Bwindi is a world heritage site with amazing attractions that one should not miss while on holiday in Uganda. The park supports a tremendous biodiversity as a result of two factors. Firstly, its slopes extend over a broad altitudinal range of 1447m to create habitats ranging from lowland forest at 1160m to rare Afromontane vegetation above 2600m. Secondly, it is extremely old. When most of Africa’s forests disappeared during the arid conditions of the last ice age (12,000-18,000 years ago), Bwindi was one of a few ‘refugia’ that persisted.
Consequently, while most of today’s forests are no more than 12,000 years old, Bwindi’s vegetation has been weaving itself into tangles over at least 25,000 years, in the process accumulating a lengthy species list. This includes 310 species of butterfly, 51 reptiles, 200 trees, 88 moths and an exceptional 120 types of mammal including 10 primates. The latter includes chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s, red tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus, baboon, and Bwindi’s most famous resident, th e mountain gorilla.
Bwindi is a prime destination for birdwatchers. Its 350 species include seven which are IUCN red data listed and 90% of all Albertine rift endemics, species which are difficult or impossibl e to see in any other part of East Africa. An experienced bird watcher can easily identify up to 100 species in a day!
Here are the top things to see in Bwindi Forest National Park and the nearby area.
Top Things to See
Primates
- Mountain Gorillas
- Chimpanzees
- Other Primates
Other Wildlife
- Birds
Flora
Culture
Landmarks
- Waterfalls
- Mubwindi Swamp
Bwindi forest national park is Turin is one of the most impressive gorilla trekking parks in east Africa with many habituated gorilla families and groups. With direct flights from Entebbe airport to Kihihi taking just 30 minutes, Bwindi forest is a convenient destination for gorilla trekking holidays. Other travelers connect to the park by road from Kampala or Entebbe while others start the trip from Kigali city another quick way to reach Bwindi forest by road. Today Bwindi forest is a prime attraction in Uganda attracting thousands across the world ready each day to explore it on foot. This is a royal mountain gorilla home second to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Trekking gorillas in Bwindi forest is full of amazing moments and memories that last forever.
Mountain Gorillas
A Gorilla Trek within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a highlight of all visits done in Uganda and certainly mountain gorillas are the prime attraction for all Uganda safari holidays. The park is a home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world and so far has more than ten habituated mountain gorilla families ready for tourists each day. Each gorilla family is allowed to be visited by a group of eight tourists per day with one hour duration of photography and observation due to conservation rules. However, within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, there are four different areas where you can track the mountain gorillas, and they include Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Bwindi mountain gorilla permits cost $600 year round though permit prices drop down in low season months of April, May and November. Be one of the lucky few to visit Uganda for a gorilla trekking safari holiday to Bwindi forest national park and meet the incredible giant apes of the jungle. Don’t forget that mountain gorillas are the most impressive large exclusive primates on earth that everyone should see in life if time and money permits. You can also enjoy the 4-hours Gorilla Habituation Experience with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Rushaga area of the Park at only $1500.