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+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Why visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to almost half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, making it a must for gorilla trekking. The forest itself is ancient and dense, with over 160 tree species and more than 100 ferns, creating a lush, primeval setting that feels alive at every turn.

Beyond gorilla encounters, visitors can enjoy guided forest walks, birding and monkey watching. The park is home to black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys and the striking L’Hoest’s monkey, along with chimpanzees, golden cats, civets, giant forest hogs and smaller antelopes. Birdlife is exceptional, with over 350 species adding colour and song to the forest.

Did you know?

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of East Africa’s most extraordinary protected areas. Parts of the forest have existed for around 25,000 years, meaning it survived the last Ice Age and remains one of the continent’s oldest and most biologically rich habitats.

Mountain Gorillas

There are about 500 mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is around half of the remaining population.

Highlights of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Mountain gorillas: Home to the endangered mountain gorilla, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi offers rare, close encounters in the wild.
Ancient rainforest: One of Africa’s oldest forests, Bwindi is dense, mist-filled and alive with birdsong.
Remarkable biodiversity: Bwindi is home to giant forest hogs, 11 primate species including red-tailed, blue and black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons and chimpanzees, plus forest duiker, bushbuck, warthogs, civet cats, 350+ birds and 200 butterflies.
Distinct trekking regions: From Buhoma to Nkuringo, each sector has different terrain, views and levels of challenge.
Exceptional birdlife: A stronghold of the Albertine Rift, with rare species such as the African green broadbill and Shelley’s crimson wing.
Batwa heritage: Time with the Batwa people reveals how they once lived and hunted in harmony with the forest.
Rift Valley scenery: Rolling ridges and drifting morning mist create quietly dramatic landscapes.

Gallery

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Trekking, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Forest Walks, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Areal View, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Where to stay

Best hotels in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nothing but the best. Browse our handpicked, tried-and-tested luxury hotels.

Luxury Lodge

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Luxury Lodge

Sanctuary Gorillas Forest Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Good to know

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The only International airport in Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (EEB). From here, you can take a domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip, which are the local airfields close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

For domestic flights to Kihihi or Kisoro, most small aircraft have strict luggage allowances, and you are generally required to use a soft suitcase.

Is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a good place for families?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is suitable for families and children, however children under the age of 15 are not permitted to participate in the gorilla treks.

Which destinations combine well with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi works beautifully as part of a broader Ugandan journey. Queen Elizabeth National Park, a few hours’ drive away, offers savannah game-viewing, tree-climbing lions, elephants and hippos. Murchison Falls National Park showcases dramatic scenery, with the Nile plunging through a narrow gorge and abundant wildlife along the riverbanks. For adventure, Jinja provides kayaking, rafting and other watersports on the source of the Nile. A short stay in Entebbe provides access via the international airport and a gentle introduction to Uganda’s history and culture before venturing into the forest.

When to go

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is during the dry seasons. The first runs from mid-December to early February and the second from June to August. Trails are easier to navigate, and gorilla trekking is more comfortable in drier conditions.