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GORILLA
TRACKING:
This is the major activity in Bwindi, with four gorilla groups
currently available daily for tourists. Mubare group (10 gorillas,
1 silverback) was opened for tourism in 1993, Habinyanja group
(18 gorillas, 1 silverback) opened in July 1998, and Rushegura
group (10 gorillas, 1 silverback) was opened in July 2002,
while Nkuringo group (19 gorillas, 2 silverbacks) was opened
for tourism in April 2004.
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi can be challenging,
therefore ensure fitness. Gorilla tracking experience starts
at 8.30 am local time and can last from a few hours to a whole
day! Registration at the gate commences at 7.45 am.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in south western
Uganda, on the edge of the Western Rift Valley (Albertine
rift) and is shared by Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro districts.
It is 331 sq km in size and on an altitude range of 1,160
meters (Ishasha gorge) to 2,607 meters (Rwamanyonyi Peak).
The annual average temperature range is 7°C - 20°C
with the coldest period being June and July.
Of the local people neighbouring the park,
the majority are Bakiga and Bafumbira, constituting the densest
settlements in Uganda (350 people/sq km). A few Batwa are
also found.
Species Diversity: Bwindi
is home to 326 gorillas, almost a half of the world’s
population of mountain gorillas. There are also 346 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 occur
nowhere else in Uganda.
Bird Watching: Bwindi is
the bird watchers haven! It holds 346 species of birds and
contains 90% of all Albertine rift endemics, difficult or
impossible to see in any other part of East Africa and seven
IUCN red data listed species. An experienced bird watcher
can identify up to 100 species in a day! Visit Ruhija and
Buhoma for this dream. Indicate your interest to the Park
Management so that appropriate early morning departures can
be arranged.
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