Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s most iconic safari destinations. A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, it protects a spectacular landscape of forested hills and an incredibly rich biodiversity. While the park is world-famous for mountain gorilla trekking—with over 25 habituated gorilla families spread across four trekking hubs: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—there is much more to explore beyond the gorillas. You can discover serene lakes, hike the majestic Virunga Volcanoes, track rare golden monkeys in Mgahinga, enjoy world-class birdwatching, immerse yourself in local culture through community walks and cooking classes, or simply unwind in peaceful rainforest lodges. These experiences perfectly complement gorilla trekking, allowing you to turn your visit into a full Ugandan safari adventure filled with culture, nature, and relaxation.
Activities To Do At Bwindi Beyond Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Rafting Near Bwindi
If you love adventure, you will want to try jungle rafting on the Birira River.
Fed by the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, this river flows through dense tropical rainforest, creating a scenic environment you won’t find anywhere else in Africa. You will start in the town of Kambuga and drift down the river between Ishasha and Buhoma, surrounded by unspoiled beauty. As you float, the river meanders past rolling green hills, banana plantations, and thick forest.
Monkeys swing above you, and colorful birds flit across the water. You will hear the sounds of the rainforest all around—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and flowing water—creating a peaceful yet thrilling experience. The full-day trip runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and includes a traditional Ugandan lunch. Your safety is our priority: a qualified trip leader will guide the raft, while two experienced kayakers accompany you to monitor river conditions and assist if needed.
Gorilla rafting is perfect for families (ages 8+), nature lovers, and adventure seekers, giving you a unique perspective of the Bwindi region and its local communities.
Meet the Ancient Batwa Tribe
You can meet the Batwa, known as the “Keepers of the Forest,” one of Africa’s oldest indigenous tribes. When Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established to protect the endangered mountain gorillas, the Batwa were forced to leave their ancestral lands.
For centuries, they had lived in the forest as hunter-gatherers, relying entirely on it for food, medicine, and shelter. Losing their home was devastating, and early tourism often exploited their vulnerability. Today, however, tourism helps preserve their fascinating culture and secure their future.
Through respectful, immersive experiences organized by USAID and the Nkuringo Community Conservation and Development Foundation, you can join the Batwa as they introduce you to the forest. You will learn how they forage for and prepare food, practice hunting techniques with bows and arrows, and witness their traditional medicine-making, seeing their deep connection with nature firsthand. Your visit generates direct income for the guides and helps support education and community development for the wider Batwa community.
Buhoma to Nkuringo Walk
If you want to explore Bwindi beyond gorillas, the Buhoma to Nkuringo Walk is a perfect choice. This hike takes you deep into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
As you trek through the dense jungle, you spot colorful birds, playful monkeys, shy primates, reptiles, and delicate butterflies hidden among the trees.
The walk starts in the northern part of Bwindi near Buhoma village. With a professional guide, you walk approximately 10 kilometers south to Nkuringo, passing untouched jungle, scenic valleys, and breathtaking viewpoints. The trail takes about 6 to 7 hours due to the hilly terrain, giving you plenty of time to soak in the forest’s stunning scenery and observe its wildlife.
There are two trail options to suit different travelers. The Ivy River Trail is easier and winds through local villages, offering a chance to meet villagers and experience their daily life. The Kashasha River Trail is more challenging, ideal for adventurers and wildlife lovers. This trail focuses on spotting primates, exotic birds, and the thrill of forging your way through dense jungle.
The Buhoma to Nkuringo Walk is more than a hike—it is a complete Bwindi experience. It combines adventure, wildlife, and culture, allowing you to explore the forest’s magic away from the crowds. If you are looking for exciting things to do around Bwindi besides gorilla trekking, this walk is a must-do.
Cooking Class in Buhoma
In the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can join a hands-on cooking class that immerses you in the traditional dishes of the Bakiga culture.
Your day begins by gathering fresh vegetables and herbs from the Ride 4 a Woman Garden. Then, you work alongside the chef in the kitchen, learning to prepare authentic dishes such as matoke, G-nut sauce, roasted goat meat, and a variety of vegetables, including skumawiki (local spinach).
You will also discover Imonda, a traditional drink made from sorghum, millet, honey, and water. In the evening, you sit around the campfire to enjoy the meal you helped prepare, sharing stories and laughter with the women and families who guide you. All proceeds support Ride 4 a Woman, a social enterprise that empowers vulnerable women through skills training and job creation.
By joining the class, you not only enjoy an unforgettable cultural and culinary experience but also contribute to a meaningful cause that strengthens the local community.
Relax and Explore at Lake Mutanda
While Bwindi is famous for gorilla trekking, you can also escape to the serene beauty of nearby Lake Mutanda and enjoy the stunning landscapes of southwestern Uganda. Nestled at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes, this is possibly the most beautiful lake in East Africa.
Located between Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mutanda is surrounded by lush forests and dramatic volcanic peaks, creating a truly magical setting. At Mutanda Lake Resort, you can swim in the clear, bilharzia-free waters, relax and sunbathe on one of the three jetties, or take on more active adventures like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing on a laser sailboat.
For a traditional experience, glide across the lake in a dugout canoe, or hop on a motorboat to explore the surroundings, watch birds, and fully soak in the breathtaking scenery. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, Lake Mutanda offers a tranquil retreat—a perfect complement to your Bwindi safari particularly in Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors.
Climb the Amazing Virunga Volcanoes
Just beyond Bwindi’s forests, some of East Africa’s most stunning mountains await you.
The Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are your gateway to an adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. From here, you will enjoy a scenic drive to the Uganda Wildlife Authority office at Mgahinga, where your volcano hike begins.
Mgahinga is home to 3 of the 8 main Virunga Volcanoes: Sabinyo (3,669 m), Muhabura (4,127 m), and Gahinga (3,473 m). Each volcano offers trails of varying lengths and difficulty, and your guides will help you choose the one that best matches your fitness and experience.
One of the most thrilling climbs is Sabinyo, a volcano whose peak touches Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo simultaneously.
The trail can get muddy, but wooden ladders make climbing the three peaks safer. The hike usually takes around eight hours, but from the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of lakes, deep gorges, and the landscapes of three countries stretching as far as the eye can see.
Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Uganda is one of Africa’s top birding destinations, home to nearly half of the continent’s bird species—about 1,080 in total. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest alone, you have the chance to spot around 350 species, including 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics.
Birdwatching in Bwindi can be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding. As you walk along the silvan trails, pause by tumbling waterfalls, and scan the forest canopy, every outing feels like a thrilling treasure hunt. You may spot Chapin’s flycatcher, short-tailed warblers, green tinkerbirds, or the spectacular turacos. If luck is on your side, you might even become the first person to photograph the elusive Shelley’s crimsonwing in its natural habitat.
The Ruhija Sector’s highlands are particularly rich in birdlife. Here, you can explore the Mubwindi Swamp trail in search of the mysterious African green broadbill and many other rare and colorful species.
Experience the Serenity of Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi, meaning “place of the little birds,” is one of Uganda’s most enchanting and peaceful places. Located just north of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park near the Buhoma Sector, this stunning lava-dammed lake is approximately 900 meters deep, making it Africa’s second-deepest lake, and is dotted with numerous islands where you can spend the night.
Visiting Lake Bunyonyi offers you a rare moment of tranquility. Glide across the calm waters in a traditional dugout canoe and immerse yourself in the heart of rural Uganda.
Sail to one of the islands to fully appreciate the lake’s mystical beauty. Along the way, you will witness children traveling to school by canoe and local produce being ferried across the water, giving you an authentic glimpse of daily life in Uganda.
With a range of accommodations—from budget to luxury—you can stay right on the lake, enjoy breathtaking views, watch canoeists navigate between the 29 islands, spot colorful birds, swim safely, or simply relax and soak in the spectacular scenery.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga
Just a short distance from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors, you can embark on a unique wildlife adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: tracking the rare and playful golden monkeys. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you will trek through the lush forest in search of these striking primates. Golden monkeys are accustomed to visitors, making them safe to observe, yet their speed and agility ensure an exciting challenge for you.
Along the trail, you’ll also encounter the forest’s incredible diversity—colorful birds, exotic butterflies, and a wide variety of trees that make this habitat so unique. The trek can be relatively difficult as the trails wind along the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, but the reward of seeing golden monkeys in their natural environment is truly unforgettable. This experience is a must for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers looking to explore more of Uganda’s extraordinary forests.
Relaxation at Bwindi Lodges
After your thrilling gorilla trekking adventures in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you deserve time to relax and reconnect with nature. The lodges around Bwindi are nestled within lush rainforest, where the gentle sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves create the perfect backdrop for unwinding.
You can indulge in soothing spa treatments, including massages and steam baths, or simply curl up in a comfortable lounge by the fireplace. Step out onto your private veranda to watch the forest come alive with wildlife, or enjoy a quiet moment of reflection surrounded by breathtaking scenery. With delicious local and international meals served in serene settings, you’ll find the perfect balance of comfort, luxury, and nature. Staying at a Bwindi lodge isn’t just about accommodation—it’s about immersing yourself in the peace and beauty of one of Uganda’s most enchanting landscapes.
