Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Why Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Dense, mountainous, lush, breathtakingly beautiful – and poetically named. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is not, however, entirely impenetrable. A mist-covered maze of treetops, tangled roots, and curling ferns, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest stands as one of Africa’s great conservation success stories. Once affected by civil unrest, it is now a magical wilderness filled with life and sound, home to 20 primate species, including Africa’s largest population of mountain gorillas.

The park lies in southwestern Uganda, about 500 kilometers from Kampala. It covers an area of 331 square kilometers. Bwindi is around 25,000 years old, making it one of Africa’s oldest surviving rainforests. It is also among the most biologically diverse forests on the continent. In recognition of its exceptional natural value, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park was designated UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994.

baby mother gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You won't find a greener place than Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is green. Endlessly green. As you drive towards the park, the number of houses along the road diminishes. You slowly enter the jungle. It becomes cooler because of all the greenery.

You see gigantic trees, giant ferns five or six meters tall, beautiful flowers. Bwindi is one of those places that is practically impossible to explain. You only truly understand how special it is once you are there.

As you drive through the park on your way to your accommodation, you’ll gain quite a bit of elevation. You’ll descend through and over peaks. Because of all the hairpin bends, your average speed is less than 20 kilometers per hour. And that’s no hardship: driving through Bwindi is a magical experience.

Bwindi is the place to spot Mounatain gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is very different from Uganda’s savanna parks.

You cannot explore it by car. Bwindi is a dense rainforest jungle. To explore it, you must hike.

You follow narrow trails. You listen. You observe. More than 90% of visitors come to Bwindi for one reason. Gorilla trekking. More than half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas live here.

To find the gorillas, you hike deep into the forest. The walk can be challenging. But it is always rewarding. Meeting mountain gorillas in their natural home is unforgettable.

Bwindi is also a paradise for bird lovers. More than 350 bird species live here. 23 of them are Albertine Rift endemics. You will hear birds long before you see them. The forest is also home to many monkeys. Black-and-white colobus monkeys move through the treetops.

You may also spot red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys. Forest elephants live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well. They are rare and very shy. They are also more unpredictable than savanna elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Seeing one is extremely special, but also uncommon.

Enjoy Bwindi's beauty an active way

Bwindi is the perfect place to explore nature on foot. After a few days in Uganda’s savanna parks, the forest feels refreshing. The air is cooler. The pace is slower. Walking here is pure enjoyment. There are several ways to experience Bwindi actively.

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is the main reason most travelers visit Bwindi. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

There are two types of gorilla trekking. With regular gorilla trekking, you visit a family of gorillas that is fully habituated. The gorillas are used to human presence. The trek usually lasts half a day.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is different. Here, the gorillas are still getting used to people. You trek in a small group of up to four visitors. Researchers join the walk and share their knowledge.

The experience lasts a full day and allows more time with the gorillas. This option is more exclusive and more intense. It also comes at a higher cost. The Gorilla Habituation Experience costs 1,500 US dollars. Regular gorilla trekking costs 800 US dollars.

Nature walks

A guided nature walk is a must when visiting Bwindi. You explore the forest together with a ranger.

They explain the ecosystem and the plants around you. You learn about medicinal herbs. You discover butterflies, insects, and other small forest life. During the walk, you also learn about the Batwa people.

They were the original inhabitants of Bwindi. For thousands of years, they lived as hunter-gatherers in the forest. Today, the Batwa no longer live inside the park. They have been relocated to surrounding areas.

This changed their way of life deeply. You can visit Batwa communities near the park. It offers insight into their traditions and culture. It is a respectful way to understand Bwindi’s human history.

Hike from Buhoma to Nkuringo

For travelers who want something special, there is a longer hike through the forest.

This trail connects Buhoma and Nkuringo. You start at the ranger post in Buhoma. From there, you walk deep into the park with rangers and porters. You cross rivers. You pass waterfalls.

You hike through untouched forest. At the end of the trail, you arrive in Nkuringo. A vehicle picks you up there. This hike is done by very few visitors. It is quiet. It is immersive.

It is perfect if you want to spend more time in Bwindi and truly feel the forest.