The Uganda Gorilla Tracking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, are some of Africa's most fascinating wildlife encounters. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, is Uganda's third smallest national park and it brags about its identity as a world class tourist destination that's sought after by African holiday makers and vacationers because of its prestigious heritage.
It is located in the southwestern part of the country, lying at the edge of the East African rift valley and covers an area of 331Sq.km
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| Baby Gorilla with the Mother in Bwindi Impenetrable forest- Uganda |
The park is a popular destination known for the Gorilla tracking safaris. It was gazetted as a national park in the year 1991, after its elevation from the status of being a Forest Reserve, which it had acquired in 1942.
Bwindi Impenetrable forest was in 1994 recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO because of its prestigious nature. It's popular for sheltering the Mountain Gorillas mainly and the Chimpanzees, which are two Great Apes of Africa that are listed as endangered in the IUCN Red Data book. However, it is important to note that Chimpanzee tracking is not available in the forest and the best option for this is Kibale forest National park.
At its size, Bwindi is home to more than 400 Mountain Gorillas, a total which accounts to nearly half of the world's total population. The Uganda Gorilla tracking safari park of Bwindi Impenetrable forest is notable for its tangled vegetation, draped over a deeply fissured landscape of slippery valleys and high-draughty ridges offering exquisite adventure to gorilla trackers. It has an ever chilly weather and bewildering terrain which offers unrivaled ambience and composure for visitors seeking to meet these interesting species.
It has an altitudinal range of 1,160 to 2607meters above sea level, an annual average temperature range of 7-20C degrees, the coldest period being June and July. The forest is usually cold especially in the morning and during the nights, and receives up to 2.390 mm of rainfall annually; as a result, warm clothing and wet-weather gear is required while doing activities in the park especially the Gorilla tracking safari adventures.
There are two Mountain Gorilla locations worldwide for the gorilla trekking adventures. Bwindi Impenetrable forest protects the first group/ population, while the second is found in the Virunga Chain; a conservation area that spreads across three countries and national parks.
Bwindi's first group to become available for tracking by visitors was the Mubale family in April 1993 and Bwindi now has more than 14 Gorilla families habituated for gorilla tracking by visitors. There's one group/family available for research purposes and 2 groups for Gorilla Habituation (a total of 8 permits).
The park lies about 530 Km, from Kampala city, a journey which takes about 8-10 hours to the southwestern part of the country. Visitors can also reach the park by use of a domestic flight either charter or scheduled from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi near Entebbe to Kisoro, Kayonza or Kihihi airstrips near the park.
Flora in the park
With its misty sheltered ranges, this dense forest is the oldest and most biologically diverse rain-forest. It shelters nearly 400 plant species including more than 163 tree species and 100 species of ferns. Bwindi Impenetrable supports an incredible biodiversity as a result of three key factors, its slopes extend over a broad altitude of 1'447 meters to create habitats ranging from Lowland forests at 1'160 meters to rare Afro-montane vegetation above 2'600 meters, it is also extremely old, believed to have survived during arid conditions of ice age and its part of the exceptionally rich Albertine Rift region. Bwindi National Park's eco-diversity ranges from its alluring evergreen vegetation composed of bamboo, to rivers, gorgeous waterfalls and swamps among others.
Fauna in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
The forest has a lengthy list of wildlife including; 120 mammal species and 10 of primates such as the Mountain Gorillas which it is famous for, Chimpanzees, Baboons, L'Hoest Monkeys, Nocturnal Bush-babies and Red-tailed monkeys, among others. Bwindi Impenetrable forest, a Gorilla tracking park has an impressive list of birds. It includes more than 350 species with 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as the; African Green Broadbill, Shelley's Crimson-wing, Short-tailed Warbler, White-headed Blue Flycatcher, Brown-necked Parrot, White-bellied Robinchat and Blue-headed Sunbird among others as well as seven IUCN Red Data listed species.
Various trails within the park allow visitors to explore the diversity on nature walks. Visitors that make it to the park have chance to take part in Mountain Gorilla tracking, Gorilla habituation, Birdwatching and Mountain biking along the Ivi River trail.
Trekking the Mountain Gorillas - The Guide to trekking and the experience
Gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable forest are exquisite wildlife experiences in the African jungle. The activity ranks as on of the world's most remarkable experience and meeting these Great Apes is just emotional. Imagine standing just about 10 meters away from the world's largest of the primates, staring at them living in harmony in a misty forest.
The gorilla tracking experience involves moving along the steep and slippery terrain characterized by tangled vegetation, ridges and a muddy ground. It is a challenging environment all the way to the point where you will find the Gorillas. Tracking them can last just a few hours to about 8 hours depending on the movements of these Apes and therefore, one needs to be reasonably fit. Once you meet the Gorillas, the ranger /guide will let you have an hour in their presence watching them, and this is a once in a life time moment to capture the best shots and memories of Africa on a Uganda safari.
Preparing for the Gorilla tracking Uganda safari in Bwindi Impenetrable forest.
To prepare well and successfully track the Gorillas, one needs to have a gorilla tracking permit which is obtained well in advance; directly form Uganda Wildlife Authority or a reputable Tour Operator like ATW Holidays Africa
What to carry or wear? On a gorilla tracking safari, one needs to carry a cap/ hat, put on proper breathing walking shoes/ boots, insect repellent, rain jacket and waterproof pants, sunscreen, a pair of binoculars may bee necessary, gloves, and a camera with all necessary accessories.
Remember; it is advisable to put on dull-colored clothes if you are in the forest, avoid speaking at higher tones to see more while on a gorilla tracking safari and before you set into the forest, you should be in proper health condition. People with cold and other airborne illnesses are not advised to see the gorilla because they can contract human disease. To track the Mountain Gorillas, specific rules/ guidelines are in place.
To enjoy your ultimate Gorilla trekking adventure email atwholidaysafrica@gmail.com or safaris@avenstravelworld.com or Whats App +256773148649 to start designing your travel style
Safaris to see the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest the Park
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