
The Story of Africa’s Last Mountain Gorillas
Eye-to-eye with giants
The name ‘Impenetrable’ isn’t just a piece of clever marketing; the web of jungle ferns and tangled vines of the 25,000 year old forest is so thick it’s almost impossible to make out where on earth you might be headed. Almost... Yes, the hiking is challenging but emerging from the undergrowth and coming eye-to-(coal black) eye with one of the mighty mountain gorillas that hide in Bwindi is spell-binding and worth every bump and bruise. As well as being one of the most ecologically-diverse and flora-rich forests on earth, it’s also the only one to support populations of both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. So if primates are your passion, Bwindi is the place for you.
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With more than 400 mountain gorilla calling Bwindi home, your days here will more than likely revolve around trekking with the iconic primates. Most guests opt for two treks over a two or three-day stay. Treks depart in the morning (after a hearty breakfast) and, depending on where the gorillas are located, can last up to four or five hours. Trackers will advise on their location in the morning, but come prepared for a long(ish) walk – it all adds to the experience! While seeing a gorilla is the highlight of any Bwindi stay, spending time in the forest is magical in a different way. Stuffed full of birds – 350 species to be precise – and butterflies, insects and mammals, a walk with an experienced guides will reveal a hidden world. It’s also possible to spot chimpanzee, various monkeys and antelope like bushbuck and forest duiker. For culture-seekers, spend time with the locals of Buhoma village, and discover the rituals of the ancient Batwa tribe, the ‘Keepers of the Forest.’
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