Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants.

Bwindi and its neighbour Mgahinga National Park are home to over half the world's remaining population of mountain gorillas, the rest of which are heavily protected in Rwanda and DRC. It is one of the most unique and richest forests in Africa, as well as the gorillas there are other primates, elephant, genet, bush buck, duiker, buffalo, leopard and civet, over 350 bird species and lots of butterflies. Tracking gorillas is one of the most exciting wildlife adventures you will ever do and is a captivating, humbling experience which we highly recommend.

Did you know?

• The gorilla families are within different areas of the park but it depends on the availability of gorilla permits which will determine where you will stay.
• There are 3 areas, the best known is Buhoma, which is quite a touristy area with the greatest number of gorillas and lodges. Ruhija is an hour and a half drive from Buhoma and a fairly new gorilla family can be seen here, there are a couple of lodges within the simple and untouristy village. Then to the west is Nkuringo where the luxury Clouds Lodge is situated. Most people stay in Buhoma but you can drive up to 3 hrs to the start of your trek so it’s worth staying in the area where you have the gorilla permits.
• It can be wet and muddy so make sure you take good walk boots and clothing.
• You can walk from 40 minutes up to 7 hrs to find the gorillas so you will need a reasonable amount of fitness. (7hrs is rare though!).
• Numbers in Bwindi and Mgahinga are restricted so book well in advance for gorilla permits.
• There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.