The Mountain Gorilla Sanctuary. Home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas in a pristine UNESCO World Heritage forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda, covering 321 square kilometers of pristine montane and lowland forest. The park gets its name from the dense vegetation that makes it "impenetrable" and creates a perfect sanctuary for wildlife.
Bwindi is world-renowned as the home of approximately half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population, with about 459 individuals living within its ancient forests. The park protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) divided into about 50 family groups, of which 21 are habituated for tourism.
Beyond gorillas, Bwindi is a biodiversity hotspot with 120 mammal species, 348 bird species, 220 butterfly species, and over 1,000 flowering plant species. The park's elevation ranges from 1,160 to 2,607 meters above sea level, creating diverse microhabitats within the forest.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers one of Africa's most profound wildlife experiences - tracking endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience of coming face-to-face with these gentle giants is often described as life-changing and is one of Uganda's premier tourism attractions.
The park is divided into four main sectors for gorilla tracking: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers unique terrain, gorilla families, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trekking experience varies from relatively easy walks to challenging hikes through steep, dense forest.
Gorilla tracking is undoubtedly the main attraction, but Bwindi offers much more. Visitors can also track chimpanzees, go bird watching (including 23 Albertine Rift endemics), take guided nature walks, and visit local Batwa communities who originally inhabited these forests.
The forest is also home to other primates including black-and-white colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, blue monkeys, and baboons. Rare mammals like forest elephants, giant forest hogs, and various antelope species also inhabit the park, though they're more difficult to spot in the dense vegetation.
Bwindi is divided into four main sectors where gorilla tracking permits are available, each offering different experiences:
Original starting point with easiest terrain and good accommodation options
Higher elevation with stunning views and excellent bird watching
Largest number of gorilla families including habituated groups
Most challenging terrain with dramatic scenery over Lake Bunyonyi
540 kilometres (335 miles) to Buhoma
321 sq km (124 sq mi)
1,160 to 2,607 meters (3,806 to 8,553 ft)
1991 (as National Park)
World Heritage Site since 1994
400+ mountain gorillas (21 habituated groups)
120 mammal species
348 bird species
10 primate species
Guided walks through different forest trails to see birds, primates and waterfalls
Cultural encounters with the indigenous Batwa forest people
Spot Albertine Rift endemics and other forest bird species
Trek to beautiful waterfalls hidden within the forest
Early morning briefing at the park headquarters about gorilla behavior, tracking rules, and safety. Porters can be hired to carry daypacks and assist during the trek.
Guided hike through dense forest lasting 1-8 hours depending on gorilla location. Trekking can be challenging with steep terrain, thick vegetation, and high altitude.
One hour with the gorilla family once located. Observe their natural behaviors from a safe distance - feeding, playing, grooming, and resting in their forest home.
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