Discover Bwindi

Bwindi is situated in South Western Uganda and it is one of the oldest forests that survived the massive plate tectonics that created the Western Rift Valley. The word “Bwindi” is locally known by Bakiga as a “dark”, difficult, fearful place, and hence an “Impenetrable” Forest. Some of Bwindi’s canopy is so dense that no light passes through. Deep inside the jungles, lies a swamp as well. Bwindi comprises of 14 habituated gorilla families with one set for research purposes. It is not matter of branding this dense forest but the fact is that the flora and fauna that exists in the place form major reasons why Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the perfect destination for rare mountain gorilla trekking. No wonder why the CNN ranked Bwindi Impenetrable National Park among the five best national parks in Africa!
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• Entrance Fees, Activity Fees & Gorilla Permits
• Reservations
• Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safaris

Things to See in Bwindi

However, the mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest isn’t that impenetrable since visitors have access through and it is the perfect destination in Uganda for tourists. It is only in Bwindi Impenetrable forest in East and central Africa that mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are protected in the same environment.

While at Bwindi, your expectations shouldn’t dwell on only the 400 rare mountain gorillas, but also tremendous biodiversity that are uncommonly seen in other destinations.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a home to about 310 tree species, 100 luscious fems, 310 butterfly species, 346 bird species that exist in only Western Rift Valley. There are also forest elephants, duiker antelopes, bush pigs, leopards, civets, giant forest hogs, clawless otter, golden cats, genets, side striped jackals, bats and rare rodents.

A combination of other primates are also inhabited in Bwindi and they include the rare L’Hoests monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys and nocturnal prosimians like bush babies and pottos. In simple terms the impenetrable forest is an island of rare biodiversity which is also surrounded by the ocean of densely populated picturesque terraced farmlands!

Things to Do in Bwindi

The most popular activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is gorilla trekking, with most visitors to Uganda traveling to the park to view these captivating creatures in the rainforest.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also the only place in the world where you can take part in the gorilla habituation experience, which includes spending up to 4 hours tracking an unhabituated group of gorillas before they’re regularly tracked on standard gorilla trekking trips.

Other popular activities in Bwindi include nature walks, bird watching trips, hiking trails & cultural visits such as community walks on the park boundaries.

Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking is the main attraction since the forest is recorded to contain over six habituated Gorilla groups of which 8 permits that can be pre-booked from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offices in Kamwokya – Kampala are vacant for every group in the course of the day, These groups can be tracked from four trailheads. The gorilla groups are Nkuringo, Nshoji, Kahungye and Mishaya in the eastern part, Rushegura, Mubare, and Habiyanja in the northern part and Bitukura and Oruzogo in the eastern part though some of these have not yet been opened officially.

Naturalist Programs

Naturalists  give  walks  and  talks  about Bwindi’s  natural  and  cultural  history, every day.
Check out for scheduled walks, talks, and evening programs.

Walking and Hiking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park  has  a  wide  range  of  walking  and  hiking  possibilities.  Stop  by the different visitor centers  for  trail maps and current trail conditions, or see this page for a list of popular Valley day hikes.

Sightseeing

Some of the famous landmarks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include:

Tours & Experiences

There are lots of organized tours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Call +256772072909 or checkout the listing of the different tour operators who can organise a memorable holiday.

A gorilla safari can take 3 days however, you can add on a visit to other places. From swimming safaris in Lake Mutanda or Bunyonyi to hiking volcanoes and tracking golden monkey in Mgahinga Park. The opportunities are endless extending your safari to Queen Elizabeth national park for big mammal viewing and boat cruises or Kibale National park for chimpanzee tracking and primate viewing.

Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking within Bwindi Impenetrable forest National park  in southwestern Uganda is the height of your Ugandan safari. The country and the park are recognized as very safe and secure places to be thus you will be in position to see gorillas in their peaceful natural environment. It is a 8-9 hour drive from Kampala to Bwindi forest national park.

There are many credible companies to book with for your gorilla safari in Uganda. We advise you to book your gorilla safari with one of the best tour companies in Uganda with well trained staff who will advise and organise a memorable tour of your own.

How to Get to Bwindi National Park?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is reached by road from Kampala with drive times ranging from 9 – 12 hours, depending on which park gate you are travelling to. Domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport are also available to Kihihi airstrip & Kisoro airstrips, which take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, plus an overland transfer to the park gate of 1 – 2 hours.

How many mountain gorillas are there in Bwindi?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 480 mountain gorillas, which is almost half of the world’s remaining wild population.

How long does the normal gorilla trek last?

Unlike game drives, gorilla trekking doesn’t guarantee you paved trails. The tracks or paths are unpredictable as you can be wind through areas that have never been stepped on. This even guarantees you authentic wilderness experiences of truly African. On a normal day, a gorilla trekking excursion can run for about 2 to 6 hours depending on the fitness levels of the clients, location of gorilla families and general habitat state.

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Permits 2024

Regardless of the season that you plan to visit mountain gorillas, a valid gorilla permit is a must-have. One gorilla permit is issued to guests at US$800 for the category of foreign non-residents, US$700 for foreign residents and UGX 300,000 applying to Ugandans and the rest of the East African citizens.

In summary, trekking gorillas in Bwindi entirely requires moderate level of fitness to have a complete adventure. With early preparation, it is possible to have a successful trek with these charming creatures in their natural habitat.

When is the best time to Go Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking safaris can be done throughout the year. The hiking itself can be more arduous in the rainy seasons from April – May and in November, but at an altitude of 2000m and more, it can of course rain here at any time of the year. For more detail, see Uganda’s climate.
The most popular times for gorilla tracking are during the drier months, between December and February, and from about June to mid-September

A maximum of 80 gorilla tracking permits are available each day. Permits cost US$700 per person per visit, which may seem a lot but don’t begrudge the experience is worthy it; this money provides Uganda with a compelling economic reason to conserve the park and, amongst other things, pays for a 24-hour guard for each gorilla group. Not gorilla permits are given out on first come first sever so pay in time to your preferred tour operator to book you permit in time.

For those who see that the gorilla permit is expensive, here is some talk of reducing the cost of gorilla permits in the future during the low, rainy season so contact us for further information on this if you’re thinking of taking a gorilla trekking safari in April, May and November.

How Fit Do Need To Go Gorilla Trekking?

You don’t have to be super-fit for a gorilla trekking safari but it does help if you have a general level of fitness, if only to enhance your overall enjoyment of the experience. Walking will be at a slow pace with time for breaks if needed. Depending on which group you track, and the time of year you go, you might find yourself walking on some pretty steep slopes for several hours. On the other hand, you could reach your group after a 30-minute stroll. It’s best to prepare for the most active option however, and if nothing else, a few hill walks before you leave would be beneficial.

Choosing The Best Accommodation

To choose the best safari lodge, it will depend on how much you can afford some lodges and among best lodges to include Clouds Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla forest Camp and Mahogany springs and Nshongi Gorilla Resort. Different tour companies do give different quotes though the cheapest gorilla safari to Bwindi should have a price of $ 1000 {and this must be a group of 5people and above} while the super luxury should  cost $ 1500 to $ 2000 per person however, based on the reviews of most tour operators in the country most tourists prefer the mid- range which is affordable.

What Should I Pack for Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking paths can be muddy, steep or slippery so good walking boots are needed. You may need a walking stick for the steep and slippery paths. Since the forest is thick, it means it is not each to pass though so you will need long trousers rather than shorts. Take a waterproof jacket with you and some water with your packed food because the trek may be long than expected.
For those with heavy bags and you fill you can not trek with it and you would like to go with it, porters are available at the trail head to help carry your bag at a small price.

Photography On a Gorilla Trekking Safari

A you a good photographer, taking your own pictures of mountain gorillas is one of the most magical photo sessions you’ll ever experience. Do bear this in mind that the light can be poor in the rain forest and that use of flash is not permitted. You might also need to protect your camera against heavy rain.

Protecting Yourself

There are many ways to experience the wildness of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While traveling to new places, tou need to know about the conditions. With a little common sense and some pre-planning, you can minimize the unfavorable things that can be associated with many activities.

• Weather Conditions
• SunLight
• Physical Fitness
• Navigation
• Road Conditions & Driving in Uganda
• Keeping the Gorillas Wild

Supporting Your Park

Enhance the Visitor Experience
It takes a legion of people working together to protect Bwindi Impenetrable National park, a UNESCO world heritage site for you and future generations of
visitors. You too can extend your connection to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park well after you return home by getting involved with the organizations that partner to preserve this beautiful place.

• Governmental Organizations
• Non Governmental Organizations working to protect Bwindi
• Local Community Based Organizations & Local Projects

Where to Stay

Looking at where to stay? Discover from tent camping to five-star safari lodges. Find your ideal way to stay, get directions and plan your memorable trip! Get to know the best outdoor gear that you should bring for the many activities to enjoy in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If you’re looking for gorilla trek, a holiday, short break or weekend tour in Bwindi Forest then you’ll find all the information you need here.