OUR CURRENT FAVOURITES : Gorillas Of Bwindi Forest

The Mountain gorillas, divided into a dozen groups, make up the largest surviving population. The other half is split between Zaire and Rwanda, where they used to roam freely until they were separated by encroachment and farming. The rugged terrain makes hiking in search of the gorillas strenuous work. Tracking begins with a walk through the forest up steep and slippery slopes, to where the gorillas were found on the previous day. Visitors follow through the dense undergrowth until they reach where the gorillas spent the night. Mountain gorillas cover long distances each day and tours can last anywhere between three to eight hours. There are very strict rules to follow when around the gorillas, to prevent behavioural disturbances and transmission of disease from human beings to gorillas. Even if you don't go see the gorillas, there is plenty to do in the impenetrable forest. You can join guided walks and choose between a two-hour stroll to some beautiful waterfalls and various hikes, lasting up to seven-hour and leading to a number of peaks. The area around Buhoma is an excellent place for watching primates and birds and you may catch a glimpse of the noisy but evasive chimpanzees or the beautiful hornbills and turacos. The forest is home to 120 species of mammals, 346 species of birds, 202 species of butterflies, and 163 species of trees.