Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas
About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda. The park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns.
Most famously, Bwindi is home to approximately 459 mountain gorillas - roughly half of the world's population of this critically endangered species. The park offers one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on earth - gorilla trekking.
Park Highlights
Gorilla Trekking
The ultimate wildlife experience - trek through dense forest to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Biodiversity
Home to 120 mammal species, 348 bird species, 220 butterfly species, and 27 frog species.
Cultural Encounters
Visit the Batwa pygmy communities to learn about their traditional forest lifestyle.
Gorilla Families in Bwindi
Mubare Family
The first habituated gorilla group in Uganda (1993) with 8 members including 1 silverback.
Habinyanja Family
Known for their playful nature with 17 members including 2 silverbacks.
Rushegura Family
A peaceful group with 19 members that split from Habinyanja in 2002.
Gorilla Trekking Information
What to Expect
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense forest terrain in search of habituated gorilla families. Treks can last from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the location of the gorillas.
Duration
Actual time with gorillas is strictly limited to 1 hour to minimize disturbance.
Group Size
Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla group per day with guides and trackers.
Best Time
June-August and December-February during drier conditions.
Requirements & Preparation
- Minimum age of 15 years for gorilla trekking
- Gorilla permit required ($700 per person)
- Good physical condition recommended
- Vaccinations including yellow fever required
- Packing list: waterproof clothing, hiking boots, gloves, etc.
Featured Bwindi Tours
3-Day Gorilla Trekking
Short but immersive gorilla experience with one full day dedicated to trekking.
7-Day Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Combine gorilla trekking with Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife viewing.
5-Day Primates Tour
Gorillas in Bwindi plus chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
Where to Stay
Buhoma Lodge
Located at the entrance to Bwindi with stunning forest views and excellent service.
Mahogany Springs
Upscale lodge with spacious cottages and a riverside setting near the park.
Silverback Lodge
Comfortable accommodation with excellent views and proximity to trekking.
Getting to Bwindi
By Road
The journey from Kampala to Bwindi takes approximately 8-10 hours depending on your sector:
- Kampala to Buhoma: ~540km (9-10 hours)
- Kampala to Ruhija: ~470km (8-9 hours)
- Kampala to Rushaga/Nkuringo: ~510km (9-10 hours)
We recommend breaking up the journey with overnight stops in Mbarara or Kabale.
By Air
Charter flights are available from Entebbe or Kajjansi to airstrips near Bwindi:
- Kihihi Airstrip (for Buhoma sector) - 1.5 hour flight
- Kisoro Airstrip (for Ruhija/Rushaga/Nkuringo) - 1 hour flight
Pro Tip:
Flying saves time but requires booking well in advance during peak seasons (June-August, December-February).
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for Your Gorilla Adventure?
Contact our Uganda experts to start planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.