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Bwindi
is situated on Uganda's extreme western border, very close to the
geographical heart of Africa where the confluence of the Rift Valley and
the Great Lakes has created an eco-system that perhaps defines the very
essence of the continent. Bwindi is one of the most biologically diverse
areas on Earth, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Bwindi
Impenetrable National Park is an enduring pocket of a huge primeval
forest that once stretched from the Virunga Volcanoes in the South to
the Rwenzori Mountains in the North. The park contains 113 species of
mammals (including a herd of the rare forest elephant), 200 species of
butterfly, over 360 species of birds and a prodigious 324 tree varieties
(10 of which are endemic to the park). In addition to this incredible
diversity, Bwindi is home to seven species of primates, of which the
most endangered is the elusive giant of Africa,
the Mountain Gorilla. Only 600 of
these magnificent animals remain worldwide, and Bwindi is home to just
over half of them.
Gorilla tracking: daily maximum of 8 visitors to each gorilla group
(there are 3 groups), and each group is accompanied by a guide and
porters who will carry your pack for you. The gorillas cover large
distances overnight and the guides use their knowledge of the gorillas'
habits and information from the previous day to locate the group's
whereabouts. Because of this, the time taken to track the gorillas
varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 9 hours
before one returns to camp. The terrain is extremely difficult, with
steep slopes (often steeper than a flight of stairs) covered in dense
vegetation that gives the park its name. In addition, the altitude of
5200+ feet means participants do need to be physically fit to enjoy the
trek. Once the gorillas are located, your group will be allowed a
maximum of one hour with them before returning to the park headquarters.
Only persons over the age of 15 are allowed to track the gorillas.
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