Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Home to half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas in the mist-covered forests of Uganda
Home to half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas in the mist-covered forests of Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda, renowned as one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth. This ancient rainforest, dating back over 25,000 years, is home to approximately half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population.
The park covers 331 square kilometers of dense jungle, with elevations ranging from 1,160 to 2,607 meters above sea level. Its name "Bwindi" translates to "darkness" in the local language, referring to the thick vegetation that creates a permanent twilight atmosphere beneath the forest canopy.
Beyond its famous gorillas, Bwindi hosts 120 mammal species, 350 bird species (including 23 endemic to the Albertine Rift), 220 butterfly species, and 27 frog species. The park is also a vital water catchment area, feeding multiple river systems that flow into Lake Edward.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. But what truly makes Bwindi extraordinary is its population of endangered mountain gorillas.
The park is home to approximately half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, with about 459 individuals living in 50 families. Of these, 19 gorilla families have been habituated for tourism, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking is the highlight of any visit to Bwindi. The experience begins early in the morning with a briefing from park rangers, after which visitors are divided into small groups of up to 8 people. Each group is assigned a gorilla family to track, accompanied by experienced guides and trackers.
The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once found, visitors are allowed to spend one magical hour observing the gorillas as they go about their daily lives - feeding, playing, resting, and interacting with each other.
Bwindi is divided into four sectors for gorilla trekking, each offering a unique experience:
Most accessible with gentle terrain, ideal for first-time trekkers
Located at a higher elevation (2,350m), offering cooler temperatures and scenic views.
Largest number of gorilla families including the Nshongi group
Most challenging terrain with stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes
522 kilometres (324 miles)
331 sq km (128 sq mi) of montane forest
1,160 to 2,607 meters (3,806 to 8,553 ft)
1991 (National Park status)
World Heritage Site since 1994
~459 individuals (half of world's population)
350+ bird species (23 Albertine Rift endemics)
120 mammal species
220 butterfly species
$800 per person (Foreign Non-Residents)
$700 (Foreign Residents)
$500 (Rest Of Africa Residents)
UGX 300,000 (East African Residents)
Explore the forest trails to discover birds, monkeys, and stunning flora
Experience local Batwa pygmy culture and traditions
Spot some of the 350+ bird species including 23 Albertine Rift endemics
Trek to beautiful waterfalls hidden in the forest
Early morning briefing at park headquarters. Pack essentials: water, snacks, rain jacket, and good hiking boots. Porters available to assist with carrying bags.
Duration varies (30 min - 6 hrs) depending on gorilla location. Terrain can be steep and muddy. Experienced guides lead small groups of 8 visitors maximum.
One magical hour with the gorillas. Maintain 7m distance. No flash photography. Observe feeding, playing, and social interactions in their natural habitat.