Why is Bwindi the best Africa’s Safari destination for gorilla trekking

With only 3 (three) safari destinations where the rare mountain gorillas are found usually most travelers find it very challenging to choose the best for them to go and trek these magnificent creatures. To be part of this lifetime experience Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is that one exceptional safari destination you should consider a must to visit. This national park features among the 4 only protected areas where gorilla trekking is conducted in the whole world and others include Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Unfortunately, Virunga National Park is temporary close till 2019. Whereas Bwindi National Park has become not only Uganda’s most popular gorilla tours destination but Africa at large visitors have a lot more to enjoy than just the Great Apes. Due to its diversity, it is undoubtedly one of Africa’s best safari tourist destinations you need to consider a must to visit.

The biggest number of gorilla families

Unlike the 20^th century when most of these majestic creatures nearly got extinct, today over 1004 of them exist in the world with more than 400 of them all confined in the jungles of Bwindi Forest National Park. The other portion is shared among the Virunga Conservation Areas that includes Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in the northwest, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda still and the Congo’s Virunga National Park. Thanks to Dian Fossey and several other conservationists that the lives of these rare creatures were saved and that respective governments have put efforts to ensure that they are well protected. Bwindi alone boasts of over 13 gorilla families, 2 of which are designated for mountain gorilla habituation experience. Compared to Volcanoes National Park with only 10 habituated groups and Virunga National Park that has about 8 families for visitors to track, Bwindi National Park therefore boasts of its highest number of habituated groups. The more habituated gorilla families in a destination means the more permits and hence more opportunities for visitors to realize their dreams a fact that the demand for gorilla permits is very high. Besides, permits in Uganda cost $600 which is relatively cheaper than Rwanda where you need $1500 to secure one. You can book your permit in Uganda that will allow you track mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park through a recognized tour operator and for that matter, Maranatha Tours and Travel is ready to help you achieve your dreams.

Its floral species leaves travelers amazed

Being a tropical rainforest, this park straddles along the Equator between altitude 1160 and 2600 meters. Its mist covered hillsides is blanketed by its ancient and biologically diverse montane forest which is 25000 years old and comprises of over 400 distinct plant species that make it a true impenetrable forest. Its climatic conditions are ideal and have for long favored most of floral species and nature lovers; you will have a chance to explore varied tree species, plants and several flowers that range from high to low altitude. Due to its diverse flora, visitors can explore it in depth while on forest walk which is the best way for one to discover what this splendid forested park holds for nature enthusiasts. It however exposes visitors to variety of beautiful butterflies, epiphytic ferns, ferns, orchids and many more.

Bwindi is beyond mountain gorillas

The fact that this park is largely a tropical rainforest, varied wildlife species are inhabited and most of them can be spotted while on your hike in one of its trails.

Over 120 distinct mammal species thrive in this protected area including elephants, jackals, African golden cats and others, 220 butterfly species and more than 350 avifauna species. Besides, there are several primate species especially the red tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, chimpanzees. For bird enthusiasts, birding is another amazing activity you shouldn’t miss to be part while on safari in Bwindi. While on bird watching expedition at this national park, you will have opportunity to sight at bird species such as the African green broadbill, shinning African blue, red headed blue bill, African emerald cuckoo, western green tinker bird, francolin white tailed crested, flycatcher, white tailed blue flycatcher, Rwenzori batis, collared apalis, short tailed warbler, fine banded woodpecker chestnut throated apalis, blue headed sunbird, Grauer’s rush warbler, cinnamon chested bee-eater a mention but a few.

Explore about Uganda’s cultures and traditions with the Batwa pygmies

Historically, Bwindi National Park was established in 1991 and like most protected areas, its creation led to displacement of the Batwa pygmies the renowned forest dwellers. The Batwa lived in Bwindi forest for over 500000 years while hunting and gathering but left it with no environment effect. Unfortunately, today, they are a marginalized group and as way to sustain their lives around the park, tourists on gorilla safari at this park never leave without visiting the Batwa community to explore more about their cultures and traditions. While on gorilla safari in Bwindi never miss to be part of the Batwa cultural encounter where you won’t only be amazed by their looks but also traditional dances or be thrilled by songs of sorrow as the Batwa women sing that they should be given another opportunity to return to their natural treasure. Equally, the Bakiga also offer rare cultural experiences. For authentic cultural experiences, you can pay a visit to Buhoma community where different cultural tours are conducted in Bwindi National Park.

Taste Uganda’s cuisine at the best local restaurants

A trip in Uganda isn’t only for you to see wildlife but also to have a taste of what this country offers to its visitors in terms of its local cuisines. If you are interested in something different from the western world then don’t miss to visit one of the local restaurants in Bwindi while on a Uganda safari.

The other exceptional activity that makes Bwindi the best safari destination in Africa is scenic viewing. This is due to its strategic location and what is interesting is that even most of the safari lodges and other accommodation facilities in this protected area offer splendid views of the surrounding areas and Virunga Mountains especially Sabyinyo, Muhabura and Gahinga Volcano.

How to get to Bwindi

Bwindi can be accesed by either road or by air transport. You can rent a car in Uganda and drive to Bwindi or use and aropllane.

In conclusion, Bwindi National Park is one of Uganda’s 10 beautiful national parks and second only destination in the country where mountain gorilla trekking is conducted. Due to its endowment, it is undoubtedly the best for one to explore not just gorillas but also other tourist attractions.