Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies on the southern end of the western rift in southwest Uganda and is a popular home to the world’s most endangered Mountain Gorillas, adored and highly visited by the majority of travelers to Uganda. Originally, Bwindi was a crown forest reserve established in 1932, covering a total land area of approximately 298 km².
It was designated as a sanctuary to preserve the critically endangered mountain gorillas in 1964. It later became a fully-fledged national park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in 1991 after incorporating the Impenetrable Central Reserve, Rwenzori Mountain Reserve, and Mgahinga Gorilla Reserve. The name “Bwindi” was derived from a local dialect, “Mubwindi Bwa Nyinamuraki”, and in 1994, the park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is subdivided into 4 main gorilla regions: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the East, Rushaga in the southeast, and Nkuringo in the extreme south of the park. Each of these regions is unique and comprises iconic natural treasures, attracting large numbers of tourists to Bwindi every year.
Gorilla trekking is the main attraction in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is available year-round. Daytime temperatures range from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius, dropping considerably at night to around 11 degrees Celsius. Previously, during the low gorilla tracking season from March to May and occasionally in November, gorilla permits were discounted to $450 from the normal $600, but this practice has since been discontinued.
During this season, lodges also offer discounts, contributing to an increasing trend of visitors during the low season.
Other activities include:
- Birding in Africa’s Leading Bird Haven: With over 350 species, including 24 Albertine endemic species within the Mubwindi swamp and along the waterfall trail, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of Africa’s leading birding destinations. A walk in this misty rainforest allows you to spot species like the northern double-collared sunbird, Chapin’s flycatcher, the globally threatened species Shelly’s crimson wing, and the African green broadbill—currently one of the most sought-after bird species in this region.
- Cultural Encounters: The area is home to two main cultures: the Bakiga and the Batwa. Batwa experiences are popular cultural activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering village walks, cuisine tasting, and various other interesting options.
- Hiking and Nature Walks: For the adventurous, hiking and nature walks provide a perfect way to experience the depth of Bwindi Forest. Starting from the Buhoma region, the Munyanga River trail leads to pristine waterfalls, offering a truly rewarding experience. The sounds of the forest and the gentle mist make these nature walks enchanting. Along the trails, you may encounter fauna and flora, black and white colobus monkeys, colorful butterflies, tree ferns, and orchids.
Best Time to Visit Bwindi
While Bwindi is open for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking safaris year-round, the best times to visit are from June to August and from December to mid-February, which coincide with Uganda’s dry season.
Bwindi Forest, being a tropical rain-forest, may experience some rain at any time, but these months typically have the least recorded rainfall. During these periods, most forest trails are passable, making it easier to track gorillas as they go about their daily activities—feeding, grooming, and bonding as a group.
March to April and September to November are very wet months, but they offer the best bird-watching opportunities. Travelers planning a visit to Bwindi should pack rain gear, waterproof clothing, and appropriate hiking shoes for gorilla trekking and forest walks.
