Uganda Top Destinations

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 320 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups, which can be tracked.

Background Information

Protected Area Type: National Forest Park     When to go: All year round
Park Size:338 sq km

Bwindi National Park is located in the south-western part of Uganda and is renowned for its biodiversity. The national park is home to over 160 species of lush trees and over 100 species of ferns, while the main attraction has to be the Mountain gorilla.

 

Bwindi National Park is a remnant of what once used to be a very large forest, covering areas of western Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The forest is home to numerous globally threatened species, including the mountain gorilla, chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey and the African elephant. Bird enthusiasts can look forward to sightings of the Africa green broadbill, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Turner’s Eremomela, Chapin’s flycatcher and Shelley’s crimson-wing.

 

Game Viewing + Activities

The primary attraction in the park is the mountain gorillas. This population of around 340 individuals is half of the world's entire population. They are endangered, yet here there are 4 groups that are habituated to the presence of humans in their natural habitat. Visitors can visit the park any time throughout the year, although conditions in the park are more difficult during the rainy season. Please note that guests need a permit for gorilla trekking.

 

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