The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a sanctuary for 13 different species of primate, colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and many birds (such as hornbills and turacos). It is perhaps most notable for the approximately 300 Bwindi Mountain Gorillas, half the world’s population of the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. The region around Ishasha is noted for its tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in old fig trees. The photographic opportunities are plentiful as you experience a country that is also the source of the Nile River.

Mountain gorillas are among the most famous of all endangered animals. These majestic animals are lately finding it very hard to survive, and as recently as 2006, they were at the brink of extinction. Fortunately, recent conservation efforts have been quite successful, the primary factor responsible for this positive trend being an effort by organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda to protect the gorillas and their habitat.  Another significant contributor towards protection of the Mountain Gorillas is Americans visiting them! When travelers visit Africa using a knowledgeable company such as African Travel, Inc. they are making a huge contribution to the conservation of Mountain Gorillas. Despite these positive efforts, mountain gorillas are still under threat of extinction, and more conservation efforts will be necessary to remove gorillas from the endangered animals list. Now is an excellent time to visit these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

The Pearl of Africa—8 days. Uganda, Rwanda.