uganda bwindi impenetratable national park Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is exceptionally rich in bio diversity with varied ecosystem. It is one of the most unique and important forests in Africa. The park ranges from lowland to afro-montane forest, a moist tropical forest that is unique in Uganda and rare among East African protected areas.
Covers an area of 321 square km along the edge of the western rift valley that engulfs the most scenic and highest blocks of Kigezi highlands. The park is located south western Uganda along the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Rubanda county of Kabale District, Mutanda County or Kisoro District, and Kinkizi county of Kanungu Districts.

The park is surrounded by 21 frontline parishes and is dissected from Mgahinga gorilla national park by a stretch of cultivated land. Bwindi was first gazetted as kasatoro and Kayonza crown forest reserves in 1932.The two were combined to form a central crown forest that was later gazetted as an animal sanctuary in 1961 to protect the Mountain gorilla population. The area was then upgraded to national park in 1991.

Due to the presence and protection of the endangered mountain gorillas and rich afro-montane vegetation, the area was declared a world Heritage site in 1994 by UNESCO and also put in Grade 1 category of protected areas by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Tourism activities in Bwindi

Altitude: The Park lies between 1,160 and 2,607 metres above sea level to the north and Rwamanyonyi hill to the North East respectively. The only relatively flat areas in the park are Mubwindi (1 sq km) and Ngoto (0.1 sq km) swamps.

Soils: are rich in humus but moderately poor in structure as are loose and friable when dry. This makes the soils highly prone to erosion when vegetation cover is removed especially for cultivation. Because of this, agriculture is a poor land use option for the area (Butynski, 1984). The acidity (Hydrogen potential - PH) of the soils ranges from 2.9 - 5.2.

Hydrology: Bwindi plays a critical role in hydrological balance of the region as many rivers drain to the north, west and south. Important rivers include Ivi (biggest), Munyaga, Ihihizo, Ishasha and Ntengyere that drain into L.Edward. Others drain into L.Mutanda. gorilla in bwindi impenetratable national park

Climate: Rainfall ranges from 1,130mm - 2,390mm with much rain in march -April and Sept - November. December - January and June - August are dry seasons. Temperature ranges from 7ºC- 20ºC with June - July as the coldest months. Note, with current unpredictable weather and ever testimonies of the rain forest, rain gears and warm clothing remain a pre-requisite for in forest activities.

Flora and Fauna: Bwindi was an area of "refugium" during the Pleistocene time and has since lived to support high and unique biological diversity some of which is endemic to the area. The area supports; Over 357 recorded species of birds (182 forest dependent and about 24 Albertine Rift Endemics - ARE's), Over 120 recorded species of Mammals, 14 recorded species of snakes, 27 recorded species of herpertiles (toads & frogs), 6 Species of Chameleons, 14 Species of lizards (i.e. lizards, skinks and geckos), 200 recorded species of trees, 200 species of unique and colorful Butterflies.

Bwindi comprises of lowland, medium altitude and montane vegetation. The later occupying the smallest land area on the African Continent. At 1,500 and 2,000 metres above sea level, Parinari excelsa and Newtonia buchanani dominate the forest respectively. While Chrysophyllum gorungosanum dominates at 2,200 metres above sea level.