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Guide to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Welcome to Visit Bwindi, a one stop guide to planning your safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, South Western Uganda. This resource is prepared for travelers who would like to visit and go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in South Western Uganda. This website is dedicated to making sure you have and maximize the best of your gorilla trek to Bwindi by educating you in advance on all that the destination has to offer. On this portal, find the best things to do, attractions within and near Bwindi, getting there and around, travel tips and information to help you plan a perfect safari. Whether you are looking to gorilla trekking or just a tour of the park, this guide will help you get the best of your trip.

Created by two authorities on the area with over 7 years of living in Bwindi, this travel resource is unrivaled in the quality of information we give. Please look through the site to see what activities you can engage in as well as our Do’s and don’ts page for information on what to avoid. Also provided is all the information you need to book a gorilla tour in Africa. See you in Bwindi!

Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site situated in the southwest corner of Uganda. The park is 331 square kilometers and impresses with a truly theatrical landscape and bio-diversity, this  is a region of volcanoes, jagged valleys, waterfalls, lakes and dramatic mountain ranges. Birders come thousands of miles to see the more than 350 species that  live within the area.

There are also rare forest elephant, giant forest hog and eleven kinds of primates, including red tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus, baboons and chimpanzee. You can also find forest duiker antelopes and bush buck antelopes as well as over 200 species of butterflies.

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  • Park History – When Was Bwindi Forest gazetted as a national park?
  • Quick Facts about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Getting Here – Where is Bwindi Located?
  • Getting Around – Discover the different sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Top Things to See in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi is a world heritage site with amazing attractions that one should not miss while on holiday in Uganda. We are sometimes asked, “What are the things I must see when I visit Bwindi?” Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is vast and varied, and visitors have different interests and abilities, so there is no one easy answer. However, we have compiled a list of the most popular attractions in Bwindi that we feel will be helpful. Here are the top things to see in Bwindi National Park and the nearby area.

Mountain Gorillas

Within the steep hills covered with thick forested vegetation are the mountain gorillas, rare great apes only found in three African countries.  Bwindi is home to almost half of the mountain gorillas. Read More

Birds of Bwindi

Bwindi is home to amazing birds that include localized Albertine Rift endemics. There are over 350 bird species within the forest, with 14 not recorded anywhere else in Uganda. Read More

Plants

There are over 400 species of plants that are protected within the Bwindi Forest. The forest is composed of bamboo, large forest hard woods, ferns, vines and other plants. Read More

Things to Do in Bwindi National Park

There is a plethora of activities one can do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Independent of what you are looking for, you will find something here.

Since Bwindi Forest is famous to everyone for wonderful gorilla trekking experience, many travelers tend to wonder what else to do if they had one more day or extra night in park  yet there is much more to see, do and enjoy around the park. There are lots of adventure activities that you can enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. From gorilla trekking to nature walks, you can engage in interesting activities. This guide is designed to serve as a starting point for planning your visit.

Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking is the main attraction since the forest was gazetted. The forest has over 18 habituated gorilla groups that can be tracked from various trailheads in different sectors; Buhoma Sector, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija. Read More

Gorilla Habituation

Spend 4 hours with the mountain gorillas on a gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga Sector. This amazing experience comes at just US$1500 per permit.

Bird Watching

Bwindi is also one of Uganda’s top bird watching destinations. There are over 350 birds species protected in the forest. These include many localised Albertine Rift Endemics.

Community Walks

On your safari in Bwindi, you can take community walks, an experience that will give you an insight into the lives of the local people living beside the forest. Meet the Batwa People and Bakiga Communities that live near the park.

Buniga Forest Walk

A walk through the nearby Buniga Forest with a Batwa guide demonstrates the traditional hunt gatherer existence of Uganda’s oldest extant tribal group.

Nature Walks

There are magnificent trails for nature walks in Bwindi Forest. If you are interested in a true African walk, this is the right place for you. Popular trails include Buhoma Nkuringo Walk, Munyaga Trail etc.

Nearby Activities

There are many other activities one can engage in on a free day around the park. Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is something special and a privilege to meet the beautiful creatures in their receding habitat.

Lake Bunyonyi Tour

You can arrange a tour to Lake Bunyonyi Island in Kabale the known Switzerland of Africa. Find this beautiful lake filled with several islands in a few kilometers from the gorilla trekking park. The lake can occupy your day with water activities, birding, cultural tours and leisure relaxation under the fresh water winds of the lake and the twenty nine punishment islands for virgin girls. While here it’s very easy to drive back to Kampala or connect to Rwanda Kigali for a city tour before leaving for your home flight.

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.

Guide to Self Drive Tours to Bwindi Forest

A self-drive tour to view the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is incredibly one best way that you can adventure this magical side of Uganda this coming season. Best described by Sir Winston Churchill as the pearl of Africa, Uganda boasts of breathtaking landscapes and varied tourist attractions with one of star […]

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Top 10 Midrange Lodges in Bwindi Forest

Would you like to go on a gorilla safari in Bwindi Forest of Uganda? Wondering about the best places for your stay? Would you like to stay in something not luxurious but also not budget? There are some midrange safari lodges that we can consider deluxe within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here are the 10 best […]

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Why Visit the Gorillas During the Dry Season

Many people prefer tracking the mountain gorillas during the dry season.  In Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the dry seasons attract a considerable number of tourists. This has led to the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February to be refered to as the peak months. Though gorilla tracking […]

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