Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Ancient rainforest in southwest Uganda, and the home of the mountain gorillas.
Why visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park sits in the far southwest of Uganda, close to the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest, most biologically rich forests in East Africa.
It is best known as the place to trek mountain gorillas — Bwindi shelters a very large share of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas — but the steep, misty hills also hold forest elephants, colourful primates and hundreds of bird species.
Highlights
Mountain gorillas
Habituated gorilla families live across the park, and treks set off from several sectors including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Rainforest birding
The forest is a serious birding destination, with many Albertine Rift species that are hard to find elsewhere.
Community encounters
Villages around the park offer guided walks and cultural visits, including with the Batwa, the forest’s original people.
Things to do
- Gorilla trekking
- Guided forest and birding walks
- Village and Batwa cultural visits
- Lake Bunyonyi (nearby) canoe trips
Best time to visit
The drier months — June to August and December to February — give the easiest trekking, with firmer trails. Gorilla trekking runs all year, but the rainy months of April, May and November make the slopes muddier.
How to get there
Bwindi is a long drive from Kampala (roughly 8 to 10 hours, depending on the route and traffic). Many visitors break the journey, or fly from Entebbe to an airstrip near the park and transfer by road.
Questions travellers ask
Where is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
In the far southwest of Uganda, close to the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
When is the best time to trek gorillas in Bwindi?
The dry seasons — June to August and December to February — are easiest underfoot. Trekking runs all year, and the rains bring lush scenery but muddier trails.
What does a gorilla trekking permit include?
A permit lets one visitor spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family, accompanied by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. It does not cover transport, accommodation or guiding, which are arranged separately. We handle permit booking for our guests.
Who can go gorilla trekking?
Trekkers must be at least 15 years old and reasonably fit, as the terrain is steep and can be wet. Porters are available to help carry bags.
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