History of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
History of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park ; First of all, the word ‘’Bwindi’’ is a local word which means ‘’darkness’’ the pygmy’s were the first settlers to have lived in the Bwindi areas of Buhoma, it is said that when the pygmy’s were shifting from the neighboring forest of Rwanda the Virunga’s and it close to Buhoma. Batwa did sacrifices for their power god called ‘’Mubwindi’’ after sacrifices was made sun light came back on, after their traditional God, and this is because they were relocated from the forest when gorilla conservation program started in the impenetrable forest.
Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
The park is habitat to over 120 mammal species that are rarely seen as they hide in the thickets of the dense forest. They include; large mammals and the very small mammals. Animals of Bwindi Forest to see includes; buffaloes, Elephants, duikers, golden cats, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, black –fronted duiker, Yellow-backed duiker, Clawless otter, side-stripped jackal civet, numerous bats and rodents among others.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to about 11 primate species including; Black and white colobus monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, De Braze monkeys, Red-tailed monkey, Blue Monkey, Potto, Demidoff’s Galago, Spectacled Gala go, Baboons and gentle giants of Bwindi – the endangered mountain gorillas.
Birds of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Birding in Bwindi is perfectly done in the Mumbwindi Swamp in Ruhija sector of the park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boosts with over 350 species of birds thus making it a best place for birding in Uganda. It is home to around 23 Albertine Rift endemics and 14 species are recorded nowhere else in Uganda. The globally threatened species include; Chapin’s Flycatcher, Grauer’s broadbill, Shelley’s Crimson-wing. Other species includes; Handsome Francolin, Mountain –masked and collared Apalis, White-bellied Robin Chat, Black billed Turaco, Fraser’s Eagle, Western Bronze-napped Pigeon, Blue –headed and Regal Sunbirds, Purple-breasted among others.
Activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Well-Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famously home to half world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas and the main tourist attraction in the park is Mountain gorilla tracking in Africa. However, Bwindi is heavily dense rainforest, a home to various birds and animals and several other activities.
Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest
Gorilla tracking is an impressive life experience, done daily in the park after purchasing a gorilla tracking permits from the ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority. So, you are advised to book your gorilla permits at least 3 to 6 months prior to secure your day especially if you prefer a rewarding location. The activity is only about 8 individuals from 15 years of age and above are allowed to visit a gorilla family per day.
Well, going for gorilla tracking must be in good health condition. The trekking starts early in the morning with a briefing by park ranger guide about gorilla rules; stay at least 8meter from the gorillas, flash disc is not allowed to take photography, do not touch on gorilla are wild animal as well as not looking directly in the eyes of the gorillas. Once you find them, you will be given an hour to stay with them and learn about their behaviors, feeding and enjoying unforgettable photography.
What to carry with along your Gorilla trekking;
Long sleeved pants and shirts to avoid insect bites as you trek through the forest
Carry a rain poncho
Pack seasoned boots
Carry enough mineral water bottle
Warm clothes
Light rain jacket
Batwa Pygmy Visit –Cultural Tour
Batwa people are known as the hunter-gatherer tribe that has loved side by side with the wildlife of this ancient park for thousands of years. Visiting them, you will be excited by their amazing traditional dance, songs and storytelling among others.
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