Home of Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s most important wildlife destinations and the country's best-known destination for mountain gorilla trekking.

Located in southwestern Uganda near the border with Rwanda, Bwindi protects an ancient tropical forest that provides habitat for mountain gorillas, primates, forest mammals and an impressive variety of birdlife.

The park was established in 1991 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, recognising its exceptional biodiversity and ecological importance.

For many travellers, trekking through Bwindi's dense forest and spending time with a mountain gorilla family is the highlight of a safari in Uganda.

The Four Gorilla Trekking Sectors of Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four main gorilla trekking sectors:

• Buhoma
• Ruhija
• Rushaga
• Nkuringo

Each sector provides access to habituated mountain gorilla families and has its own accommodation options and trekking starting points.

Your trekking sector is important when planning your safari because your gorilla permit, accommodation and transport should be coordinated around the same area.

At Kenzi Safaris, we consider your confirmed trekking sector when arranging accommodation and transfers to avoid unnecessary travel on the morning of your gorilla trek.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking is the main experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

On the morning of your trek, you will report to the designated park headquarters for registration and a briefing from the ranger guides.

You will then enter the forest with an experienced ranger team in search of your assigned habituated gorilla family.

The length of the trek varies because mountain gorillas move freely through the forest. Depending on their location, terrain and trail conditions, you may spend several hours trekking before reaching them.

Once your assigned gorilla family is located, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing the gorillas in their natural environment.

This is an opportunity to watch their behaviour at close range as they feed, rest, groom, play and interact with other members of their family.

Because Bwindi has steep slopes and natural forest trails, a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

Porters are available to carry backpacks and provide assistance along more challenging sections of the trek.

Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Although mountain gorillas are Bwindi's main attraction, the forest supports much more wildlife.

The different forest habitats provide a home for primates and mammals including black-and-white colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, forest hogs and duikers.

Many forest animals can be difficult to see because of the thick vegetation, making every wildlife encounter different.

Bwindi is also an excellent destination for travellers interested in birds.

Its forests support an impressive variety of species, including birds associated with the Albertine Rift region. The African green broadbill is among the special species birders may hope to encounter.

Batwa Cultural Experience

A visit to communities around Bwindi can add an important cultural element to your gorilla safari.

The Batwa traditionally depended on the forest for food, medicine, shelter and other aspects of everyday life.

Today, organised community experiences provide an opportunity to learn about their traditional knowledge, stories and relationship with the forest.

Depending on your itinerary and trekking sector, a Batwa cultural experience can be arranged before or after your gorilla trekking day.

Birding and Nature Walks

Bwindi is also a rewarding destination for birding and guided nature walks.

Forest trails allow visitors to experience the park beyond gorilla trekking while looking for birds, butterflies, primates and different plant species.

Birding experiences can be arranged with knowledgeable local guides who understand the forest and its different habitats.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi can be reached by road or air.

By Road

The journey from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi is a full-day drive through southwestern Uganda.

Although the journey is long, it provides beautiful views of the countryside, towns, farms and rolling hills along the way.

Bwindi can also be reached from other safari destinations in western Uganda, making it easy to include gorilla trekking within a longer Uganda wildlife safari.

By Air

Scheduled and charter flights can reduce the travelling time between Entebbe and southwestern Uganda.

Depending on your trekking sector and accommodation, flights may operate to airstrips such as Kihihi or Kisoro, followed by a road transfer to your lodge.