Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi hosts over 25 habituated mountain gorilla
family groups for trekking.

Dense jungle trails reveal
rare monkeys, birds, butterflies, and forest elephants.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Uganda’s most iconic gorilla trekking destination.

This rugged rainforest spans over 320 square kilometres and shelters nearly half the global population of mountain gorillas.

More than 25 habituated families live in four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

The park also supports chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

Its thick vegetation, high biodiversity, and mist-shrouded slopes offer a rare opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most biologically rich forests. Whether tracking gorillas or birding from the trail, every step through Bwindi reveals something ancient, fragile, and awe-inspiring beneath the jungle canopy.

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Attractions

Bwindi Highlights

Dense rainforest trails, mountain gorilla families, and fascinating biodiversity define highlights that capture Bwindi’s raw, unforgettable jungle experience.

Home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas in four distinct trekking zones across the forest.
Guided treks lead visitors to habituated gorilla families in their natural, misty montane rainforest habitat.
Endangered species like chimpanzees, forest elephants, and L’Hoest’s monkeys roam hidden in thick jungle undergrowth.

Birders enjoy sightings of 23 Albertine Rift endemics, including short-tailed warblers and African green broadbills.
Stunning biodiversity includes over 120 mammals, 220 butterfly species, and hundreds of plant species.
Waterfalls, dense vegetation, and misty ridges make hiking scenic and physically rewarding for adventurous travellers.

Activities to Do in Bwindi

Bwindi offers unforgettable gorilla trekking, forest walks, birdwatching, cultural tours, and primate sightings amid ancient Afro-montane jungle.

Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi’s signature experience is trekking to see mountain gorillas. After a briefing, small guided groups hike into the forest to locate a habituated gorilla family. Once found, visitors spend one life-changing hour quietly observing gorilla behaviour at close range. Trek difficulty varies, but the reward of standing among wild gorillas in their natural habitat is truly unmatched.

Birdwatching

Bwindi is a premier birding destination with over 350 species, including rare Albertine Rift endemics. Guided walks along forest trails offer chances to spot the regal African green broadbill, Rwenzori batis, and handsome francolin. Early mornings are best, and knowledgeable bird guides help identify calls, movement, and plumage in dense canopy and forest edge zones.

Forest Walks

Beyond gorillas, Bwindi offers scenic nature walks to waterfalls, ridgelines, and ancient fig trees. Led by local guides, these walks highlight unique plants, butterflies, and hidden animal trails. It’s a gentler alternative to trekking, ideal for families or those wanting to explore Bwindi’s biodiversity without committing to the full rigour of a mountain gorilla trek.

Cultural Encounters

Visitors can engage with the Batwa people, forest-dwelling hunter-gatherers who lived in Bwindi before conservation efforts began. Cultural walks include storytelling, music, medicinal plant use, and traditional hunting techniques. These tours are community-led and offer a respectful and enriching way to understand the human history intertwined with the forest’s ecology.

Best Time to Visit Bwindi

Gorilla trekking succeeds June to August or December to February, thanks to drier trails and higher chances for comfortable, rewarding photography opportunities.

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Wet Season

Best Trekking Seasons

The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking is during the dry months from June to August and December to February. These periods offer relatively dry trails, easier hiking conditions, and better visibility. Gorilla tracking permits are in high demand during these months, so advance booking is essential.

Bwindi has a tropical climate, with rainfall possible year-round. March to May and September to November are wetter, making trails muddy and more challenging. However, some visitors prefer these quieter months, as treks feel more exclusive and lodges offer off-season rates.

Daytime temperatures remain around 22°C (72°F), while mornings can dip to 12°C (54°F), especially in higher altitudes. Good boots, layered clothing, and waterproof gear are essential year-round. Wildlife sightings are consistent, but hiking comfort varies with the rain. Gorilla tracking is possible in every season, thanks to experienced guides and well-managed routes.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Dry Season

Accommodations / Where to Stay

Bwindi features forest lodges, eco-camps, and mid-range stays in Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Most offer quick trail access, forest views, and warm hospitality near gorilla zones.

Uganda

Angama Mara

Luxury Lodge

Uganda

Ol Donyo Lodge

Luxury Lodge

Uganda

Sirikoi Lodge

Luxury Lodge

wildlife To See

Colobus
Elephant
Gorilla
Monkey
Broadbill

Get To
Bwindi

Most travellers fly into Entebbe International Airport, then take a domestic flight to either Kihihi (for Buhoma) or Kisoro (for Nkuringo and Rushaga). From there, road transfers take 1–4 hours, depending on the sector. Overland travel from Kampala takes 9–11 hours and often includes stops in Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo National Parks. Some travellers fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and drive 4–5 hours to Bwindi’s southern trailheads. A 4WD vehicle is advised during the wet seasons.

What our guests are saying

4.5/5 Based on
975 reviews

Hannah W

Feb 2025

Amazing experience

The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.

Hannah W

Feb 2025

Amazing experience

The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.

View All Reviews

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Ancient rainforest home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas and a sanctuary for Albertine Rift endemics.

Bwindi hosts over 25 habituated mountain gorilla family groups for trekking.

Dense jungle trails reveal rare monkeys, birds, butterflies, and forest elephants.

Gallery

Map

Bwindi Highlights