Bwindi Impenetrable
National Park
530km south west of Kampala (8.5 hour drive).
Nestled down in the south west of the country,
on the edge of the Western Rift Valley this 331kmē
of montane rainforest is the only forest in Africa
where gorillas and chimpanzees occur together.
The world population of mountain gorillas is currently
estimated at 600, half of which live in Bwindi,
alongside an estimated 350-400 chimpanzee. In
addition to the gorillas and chimps this ancient
rainforest - one of the few in Africa to have
flourished throughout the last Ice Age (making
it over 25,000 years old) - is home to several
other mammals (approx. 93 species) as well as
roughly 360 species of bird.
 As
you walk among the shadows of the leafy canopy,
this rainforest reveals the smells and sounds
of Africa, just as it has been for centuries.
Without doubt, your first impression of the dense
jungle will be its almost audible silence. Jungle
creatures are very, very shy, but, as you pick
your way along the trail, through the dense undergrowth,
you'll realise that the jungle is alive. Thousands
of living organisms are discreetly watching and
waiting whilst you pass through their protective
home and, from time to time, the complete tranquility
will be shattered by a darting forest bird or
group of chattering monkeys leaping through the
stands of ancient trees, disturbing the secretive
residents and setting up a chain reaction. Now,
the ever-wary jungle comes to colourful and noisy
life for a moment, until silence reigns again.
Here, in Bwindi Impenetrable, your guide will
take you along river trails with delightful waterfalls,
up steep slopes and into forest clearings in search
of an enormous array of reserved, exquisite and
exciting jungle creatures who live in this deep
forest. A forest : which in itself is a complex
and remarkable living organism
The Road from Kabale passes through the eastern
edge of the forest, affording some magnificent
views. The park headquarters, and entrance, are
at Buhoma. Four-wheeled drive is required. 560
km from Kampala.
 Camping
facilities are available within the park at Volcanoes'
Bwindi Camp. Other accommodation facilities include
Buhoma homestead run by African Pearl Safaris
and Uganda Wild life Authority Bandas.
Mantana Luxury Tented Camp you will enjoy accommodation
in fully furnished Selous tents with verandah,
bedroom, dressing room and ensuite shower. The
camp is situated just outside the Bwindi Park
The White Horse Inn is situated in the terraced
hills of Kabale, known as the "Switzerland
of Africa. Many rooms have private facilities.
Visitors to this Park can also be accommodated
in Kabale at the Victoria Inn, and the Visitor's
Rest Hotel.
At least 120 species of mammal in one of the richest
ecosystems in Africa including mountain gorilla,
chimpanzee and 8 other species of primate. Elephant,
bush pig, giant forest hog, many species of bats
and rodents, at least 346 species of birds including
rare forest birds, at least 14 species of snakes,
27 species of frogs and toads, 6 chameleons, 14
lizards, skinks and geckos, at least 202 species
of butterfly. There are also several endangered
species of birds with limited ranges.
This forest is a sanctuary for almost half the
world's population of mountain gorillas (about
330 of 600), which is the rarest race of gorilla.
Established as a safe habitat for several families
of mountain gorillas it is now the location of
an important scientific conservation program.
Gorilla tracking visits are limited to small groups.
It is advisable to make reservations at least
3 months before your intended date of visit. See
Gorilla rules.
These reservations can be made through your tour
operator or travel agent or directly to Uganda
Wildlife Authority in Kampala. It commonly rains
in this area. Come with a raincoat, walking boots,
and gloves.
This is the richest forest in Uganda, in terms
of the number of plant species, as the area is
one of the few large expanses of forest in East
Africa where lowland and montane communities merge.
The valley bottoms contain a dense ground cover
of herbs, vines, and shrubs with only a few trees
hence its name, the 'impenetrable forest."
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