzee population is roughly estimated at 350-400. The nearby
Virunga Volcanoes Conservation Area (Uganda’s Mgahinga National
Park, Rwanda and the D.R.C) has a population of 300 mountain gorillas,
but no chimpanzees, making Bwindi the only forest in Africa in which
these two apes live together.
Apart from gorillas and chimps, Bwindi is home to nine other primate
species, including baboons, black and white colobus, red colobus
and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey and L'Hoest's monkey. Bwindi
covers 331 square kms of intensely thick and tangled forest –
hence the name ‘impenetrable’ – over a series
of hills ranging in height from 1000-2000 metres. The flora is known
for its exceptional bio-diversity. There are more than 320 species of
trees, 10 of which occur nowhere else in Uganda, and over 100 species
of ferns and vines. The park (rainforest) receives some 2 000mm
of rain every year and it’s wet, so come prepared. Apart from
gorilla tracking, there are a number of other hikes and trails within
the park, all accompanied by an experienced guide. It’s a great
way to fill time while you wait for your prearranged date with
a gorilla and to learn about the other animals, birds, butterflies,
trees and plants. The campsite and accommodation is in a stunning
spot right beside the park head quarters. Over the last few
years facilities have improved steadily. There is now a lively
village housing the park guides and trackers as well as providing
visitors with snacks and drinks.
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