Bwindi National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, proudly home to the world’s most endangered primates, the Mountain Gorillas, with a population of about 500—roughly half of the world’s total population. This park is one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests. It was gazetted in 1991, and the first tourists visited in 1993 after the successful habituation of the first ever gorilla family in the Buhoma region.
Bwindi has since grown to become a favorite among travelers globally, who seek to catch a glimpse of the world’s most endangered primates. In 1932, Bwindi Forest was gazetted as a Crown Forest reserve covering an area of about 298 km2. In 1964, it was designated a wildlife sanctuary aimed at protecting and conserving the mountain gorillas.
However, in 1991, areas including the Rwenzori Mountain Reserve, the Impenetrable Central Reserve, and the Mgahinga Gorilla Reserve were incorporated into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to form one large conservation area. Locals refer to it as “Mubwindi Bwa Nyinamuraki”. It was later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 in recognition of its diverse culture and wildlife. The park now covers a total area of 331 sq km.
This famous “impenetrable forest” is biologically diverse and protects over 400 species of plants, 120 mammals including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and buffaloes. There are around 350 species of birds sheltered in this fascinating forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors:
- Buhoma sector: Located in the northern part of Bwindi, it was the first sector where a gorilla family was habituated in 1993. It stands out as the most visited sector year-round due to its accessibility from Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park and its popular lodges and campsites. It is home to four gorilla families: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe. Accommodations here include Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Silverback Lodge, Engagi Lodge, and Bwindi Lodge, among others.
- Ruhija sector: Located in the eastern side of the park, Ruhija is easily accessible from Kabale, Kisoro, or Buhoma. This sector has three gorilla families: Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Kyaguriro. Accommodation facilities here include Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Trekkers’ Tavern Cottages, Gift of Nature Lodge, and Ruhija Gorilla Resort, among others.
- Rushaga sector: Located on the southern tip of Bwindi in Kisoro district, Rushaga is home to the largest number of gorilla families in Bwindi. These include Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, and Bweza gorilla groups. Accommodation facilities here include Gorilla Valley Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, among others.
- Nkuringo sector: Located in the southern part of the park, Nkuringo has only two gorilla families: Nkuringo with 19 members and the newly opened Christmas family. Accommodations in Nkuringo include Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Chameleon Hill Lodge, among others.
Bwindi National Park is a place of adventure, relaxation, and nature/ecofriendly experiences.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park
Trekking the endangered mountain gorillas is conducted in the four sectors of Bwindi as described above. This activity is extremely fun, adventurous, and exciting—a wilderness activity you must experience while in Uganda, especially in this park and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking is done in groups of no more than eight persons allocated to track each gorilla family, starting at 7:00 am daily. During a gorilla trek, you will follow the footprints of the mighty mountain gorillas, exploring the forests until you meet the family led by the dominant male, the Silverback.
Alternatively, Bwindi National Park offers an unforgettable chance to participate in the gorilla habituation experience. Unlike usual gorilla trekking, which allows one hour with a family, habituation experience allows trekkers to spend up to 4 hours with a specific gorilla family.
Birding in Bwindi Forest National Park
There are approximately 350 bird species in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift Valley endemics (90% of Albertine Rift Valley endemics) such as the Short-tailed Warbler and Blue-headed Sunbird. Common sightings include the African Blue and White-tailed Blue Flycatchers, African Emerald Cuckoo, Common Bulbul, and Red-headed Bluebill. Birding takes place along the main trail, Buhoma Waterfalls, Rushaga, Ruhija trails, and in the Nkuringo sector.
Cultural Encounters
Explore the culture of local communities—the Bakiga and Batwa pygmies—through village walks, visits to blacksmiths, craft shops, and vibrant dances, all against the stunning backdrop of the forest-covered hills of Bwindi.
Hiking/Nature Walks
There are six nature trails in Buhoma for those who wish to explore the impenetrable forest. These include Munyanga Waterfall, Rushura Hill Walk, Muzubijiro Loop, the Buhoma-Nkuringo Trail, and the Ivy River Walk (where wild pigs can be found, giving it its name).
This will give you a chance to see a number of bird species such as the Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Black Duck, and Black Bee-eaters, as well as primates like baboons and red-tailed monkeys.
Biking/Cycling
Mountain biking follows a well-maintained trail from the park headquarters at Buhoma to the Ivy River. Along this 13 km trail, you may see wildlife such as bushbucks, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an incredibly interesting park that you should visit before leaving planet Earth. It’s a place that can leave you spoiled for choice in the Pearl of Africa. Come and penetrate the impenetrable.
