Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The major tourist attraction here is the Gorilla. Three gorillas groups are currently available for tracking on daily basis that is Mubare group, Habinyanja and Rushegula. A total of 18 Gorilla permits are sold everyday, six permits from each group. Gorilla tracking in Bwindi can be strenuous, therefore ensure physical fitness. You need jungle boots and rain Jackets because the park is often wet. Gorilla tracking starts at 8:30 am local time and occasionally lasts the whole day.

The national park has 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, of which the black-and-white colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent.

The forest birding ranks with the best in Uganda, with 23 highly localised Albertine Rift endemics present, 360 species of birds and over 200 species of Butterflies. This afromontane forest has dense under storey of fern, vines and shrubs. About 324 tree species have been recorded here, 10 of which do not occur anywhere in Uganda.

SIZE:

331 sq km

LOCATION:

Southwest. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in South Western Uganda, on the edge of the western Rift Valley shared by Rukungiri, Kabaale and Kisoro.

GETTING THERE:

Bwindi can be reached from Kampala via Mbarara through Kabale to the south (9-10 hours) or QENP in the north (2-3 hours). The roads meet at Butogota, 17km from the Buhoma entrance gate. 4x4 recommended.

PARK RULES

· No one with a communicable disease (e.g. Flu, Diarrhea) is allowed to enter the park.

· Stay together in a tight group while with the Gorillas, don’t surround them.

· Don’t get closer than 5 meters (15 feet) to the Gorillas.

· Don’t use flashes while photographing.

· Don’t eat or smoke when with the gorillas or within distance of 200 meters from the Gorillas.

· Turn away from the Gorillas if you have to sneeze or cough. Cover your nose and mouth in the process.

· Burry all human feaces a minimum of one foot deep and ensure that the hole is properly covered.

· Don’t leave litter. All litter must be carried out of the park and disposed of properly.

· No person under 15 years of age is allowed to track Gorillas.

· Don’t make loud noise or move suddenly.

· You are allowed a maximum of one hour with Gorillas.

· Don’t spit on vegetation or soil while in the park, use your hankie or other garment.