The Three Horned Chameleons In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The three-horned chameleons in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; are an endemic species that may be found in the misty forests of the park, which is situated in the Kanungu area of South-west Uganda. In addition, the National Park is well-known for being home to over 350 bird species, including 23 endemic species from the Albertine Rift, additional primate species like l’hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and animals such forest elephants, buffaloes, and duikers.
The mature male chameleons that exhibit the three brown horns on their forehead, also referred to as Trioceros Jackson, have one horn on their nose and the other two above the superior orbital ridge, following the eyes.
Like other chameleons, the three-horned chameleon uses color change to communicate with their surroundings, locate prey more quickly, and hide from predators like birds and poisonous snakes.
Facts about the Jackson or three-horned chameleons in the impenetrable Bwindi National Park
As one of the unique species of East Africa, the three-horned chameleon is mostly found in regions that are at least 1,700 meters above sea level.
Since the three-horned chameleon is confined to the Albertine Rift Valley, its range in Uganda is limited to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwenzori National Park, and other places in Rwanda and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The ability of the three horned chameleons’ eyes to spin 360 degrees allows them to view in all directions without moving, which aids in both seeing potential predators and helping them capture prey.
The three horned chameleons are able to catch insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, butterflies, and beetles because of the special muscles near the tip of their tongues.
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the three-horned chameleons.
Jackson Trioceros
The lifespan of an adult three-horned chameleon exceeds five years, and it can reach a maximum length of thirty centimeters.
The ideal time to explore the Impenetrable National Park of Bwindi
Although you may visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park year-round, the ideal times to go are from June to September and December to February, which is also known as the peak season or the dry season. In contrast to the wet/rainy season, when the pathways are muddy, slippery, and wet, making chameleon tracking challenging, the national park’s entrance roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable during the dry season.
How to reach the inaccessible National Park of Bwindi
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwest of Uganda and is reachable by road. Driving from Kampala or Entebbe to the park headquarters requires passing via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale, and it takes approximately eight to nine hours in a 4WD safari vehicle.
Travelers can also reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali, Rwanda. From there, they will fly to Kigali International Airport and drive across the Cyanika border in Kisoro or the Katuna border in Kabale for around three to four hours.
By scheduling scheduled or charter domestic flights with Budget Gorilla Trekking from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip and then connecting to the park headquarters by road, you can also enter the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by air.
Where to Stay in the Untouchable National Park of Bwindi
You can stay in a variety of lodging options within the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park while on safari. Budget, midrange, and luxury accommodations are available, such as the Four Gorillas Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Wag Tail Safari Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Cuckooland Tented Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Bwindi Jungle View Lodge, Bwindi Guest House, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Resort, Engagi Lodge, Eco Marvels Gorilla lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp, Nshongi Camp, Silverback Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, among others.
The three-horned chameleons of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are endemic species that can be found in the foggy forests of the park.
A reputable tour operator like Budget Gorilla Trekking may also arrange for an engaging activity like chameleon tracking for visitors who want to see the three-horned chameleons in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along with chameleon tracking, tourists can combine additional activities such as bird watching, guided nature walks, gorilla trekking, and Batwa culture tours.