About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southwestern corner of Uganda. It is home to nearly half the world’s endangered mountain gorilla population. Every year, people from all over the world visit Bwindi to experience first-hand the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of trekking man’s closest relatives.
While its beauty is undeniable, Bwindi’s wilderness demands respect. The park’s rugged terrain, dense vegetation, and remote location create an environment that requires thoughtful preparation and vigilance. Tourists come to Bwindi seeking transformative experiences, such as gorilla trekking, bird watching among 350+ avian species, or engaging with the atmosphere of one of the oldest ecosystems in Africa. However, alongside the allure of adventure lies the necessity to prioritize safety.
Understanding the landscape, climate, and potential challenges of the region is key to ensuring a memorable and safe visit. Bwindi’s high-altitude rain forests can bring rapidly shifting weather conditions, slippery trails and unexpected encounters with wildlife. This is no ordinary park; it’s a raw, untamed environment that requires tourists to be physically and mentally prepared.
Learn more about how the wildlife, history & human geography of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
How to Get to Bwindi
Reaching Bwindi Impenetrable Forest requires careful planning, as its remote location makes it an adventurous journey. The forest is located in southwestern Uganda, near the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Though it may feel isolated, there are several ways to access the park.
Learn more about tour operators, overland travel & flights for trips to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
When is the Best Time to visit Bwindi?
Bwindi impenetrable National Park is open throughout the year including on public holidays. However, the best time to visit the gorillas in Bwindi is during the months between June to August and December to February.
These are the dry seasons in Uganda and the rains are not so intense in the rain forest. Gorilla trekking, nature walks and hiking tours are excellent during these periods because the forest trails are less slippery (no mud). During the dry season, there is a lot of activity in the park with more tourists. It is a chance to meet and mingle with people from all over the world.
Learn more about the weather, climate & tourism seasons of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Must Do Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
In the south-west of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stretches from lowland forest up to a montane forest belt. Believed to have been a refuge for species during the last Ice Age, it is now famous for its population of wild Mountain Gorillas.
The main activity in Bwindi is gorilla trekking, and it is easy to see why. The forest is home to almost half of all Mountain Gorillas found in the world today and the chance to get up close to these amazing animals is an experience worthy of the once-in-a-lifetime descriptor.
Learn more about gorilla trekking, natures walks & bird watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Other popular activities in Bwindi include nature walks, bird watching trips, hiking trails & cultural visits such as community walks on the park boundaries.
When to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is visited year round, with park activities such as gorilla trekking taking place throughout the year. The park has two dry seasons which run from June to August & December to February, although it can still rain in dry seasons & weather patterns have become less predictable in recent years. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has busier tourism seasons, generally matching the dry seasons when gorilla trekking permits are sold out further ahead in advance. If possible you can also consider visiting in the quieter seasons, when you may also get discounted safari accommodation, gorilla permits however remain the same price year round.
Gorilla Trekking on Budget
Do you want to track gorillas on budget or save big on your upcoming gorilla tracking safari? April, May and November are the best budget gorilla trekking months when gorilla permits are discounted in promotion of gorilla tourism. Alternatively you can use budget accommodation and save big on your gorilla safari any other time of the year.
Suggested Itineraries
Three to five days itineraries are best to make you explore the park’s top tourist attractions and its surrounding possibly with much leisure and relaxation. If your interest is only to see mountain gorillas, the three days are perfect for a short gorilla safari tour in Uganda .However, to track gorillas twice and also experience other a park activities, four-five days are best recommended. But In the window of five days one can explore Bwindi Forest and also check out the most visited other parks in Uganda like Queen Elizabeth and see more wildlife.
Bwindi Forest Transportation Advice
When traveling to Bwindi forest national park use bus public transport if backpacking or hire a safari vehicle and do a self-driving trip or book a private gorilla tour with everything inclusive –Gorilla permit, Transport and accommodation. The park can be accessed by both road and air but even air involves short drives with transfers from Kihihi airstrip to your lodge of residence. Public means is the cheapest option but be ready to share the bus with locals and also adjust your life style for a reason.
Vaccinations and Preventive Measures
Ensure your vaccinations are up to date before traveling to Uganda. The following vaccines are commonly recommended for tourists heading to Bwindi:
- Yellow Fever: Proof of vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda.
- Hepatitis A and B: To protect against potential exposure through food, water, or close contact.
- Typhoid: Crucial due to possible exposure through contaminated food or water.
- Tetanus and Diphtheria: Standard for any travel, especially in environments where cuts or injuries may occur.
- Rabies: Advised for those planning extensive outdoor or close interaction with animals.
Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to almost half of the 1000 or so gorillas left in the world. Gorilla tracking is the biggest attraction for most visitors to these parks.
However, gorilla trekking involves several hours of hiking through dense jungles. You may not see them as they tend to move around. But if you do get to track them down, you can get really close to them as they are accustomed to humans. Remember to book your gorilla tracking permits in advance as only a few permits are issued per day. You can book your permits at the UWA office at Kampala or through local tour operators listed on this website.
Where to Stay in Bwindi National Park
Bwindi national park has a wide range of accommodations that cater for both budget and Luxury travelers so be sure to spend a night before your gorilla trek in comfort and leisure.
For budget accommodation options, Buhoma Community Bandas, Broadbill Campsite, Gift of Nature Lodge, Nshongi Gorilla Camp, Trekkers Tervan, Bwindi View Bandas, Nshongi Gorilla Camp, Wagtail Eco Lodge among others can fit any budget of tight spenders.
For Luxury Option, the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, are just a few of the popular lodges for your stay.
Mountain Gorillas