Uganda Parks
By Ariadne van Zandbergen
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert and frequently visits Uganda. She and her husband are a travel photography/writing team with many Africa guidebooks under their belt, including the Bradt guide to Uganda.
The main attraction in Bwindi is its mountain gorillas. Of its population of approximately 400 individuals, more than a hundred are habituated. Bwindi has more than 120 mammal species, the second most of any park in Uganda (after Queen Elizabeth NP). Most of these are small forest species. Elephant is the only one of the Big Five that is present, although they are rarely seen. More regularly encountered are some of the six antelope species, which include bushbuck and several types of duiker.
Wildlife Highlights
Bwindi is located on the edge of the Albertine Rift, a region harboring the most vertebrates in any region of a comparable size in Africa. It contains a huge number of endemic and threatened species and is therefore a hotspot in conservation. Butterflies are something of a specialty, with an impressive list of 220 species, eight of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift and three only occur in Bwindi. Bwindi is home to ten primate species including the rare l'Hoest monkey and black-and-white colobus. Chimpanzee are present but not habituated and therefore rarely seen.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Rainfall is the main factor to consider when deciding the best time for gorilla trekking. Heavy rains result in slippery and challenging hiking trails. It can rain at any time of the year, but June to August and December to January have less rain and are therefore considered the best time to go. The park stays open throughout the year.
Wildlife Rating Per Major Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable NP 4.9/5 81 Wildlife Ratings
- Queen Elizabeth NP 4.2/5 87 Wildlife Ratings
- Murchison Falls NP 4.4/5 82 Wildlife Ratings
- Kibale NP 4.5/5 51 Wildlife Ratings
