Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

A variety of species makes its home here, many of them found nowhere or scarcely anywhere else on earth. Home to half the world’s remaining population of critically endangered mountain gorilla.

Silverback Gorillas at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Background Info

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (or, officially, Impenetrable National Park) is an ancient, deep forest rising up along the south western border of Uganda. Climbing up along the slopes of a mountain range, the park consists of a series of narrow, steep valleys, deep green and cloaked in mist. The park is an old and complex ecosystem with a wealth of biodiversity and within its depths lies a rare and striking world. Due to the dense undergrowth and rugged terrain, large portions of it can only be reached on foot, preserving its primordial nature. Forest elephants, giant forest hogs, hundreds of butterfly species and several types of primate roam beneath the thick canopy of trees.

Discover Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Mountain Gorilla Trek

Bwindi is home to half the world’s remaining population of critically endangered mountain gorilla. Out of these, several families have become habituated to humans, allowing small groups of people to track them and spend an hour in their company. The gorillas remain wild and the interaction takes place under the careful eyes of highly trained trackers. As gorillas are susceptible to human disease, the health restrictions for visitors are stringent. Due to the rugged terrain, only those older than 15 years are allowed to track. A day of gorilla trekking begins early, departing from your lodge with the dawn. The guides will meet and brief groups of visitors at the gathering point before setting off. The walk can be challenging, especially during Uganda’s two rainy seasons, which are from March to May and then again in November and December. Depending on where the gorillas were last seen, the trek can take anywhere between 40 minutes to six hours spent making your way through the tranquil green undergrowth that covers the mountain slopes, with several quiet encounters with the other denizens of the park en route. When the gorillas emerge from the foliage, time stands still as you enjoy their company for an hour. There is something deeply moving about being in the presence of these regal creatures.

Habituated Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has so many habituatedmountain gorilla groups located in different regions of the forest. This means that its very possible to get gorilla permits when you decide to plan a gorilla tour to Bwindi. These regions include Buhoma in the north with 3 gorilla families, Ruhija in the East with four gorilla families and the rest of the gorilla groups are in the south of the forest. Bwindi gorilla permits cost USD600.00 per permit and allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is Gorilla Park, different from the others in that it is not part of the Virunga Volcanoes. It is older than the other parks in that it survived the Tectonic Shift that shaped the surrounding area. This Afromontane Forest attracts not only Gorilla Trekkers but Birders worldwide since it was crowned the best Birding Destination in Africa.

Challenging Terrain

Bwindi has vast mountainous areas specifically for gorilla trekking. The typography and natural landscapes are perfect for seasonal events and trekking competitions. These festivals are held to honor the world’s best trekkers. Professional porters are available 24*7 to support the new and experienced tourists in their trekking and challenging terrain.