National Parks | Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda
Lying on the edge of the Rift Valley, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas found within the Virunga transboundary in Uganda.
Bird watching
Hiking
Gorilla trekking
Game drive
Walking safaris
Boat safaris
Big game
Everything you need to know:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is an ancient, deep, and complex ecosystem cloaked in mist. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 25,000-year-old pristine wilderness covers nearly 130 square miles of ridges and undulating valleys lined from jungle floor to tree canopy with thick forest. The word “Bwindi” means “place of darkness” and a trek through the rugged terrain and dense undergrowth of this magnificent forest will certainly unveil why.
Where is the park located?
Located in the southwestern region of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a nature reserve that covers over 32,000 hectares. The park is situated above a venerable range of mountains and is on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley.
Due to its high altitude, it is known for being a diverse ecosystem that hosts a wide range of fauna species. As one of East Africa’s most famous biodiversity havens, the park is a popular destination for tourists who want to witness the stunning range of wildlife that it is home to.
About the park
What type of wildlife will we see?
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park boasts an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, which is largely due to its unique altitude and age. At 331 km², this remarkable park has stood the test of time, even surviving the last Ice Age. With elevations reaching heights of over 8,000 feet, its vast array of habitats has given rise to the presence of around 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, 200 butterfly species, 160 tree species, and 100 fern species.
Nicknamed the “Impenetrable Forest,” this habitat is recognized as a sanctuary, proving crucial for wildlife such as the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and colobus monkeys. Blessed with a lush and hilly landscape, the forest offers the ideal environment for these endangered species to thrive. With other unique locals, including the De Brazza and l’Hoest’s monkey, rare forest elephant, buffalo, and giant forest hog, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is an exceptional destination worth exploring.
Top experiences to enjoy at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi National Park offers an exceptional opportunity for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Many travelers visit Bwindi in pursuit of a life-changing gorilla trekking experience, which is the park’s primary attraction. You’ll embark on a challenging hike, with steep climbs and hikes that can range anywhere from 3 to 9 hours.
The prize for completing the experience is unparalleled, with awe-inspiring views of Bwindi’s breathtaking valleys and an unforgettable meeting with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi’s beautiful rainforest is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 350 species of bird, including the Elliot’s woodpecker, blue turaco, red-tailed bulbul, and the black bee-eater.
When to visit
Bwindi is an exceptional destination to visit, especially during the dry season when gorilla trekking is optimal. It’s important to note that rain can cause trails to be more challenging and slippery for travelers.
The dry seasons occur between December to February and June to August, with the lesser likelihood of rain, bringing about the most popular time to visit, during which, the park is the busiest. On the other hand, the low season from March to May and October to November, allow for a more peaceful and serene setting with fewer tourists in the park.
Migratory birds also populate the park from November to April, offering unique, exclusive birding tours for interested parties. Planning is essential, and visitors should take the season into account when scheduling a visit to the park.