The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda | Gorilla Trekking & More
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exceptional biodiversity, especially as home to nearly half the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, alongside chimpanzees and numerous bird species. This ancient, dense rainforest, located on the Albertine Rift, offers challenging treks and vital conservation for its unique ecosystem, supporting activities like gorilla trekking, birding, hiking, and cultural visits.
Step right into the heart of Uganda’s Bwindi Forest National Park. Get there, see the sights, stay the night, get a gorilla safari permit, travel suggestions, what to pack, when to go, and more with the help of our independent information portal. Get the latest updates regarding the Ugandan mountain gorillas.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is nestled in southwestern Uganda. The thick vegetation and the fact that it means “a place full of darkness” give the forest its name. More than half of the mountain gorilla population seeks sanctuary in this densely forested area of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The only sounds breaking the stillness are the distant chirp of a turaco and the gentle rustling of leaves. The air is muggy and stagnant. As you walk among towering ferns, moss-covered trees, and the musty aroma of fallen leaves, you will experience the bounty of the ground beneath your feet. The natural splendour of a long-gone forest awaits you here, and you are invited to come and discover it.
One of the best ways to see Africa’s gorgeous gorillas up close is on a safari in Uganda, particularly in the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Wildlife aficionados flock to this park, which is among the best tourist destinations in Uganda. During the dry seasons (June–August and December–February), when paths are more accessible, gorilla trekking in Uganda is at its best. Tourists deciding between Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking typically find that Uganda is the better option because to its varied landscapes, more affordable permits, and overall allure of Africa’s natural attractions.
How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Approximately 550 kilometres from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, lies Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest area of the country. Using the All Kabira offer will get you a free flight into Kihihi or Kisoro airport, which are the most convenient options for getting to the park from Entebbe International Airport. After that, you’ll finish the trip with a beautiful drive through verdant landscapes and rolling hills, where you’ll see traditional Ugandan settlements and marvel at the Virunga Mountains.
Another choice is to take a road trip, which can take anywhere from seven to nine hours from Kampala. To make the most of this adventure, consider stopping for a night or two in Lake Mburo National Park. The path meanders through hilly regions of the Kigezi Highlands, through villages full of life and activity, and past tea plantations. Despite the length of the drive, the scenery is breathtaking, showing a side of Uganda that few people get to experience. When you get to Bwindi, there’s a system of well-kept trails that will take you to different lodges and camps, each of which offers a different approach into the heart of the forest.
5-Day Gorilla Trek Uganda
Indulge in uninterrupted moments with a family of habituated mountain gorillas on the 5-Day Gorilla Trek Uganda by road via Kigali which seamlessly connects these two fascinating countries. You may go straight to the middle of Bwindi National Park in Uganda from the lively city of Rwanda, Kigali, via this one-of-a-kind path. Those looking to avoid the long 10-hour drive from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi’s.
Gorilla Trekking Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers an unforgettable, intimate encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with permits costing $800 for foreign non-residents in 2026. The best times to trek are during the dry seasons (June-August, December-February) for easier hiking through the dense, mountainous jungle.
Attractions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for harboring almost half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, making gorilla trekking its premier attraction. Key attractions include guided trekking to encounter habituated gorilla families, the intense Gorilla Habituation Experience, birdwatching with over 350 species, and diverse forest hiking trails.
Wondering what is there to see in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Attractions in Bwindi are the natural inhabitants of the forest that many would want to glimpse at. There are several attractions to see in the Bwindi forest and here are the top things to see;
1. Mountain Gorillas
The Gorilla species in the Bwindi forest are the mountain gorillas that are living in their natural habitat. About 480 mountain gorillas live in the Bwindi forest and 19 gorilla families have been habituated for gorilla safaris in Uganda. Mountain gorillas here live in their natural habitat and are habituated in 4 different sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Mountain Gorillas are actually increasing in numbers because of the great conservation efforts. Mountain gorilla families in Bwindi include the Rushegura, Habinyaja, Mubare, and Katwe gorilla groups for the Buhoma sector. Bitukura, Kyaguriro, Mukizo, and Oruzogo gorilla groups in the Ruhija gorilla sector, Bishasho, Nkuringo, and Christmas gorilla groups for Nkuringo gorilla sector and Nsonji, Mishaya, Bweza, Kahunjye, Businjye, Rwiji, Muchunguzi, and Bikyinji gorilla groups in the Rushaga sector.
2. Bird species
Though popular for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Bwindi Forest has also been named the best birding destination in Africa. For all birders who would love to spot forest birds as well as the Albertine rift endemic birds, Bwindi is the best place to visit. The forest in the northern area hosts 76 of the 144 Congo biome bird species and 68 of 86 Afro tropical biome species. 23 out of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics can be seen in the Bwindi forest. Some of the bird species to look out for include the Rwenzori Nightjar, Short-tailed Warbler, Blue-headed Sunbird, African Blue Flycatcher, Common Bulbul, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Red-headed Bluebill, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Shelley’s Crimson wing, Handsome Francolin, and many more.
3. Primates and other Wildlife species
Primates or any other kinds of wildlife are not the main attraction in Bwindi but still exist. Almost 120 mammal species are estimated to be living within the forest and these include about 10 primates. Some of the primates include the common chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, black and white colobus. In the forest can also be found about 27 species of frogs and 220 butterfly species.
4. Flora
Floristically, the Bwindi forest is one of the best places to explore because of the many floral species. Both the low altitude and high altitude primary Afromontane forests can be found in the park. The forest has about 220 tree species that form almost more than 50% of tree species in Uganda. More than 1000 flowering plants with about 100 fern species. In case you are interested in flora, Bwindi forest is one of the old and biologically diverse parks in Uganda that you should not miss visiting.
Things to Do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s main activities center around gorilla trekking, offering unique experiences like the 4-hour habituation, plus extensive hiking and nature walks on trails leading to waterfalls, hills, and deep forest, ideal for spotting other primates, birds (over 350 species!), and butterflies. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, Batwa cultural tours to learn about indigenous people, mountain biking, and community visits, providing rich wildlife and cultural immersion.
1. Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is in most cases undertaken at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla trekking is undertaken each day in the park after a purchase of a gorilla permit that costs $700 each for a single trek. Bwindi forest is favorable for Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda because the park has more mountain gorillas compared to any other gorilla safari park. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are cheaper compared to neighboring Rwanda costing only $700. Persons eligible for gorilla trekking include those above the age of 15 years, have purchased a gorilla permit prior, and are free from any kind of illness. It’s known that Bwindi forest is on a high altitude and requires hiking, however, Kabira Safaris will always help travelers who are unable to hike undertake their gorilla safari.
2. Gorilla Habituation
Spending more time with mountain gorillas means learning more about these elusive species. Unlike gorilla trekking where you spend only 60 minutes in the presence of a fully habituated gorilla family, for gorilla habituation, you spend 4 hours in the presence of non fully habituated gorillas. For gorilla habituation, Bwindi Forest National Park is the only destination that offers the activity world over. Tourists spend 4 hours learning about gorillas with the guidance of park rangers and gorilla doctors. Gorilla habituation in Bwindi costs $1500 per permit per trek.
3. Bird watching
With the variety of bird species in the forest, birders can have one of the best experiences. Bird watching in the Bwindi forest alone can take about 4 days with several sightings including the Albertine rift endemic bird species. Best spots for a birding safari in Uganda to Bwindi include the Mubwindi swamp, Buhoma water trail, River Ivi trail, and the bamboo zone. 23 out of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics can be seen in the Bwindi forest. Some of the bird species to look out for include the Rwenzori Nightjar, Short-tailed Warbler, Blue-headed Sunbird, African Blue Flycatcher, Common Bulbul, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Red-headed Bluebill, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Shelley’s Crimson wing, Handsome Francolin, and many more.
What is the Best time to visit Bwindi National Park?
The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons: June to August and December to February. During these months, trails are less slippery, and vegetation is less dense, making hiking easier and viewing better. These periods offer the best, driest weather.
Knowing the Best Time to Go to Bwindi Forest is key in making your Gorilla Safari Uganda memorable. The best time to visit Bwindi or to go Gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season months when the rains are less. This is during the months of December – February, and June – August. During this time the roads are less slippery and therefore the park is very accessible. However, note that there is no such a time when the park is closed therefore gorilla trekking is done all year round. You can book your trip just depending on your schedule.
The best time for bird watching in the Bwindi forest is during the months of March to September in the dry season. From November to April is the best time to spot migratory birds in the park. However, during the best time to visit Bwindi, it’s a peak season and therefore all bookings and payments should be done early to avoid missing out on permits or accommodation.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Safari Lodges
Most people who travel to Uganda to see gorillas do it in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Tourists can visit more than 25 different gorilla groups every day, and there are more trekking permits available here than at any other gorilla site in East Africa put together. Bwindi is home to a plethora of lodging options, including the several five-star resorts and camps detailed below. Be mindful that Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo are four geographically separate gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi, in case you intend to arrange your own reservations. Therefore, before you get your trekking permit, make sure your lodge is in the same area.