Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the Bwindi Rainforest, over 25,000 years old (one of the oldest in the world), is one of the largest reserves of biodiversity in the world. It is a majestic and dense forest that is home to more than 1,000 plant species, 358 species of birds (90% of the endemic species of the Albertine Rift are present), 51 species of reptiles and 220 butterflies, several of which are also endemic. On the mammal side, some 166 species are recorded, including 11 primates and 6 antelopes. Among the protected species are the chimpanzee, the forest elephant (smaller than its savannah counterpart) and especially the mountain gorilla, of which Bwindi is home to almost half the world's population and which is very popular with tourists. In the local language, Bwindi means "impenetrable", as its 331 km² of dense vegetation extends into a deep fault line of steep slopes, slippery valleys and wind-battered ridges that form the eastern boundary of the Albertine Rift. Bwindi was proclaimed a forest reserve in 1942 and, like Mgahinga, became a national park in 1991. In the past, before farmers began clearing the Kisoro region, it was part of a large forest belt that extended to the Virunga range. Five major rivers originate in Bwindi to feed Lake Edward. Situated between 1,160 and 2,600 m above sea level and with nearly 2,400 mm of annual rainfall, Bwindi is a rainforest. The rainforests are particularly concentrated from March to May and September to November. Although it is necessary to be well equipped, it is possible to go all year round to meet the gorillas. Please note that the park is divided into several sectors. In the north, Buhoma is the most important tourist centre where accommodation is available and from where most of the trackings start. Real village life, with local grocery stores and bars, enlivens the only picturesque street with views of the forest and tea and banana plantations. As new groups become accustomed to the park, Ruhija (eastern part of the park) is increasingly visited. The southern sector (Nkuringo and Rushaga) is much quieter, but has been under development in recent years, and authorized access to new groups of gorillas is attracting a large number of tourists, especially to Rushaga.

What to visit Forêt Impénétrable De Bwindi?

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Organize your trip with our partners Forêt Impénétrable De Bwindi
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Forêt Impénétrable De Bwindi travel inspiration

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Forêt Impénétrable De Bwindi

Forêt impénétrable de Bwindi. GUDKOV ANDREY - Shutterstock.com

Featured articles Forêt Impénétrable De Bwindi

Send a reply