Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Southwestern Uganda became a National park in 1991, a UNESCO World Heritage site &  famous for Mountain Gorillas. The park is a section of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with size 321 km2(124 sq mi), incorporating both lowland & montane Forest.

Highlights About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Location: Located in southwestern Uganda, near the border with the
  • Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Highlights: Famous for its population of endangered mountain gorillas.
  • Getting There by Driving: From Kampala, take the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route.
  • The journey takes approximately 8-9 hours by Road From Entebbe International Airport
  • Getting There by Flight: The nearest airstrip is in Kisoro, served by domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport.

Why Visit Bwindi National Park?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands as a sanctuary for the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, offering a profound and intimate glimpse into their intricate social structures and daily lives.

Nestled within the verdant hills of southwestern Uganda, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans approximately 321 square kilometers of dense rainforest, its name aptly reflecting the challenging terrain that characterizes much of its landscape. Home to nearly half of the global mountain gorilla population, Bwindi is a critical stronghold for the conservation of these magnificent creatures, drawing visitors from around the globe seeking encounters with these gentle giants.

Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Trekking Experience In Bwindi

Gorilla trekking lies at the heart of the Bwindi experience, presenting adventurers with the opportunity to embark on guided excursions deep into the mist-shrouded forest in search of habituated gorilla families. Led by experienced trackers and accompanied by knowledgeable guides, trekkers traverse rugged terrain, navigating through tangled vegetation and steep slopes in pursuit of these elusive primates. Each encounter is a profoundly moving and humbling experience, as visitors observe gorillas in their natural habitat, witnessing their complex social interactions, playful antics, and tender familial bonds.

How To Get To Bwindi National Park

Accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an adventure in itself, with visitors typically arriving by road or air. From Uganda’s capital, Kampala, travelers can embark on a scenic journey that winds its way through lush countryside, passing bustling towns and rural villages before reaching the park’s various entry points. For those seeking a quicker and more convenient option, domestic flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi Airstrip to nearby airstrips such as Kihihi and Kisoro, significantly reducing travel time and offering breathtaking aerial views of the landscape below. Once within the park, visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges, cozy cottages, and tented camps, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay amidst the natural splendor of Bwindi.

How to get Bwindi

When To Visit Bwindi National Park

Best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Gorilla trekking is the dry season from June to August, and December to February, which in Uganda is the dry season. This season comprises of with clearly blue skies, less slippery trails,  less/no rainfall which favors Gorilla trekking.

Yet the best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park For Bird-Watching(birding) runs from March – September & November  – April, which is the great time to cathch sight of migrating birds.

Things To Do In Bwindi National Park

Beyond Mount Gorillas, Bwindi offers a wealth of biodiversity and natural wonders to explore. Its ancient rainforest harbors a rich array of flora and fauna, including numerous species of birds, mammals, and plants, many of which are endemic to the region. Guided nature walks along well-maintained trails provide opportunities to encounter a diverse range of wildlife, from colorful birds flitting among the canopy to graceful duikers and bushbucks grazing in the undergrowth.

colobus monkey in nyungwe

Activities To Do Bwindi National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is listed among the world’s best safari destinations because of the numerous activities It offers.  Out of them, we rank the 8 top most activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park including Gorilla trekking, Gorilla Habituations, bird watching, Batwa cultural experience , forest walks, Buhoma community walks, Lake Mutanda Visit. These activities allow you to explore, discover and become part and partial of the park

Howver, although Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is still voted #1 gorilla trekking destination, with half of the world’s surviving endangered mountain gorillas, they form 14 habituated gorilla family groups for tourism in the 4 sectors of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo.