Bwindi, Home of Mountain Gorillas.
Bwindi impenetrable was gazetted as a National Park in 1991 and declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994. It is one of those few places on earth where animals (both wild and tame), hills, rivers, water-falls, forests and humans coexist magnificently in such a harmony. The park is part of the dimly-lit Bwindi Impenetrable forest, one of Uganda’s most diversified and dignified rainforests that shadows the mist-covered hillsides, occurring at an altitude 1,160m-2,607m above sea level. Situated on the edge of the Albertine rift, it balances on the spine between southwestern Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo border, next to the Virunga National Park. The area has come to be one of the greatest adrenaline capitals of the world and is labelled as a place that is not only defined by geographical location, but by memories that only you and those that experience them with you can access!
The park is composed of 321 square kilometres, consisting of both montane and lowland forests that are blanketed with bamboo and shrubs. These forests date back to over 25,000 years and contain almost 400 species of plants. The forest also homes numerous species of birds that know everything there is to do with composing some of the sweetest melodies every human ear could ever treat itself to, leaving one with the perplexingly juxtaposed options of whether to try hard and whistle along, or just sit back and simply blush in awe!! Altogether, there are around 350 species of birds hosted in the forest such as hornbills and turacos, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. The park was named Africa’s number one birding spot by Africa Bird Club. This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals which are rarely seen as they hide in the thickets,27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos, and many endangered species, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes.The northern (low elevation) sector has many species of Guineo-Congolian flora, including two endangered species, the brown mahogany and Brazzeia. Apart from the plant and mammalian species, the forest also presents a chance to appreciate the beauty of color as numerous species of butterflies silently whisper love songs about the roses that occur under the cypresses. These butterflies are estimated to be existing at a phenomenal 220 species in number, within the forest.
Most importantly, the forest is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. These mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered animals on the planet. Decimated by diseases, wars and hunters that used to inhabit the forest, they now remain to a tune of an estimated 400 in the wild, marooned in a handful of a series of pockets in the forested mountains of the Virunga landscape. The gorillas live in a wind-pitted place, with mist that blankets the intact forested perfections. They occur in a wild part of the world, ethereal landscape that has to be seen to be believed!!
Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys, Bwindi acts as the source of five major riverswhich flow into Lake Edward. There are also flowingstreams of fresh water that endlessly slither down from the different falls, as well as the different almost 400 plant species that have patiently endured the great storms which rampage throughout the forest during the heavy rains. Too beautiful is the harmonious churn of the falling waters of the waterfalls, one cannot help but relish the momentous flow of this somewhat surreal kind of perfection.
A visit to the area not only gives one an opportunity to discover the hidden depths that blanket the misty forests, but also the possibility to penetrate the so-called impenetrable forest. It is in this area that expression gets replaced by experience, perfectly leaving one speechless at the epitome of satisfaction, just in preparations for the ultimate show- gorilla trekking. Lost for words, one burns nervously as discovery satisfies determination, amidst the learning that supersedes worrying!! Observed peak seasons are June-September, and December-February when there is relatively less rainfall in the forest.
A Bwindi adventure is usually underlined by a series of activities that range from community and nature walks to gorilla trekking.
Trekking.
Gorilla trekking is most defined activity in Bwindi impenetrable national park. It is one of the most outstanding experiences that usher one into the mystical concealments of the forest that have seen both hot and cold over the years. It is these intact forested perfections that charmingly and amazingly gaze and sway to any adventurer who signs up for the task of trekking the forest with a compelling force to respond by either swaying back or relaxing the mind.
This trekking is a true interesting phenomenon that combines the beauty of nature together with the thrill for pleasure, in effect offering one the best so deserved. The experience also has to it attached the sense of feeling that one is in a completely different world, where much pragmatism as concerned with learning about nature simultaneously occurs as the whole movie scenes get clearer in essence and established in realty.
Gorilla trekking involves hiking the forested mountains in search for the hidden gems (mountain gorillas) that punctuate the diverse landscapes of the area. These spectacular creatures with their human-like poses and behaviour cultivate an intrinsic joy and happiness in every adventurer that signs up for this task. It is this captivating sight of a paradisiacal place with stunning creatures that inspires many to keep moving until they reach a relaxing troupe or group of gorillas. Normally, the journey is truthfully of a long and agonising type (2 to 6 hours trek), thereby shortly pronouncing “tiredom” to many of those who choose to embark on it. During the trek, the guide keeps dissipating relevant information which enhances numerous interesting interactions and discussions amongst the team members. All this in turn creates social cohesion and works magic for those whose hobby-list includes making friends.
The trek usually starts in a strategic vein with a briefing from the information centre. There after, the team of trekkers is then ushered into the forest with guides and rangers that enhance safety and security. The forest is divided in different trailheads for those who want to track gorillas. The gorillas habituated for tourism are in different families based at different trailheads. These include Buhoma, where the first habituated group (mubare group) became available for tourism in April 1993. Other places include Rushanga and Ruhija, Nkuringo and Nyondo. Currently 11 gorilla families have been habituated for tourism and only 8 individuals from 15 years of age are permitted to visit a gorilla family per day
Other activities in the forest include;Gorilla tracking, Bird watching, Nature and waterfalls walks, Mountain Hiking, Mountain biking, Community walks and Cultural experiences. There’s also canoeing at the different crater lakes like Mutanda.
What to carry.
Trekkers are advised to wear, Long Sleeved Shirts — Long Trousers, waterproof Hiking Sturdy Boots, Sturdy Gardening Gloves, a Rain Jacket, a Hat, enough Insect Repellent and a Warm Sweater. You are also advised to carry enough water and a camera with extra batteries.
