such as mistletoe and orchids. Giant thickets of bamboo thrive in the humid atmosphere, and where sunlight breaks through, the elegant heliconia, or lobster claw, spreads its colorful petals.

As you walk among the shadows of the leafy canopy, this rainforest reveals the smells and sounds of Africa, just as it has for centuries.
Here, in Bwindi Impenetrable, your guide will take you along river trails with delightful waterfalls, up steep slopes and into forest clearings in search of an enormous array of reserved, exquisite and exciting jungle creatures that live in this deep forest. There are at least 120 species of mammals in one of the richest ecosystems in Africa including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and 8 other species of primates.

This forest is a sanctuary for almost half the world's population of mountain gorillas (about 330 of 600), which is the rarest race of gorilla. Established as a safe habitat for several families of mountain gorillas, it is now the location of an important scientific conservation programme. The mountain gorillas, with 2 habituated groups for tourism, (Mubare group, 16 gorillas and Habinyanja group, 23 gorillas) are the big attraction.
The hiking times of the trails vary from 15 minutes to 6 hours. Please note that due to the limited number of visitors allowed access to the gorillas at any one time, it may not be possible to view the primates on the dates that you wish. Eyes on Africa will do our best to accommodate.

The summit areas are dominated by wort and dwarf heath vegetation. This emerges into bamboo and broad leaved montane forest, down the mountains. The lower slopes have high altitude savannah woodland with lots of lichens and mosses. The park has 79 bird’s species, 90 species of mammals and about 30 gorillas.

The gorillas move freely in the Virunga Mountains (crossing borders), and there is only one gorilla group (Nyakagezi) with 10 family gorillas that are habituated to human presence. In Ugandan territory, the troop will remain several months when gorilla trekking is then possible. Gorilla permits are refunded if the gorillas are not in the park. You have 7 hiking trails with hiking times going from 30 minutes to 8 hours.

Gorilla trekking is a strenuous activity and should be undertaken only by the physically fit. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. Don't underestimate the altitude in Mgahinga!

For conservation purposes, the time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour, and the number of daily visitors is restricted. Only six visitors shall track each group of gorillas a day. A ranger guide will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas. For this magical activity, you will need good walking shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers/pants and a waterproof jacket.
We advise you also to carry gloves and a waterproof daypack to hold camera, binoculars, film and batteries. Flash photography is forbidden, so you will need a high ASA film. It is advisable to make reservations at least 3 months before your intended date of visit.

Please note that due to the limited number of visitors allowed access to the gorillas at any one time, it may not be possible to view the primates on the dates that you wish. Eyes on Africa will do our best to accommodate.