Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the largest areas in East Africa which still has an Afro-montane lowland forest extending well within the montane forest belt. Located on the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley and believed to be a Pleistocene refugium, the property is a biodiversity hotspot with possibly the greatest number of tree species for its altitude in East Africa. It is also host to a rich fauna including many endemic butterflies and one of the richest mammalian assemblages in Africa. Home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

Bwindi forest has broader biodiversity due to its immense antiquity and altitude span of 1,160 to 2,607m. The Park has 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, of which the black-and-white colobus monkey, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent. The forest birding ranks with the best in Uganda, with 23 highly localized Albertine endemics present.

Size

Bwindi forest covers an area of 331sq Km.

Location

Southwestern Uganda is on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley.

Things to do

When most people think of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, they think of mountain gorilla tracking in Africa, which is rightly so because it is the main attraction. However, Bwindi, being a heavily dense rainforest, is home to many birds, animals, and other activities.

Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest
Gorilla Habituation experience
Forest and waterfall walks
Bird watching
Mountain Hiking and biking
Community walks and Cultural experiences

When to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is open for gorilla trekking all year, but the best times to go are from June to August and December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months.