Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the largest natural forests in East Africa. Gorilla safaris are Bwindi’s main attraction, with the park home to half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorilla.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park occupies the remote south-western corner of Uganda, on the border with the DRC and Rwanda. It is adjacent to the Parc National des Virungas, and is one of the largest (330 sq. km) natural forests in Africa, containing both montane and lowland woodland.

Dense and difficult to access, the ancient forests of Bwindi are a haven for a rich variety of fauna and flora, much of it endemic to the region. Most notably, the park is the natural habitat of approximately half of Africa’s remaining mountain gorillas (an estimated 400, just short of the 500 thought to live in neighbouring Rwanda). These gorillas are divided into several groups, or families, and their numbers, once in the low 200s, are steadily rising, thanks in part to the conservation funds generated by tourism.

The gorillas are undoubtedly Bwindi’s major attraction, but there is much more of interest. This is one of the most abundant ecosystems in Africa. The plant life is spectacular, and so too is the birdlife (twitchers take note: there are around 20 Albertine Rift endemics which can be spotted in Bwindi). Almost 100 mammal species are found in the park, including 10 primates, the beautiful red-tail monkey and black-and-white colobus.

In and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda

The primary attraction of Bwindi is of course the mountain gorilla safaris. You require a permit to enter the park, which allows a full day to track the gorillas, an experience that can last anywhere from 1 to 8 hours depending on their location.

As well as gorilla safaris, hiking, birding and nature walks are also possible within Bwindi and in the surrounding area. Game-viewing is strictly on foot – 4×4 safaris are not possible within the park. You shouldn’t expect a typical “big-game safari” experience from Bwindi. Beyond the gorillas, most of the wildlife in the forest is very shy, and sightings of the other primates are not guaranteed.