Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park stands at 331 square kilometers and is a pristine, protected area in south western corner of Uganda protecting mountain gorilla trekking as well as exploring and experiencing a unique floral species in southwestern Uganda that is comprised of a dense tropical rainforest among the remaining few in Africa. Bwindi is a destination in Africa with lowland vegetation zones that meet montane vegetation zones, which a variety of wildlife species depend on for different reasons. click here to see mountain gorilla trekking safaris 

 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park prides itself on being a water catchment zone that has supported several farming activities in the nearby local communities. and source for water bodies that flow in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which include rivers like the Ivi, the Ishasha, the Ihihizo, the Ntengyere, and the Munyaga. click here to view our recommended mountain gorilla trekking tour  

 Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park confines over 400 plant species since the forest consists of lush, dense tropical rainforest with iconic and diverse wildlife species, which include over 350 bird species, 11 primate species, butterflies, endangered mountain gorillas, and several mammal species. 

 Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park vegetation type varies depending on the elevation, which ranges from medium to high altitude. Its higher elevation mostly contains afro-montane forest. Bwindi has thick shrubs, vines, and herbs since it has a dense vegetation cover.

 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is full of mixed forests, including red stinkwood, Newtonia, East African yellow wood, Strobosia scheffleri, and Symphonia globulifera. Below Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, vegetation is mostly comprised of Neoboutonia, Myrianthus holstii, Xymalos, and Monospora.

The top 8 tourist activities to be done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by travelers include

1. Gorilla trekking

2. Gorilla habituation

3. Bird watching

4. The Batwa cultural experience

5. Forest hiking and walks

6. Mountain biking

7. Buhoma community walks

8. Lake Mutanda tour

Gorilla trekking

This is number one of our top 8 activities in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Gorilla trekking is the best-done activity without a doubt that almost every tourist has had in their mountain gorilla trekking safari to Uganda. A mountain gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per individual, effective July 2024, which will enable travelers to participate in gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through this dense African forest searching for the endangered mountain gorillas under the guidance of the park rangers, guides, and trackers.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers over 19 habituated mountain gorilla families that can be tracked in four different sectors within the park. Buhoma sector is situated in the northern part of Bwindi; Buhoma has six habituated gorilla families; Ruhija gorilla sector is also situated in the east of Bwindi with four habituated gorilla families; Nkuringo sector is in the south with three habituated gorilla families; and Rushaga is also situated in the south with eight habituated gorilla families. Gorilla trekking permits are in high demand; book prior to your travel date.

Gorilla habituation

Gorilla habituated is my number 2 of the top 8 activities in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Gorilla habituation only takes place in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable. Gorilla habituation allows travelers to walk through Bwindi impenetrable, with researchers learning and collecting data about a particular gorilla family. Travelers are allowed to spend four hours with mountain gorillas once they are spotted. They get to learn the behaviors of the gorillas and interact with them.

There are two mountain gorilla families habituated in Rushaga Sector, where only 8 gorilla habituation experiences are issued every day by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which allows 4 travelers per gorilla family. Book your gorilla accommodations in advance. Uganda gorilla accommodation costs $1500 per person for international tourists, $1,000 for foreign residents, and 75,000 ugx for East African citizens.

Bird watching

Bird watching in the impenetrable forest of Bwindi will never disappoint you since Bwindi is a bird’s haven. There are over 350 bird species in Bwindi, with 23 endemic Albertine rift bird species, 14 of which are recorded nowhere else in this country.

 There is also the African green Broadbill, which can only be seen in the Ruhija sector and the Congo. Bwindi impenetrable forest offers unique bird species such as the blue-headed sunbird, the Rwenzori night jar, and the short-tailed warbler.

The Batwa cultural experience

The Batwa cultural experience takes travelers to relive the lives and the old practices of the Batwa. The Batwa people are the ancient people who lived in Bwindi impenetrable forest before they were relocated out of the forest by the government of Uganda and became scattered in the nearby communities within Bwindi forest. During the Batwa cultural experience, you will learn about how the Batwa used to hunt, cook, set fire using stones, use local herbs as medicine to treat different diseases, and co-exist in the forest in harmony with wild animals.

Forest hiking and walks

Bwindi impenetrable national park offers the guided walks via carefully developed trails in the park that travelers can participate as they explore Bwindi and learn with the help of the guide, the Munyaga River trail allows travelers to see the beautiful waterfalls within Bwindi impenetrable forest with abundant flora and Fauna, there is also another amazing trail that starts from Buhoma gate or Rushaga gate depending on where the traveler is staying, this trail can take approximately 3-4 hours.

The Buhoma-Nkuringo and vice versa trekking trail is another beautiful trail to be explored by travelers within the Buhoma sector and the Nkuringo sector. This trail offers lots of bird species. The Buhoma-Nkuringo trail takes about 6 hours.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is best done in the Buhoma region; mountain biking is best offered by Ride 4, a woman community group that gives the best organized biking experience with the best guide who shares their skills about the areas within Buhoma and Nkuringo.

Buhoma community walks

Buhoma community walks are possible for travelers who track mountain gorillas in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest. The Buhoma community walk takes travelers to the villages in Buhoma with the help of a guide, where they visit local schools, traditional healers, and hospitals. The Buhoma community walk is organized by the Buhoma community.

Lake Mutanda tour

Lake Mutanda is situated in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest. Lake Mutanda is a refreshing and beautiful place that tourists can unwind after mountain gorilla trekking. Lake Mutanda can be explored on a dugout canoe with the help of a professional guide.

The best time to go to Bwindi Impenetrable forest is between June, July, and August, then again from December to February. These are the driest months in Uganda, offering the best chance of sunny blue skies and clear days perfect for mountain gorilla trekking experience and wildlife viewing, although rain showers are always expected.