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Top Things to See

Bwindi is a world heritage site with amazing attractions that one should not miss while on holiday in Uganda. We are sometimes asked, “What are the things I must see when I visit Bwindi?” Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is vast and varied, and visitors have different interests and abilities, so there is no one easy answer. However, we have compiled a list of the most popular attractions in Bwindi that we feel will be helpful. Here are the top things to see in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the nearby area.

Mountain Gorillas

Within the steep hills covered with thick forested vegetation are the mountain gorillas, rare great apes only found in three African countries.  Bwindi is home to almost half of the mountain gorillas. Read More

Birds of Bwindi

Bwindi is home to amazing birds that include localized Albertine Rift endemics. There are over 350 bird species within the forest, with 14 not recorded anywhere else in Uganda. Read More

Plants

There are over 400 species of plants that are protected within the Bwindi Forest. The forest is composed of bamboo, large forest hard woods, ferns, vines and other plants. Read More

Since Bwindi Forest is famous to everyone for wonderful gorilla trekking experience, many travelers tend to wonder what else to do if they had one more day or extra night in park  yet there is much more to see, do and enjoy around the park. There are lots of adventure activities that you can enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. From gorilla trekking to nature walks, you can engage in interesting activities. This guide is designed to serve as a starting point for planning your visit.

Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking is the main attraction since the forest was gazetted. The forest has over 18 habituated gorilla groups that can be tracked from various trailheads in different sectors; Buhoma Sector, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija. Read More

Gorilla Habituation

Spend 4 hours with the mountain gorillas on a gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga Sector. This amazing experience comes at just US$1500 per permit.

Bird Watching

Bwindi is also one of Uganda’s top bird watching destinations. There are over 350 birds species protected in the forest. These include many localised Albertine Rift Endemics.

Community Walks

On your safari in Bwindi, you can take community walks, an experience that will give you an insight into the lives of the local people living beside the forest. Meet the Batwa People and Bakiga Communities that live near the park.

Buniga Forest Walk

A walk through the nearby Buniga Forest with a Batwa guide demonstrates the traditional hunt gatherer existence of Uganda’s oldest extant tribal group.

Nature Walks

There are magnificent trails for nature walks in Bwindi Forest. If you are interested in a true African walk, this is the right place for you. Popular trails include Buhoma Nkuringo Walk, Munyaga Trail etc.

Nearby Activities

There are many other activities one can engage in on a free day around the park. Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is something special and a privilege to meet the beautiful creatures in their receding habitat.

Lake Bunyonyi Tour

You can arrange a tour to Lake Bunyonyi Island in Kabale the known Switzerland of Africa. Find this beautiful lake filled with several islands in a few kilometers from the gorilla trekking park. The lake can occupy your day with water activities, birding, cultural tours and leisure relaxation under the fresh water winds of the lake and the twenty nine punishment islands for virgin girls. While here it’s very easy to drive back to Kampala or connect to Rwanda Kigali for a city tour before leaving for your home flight.

Budget Travel Advice

Do you want to track gorillas on budget or save big on your upcoming gorilla tracking safari?. April, May and November are the best budget gorilla trekking months when gorilla permits are discounted in promotion of gorilla tourism. Alternatively you can use budget accommodation and save big on your gorilla safari any other time of the year.

Suggested Itineraries

Three to five days itineraries are best to make you explore the park’s top tourist attractions and its surrounding possibly with much leisure and relaxation. If your interest is only to see mountain gorillas, the three days are perfect for a short gorilla safari tour in Uganda .However, to track gorillas twice and also experience other a park activities, four-five days are best recommended. But In the window of five days one can explore Bwindi forest and also check out the most visited other parks in Uganda like Queen Elizabeth and see more wildlife. In fact it’s the top desired gorilla trekking trip in Uganda by different travelers with trips titled Gorillas and Wildlife safari Queen Bwindi.

Bwindi forest Transportation advice

When traveling to Bwindi  forest national  park use bus public transport if backpacking or hire a safari vehicle and do a self-driving trip or book a private gorilla safari tour with everything inclusive –Gorilla permit, Transport and accommodation. The park can be accessed by both road and air but even air involves short drives with transfers from Kihihi airstrip to your lodge of residence. Public means is the cheapest option but be ready to share the bus with locals and also adjust your life style for a reason.

About Bwindi

Learn more about how the wildlife, history & human geography of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

How to get to Bwindi

Learn more about tour operators, overland travel & flights for trips to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

When is the Best Time to visit Bwindi?

Learn more about the weather, climate & tourism seasons of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

What to do at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Learn more about gorilla trekking, natures walks & bird watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Other popular activities in Bwindi include nature walks, bird watching trips, hiking trails & cultural visits such as community walks on the park boundaries.

When to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is visited year round, with park activities such as gorilla trekking taking place throughout the year. The park has two dry seasons which run from June to August & December to February, although it can still rain in dry seasons & weather patterns have become less predictable in recent years. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has busier tourism seasons, generally matching the dry seasons when gorilla trekking permits are sold out further ahead in advance. If possible you can also consider visiting in the quieter seasons, when you may also get discounted safari accommodation, gorilla permits however remain the same price year round.
Sunrise over Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Where to Stay in Bwindi National Park

Bwindi national park has a wide range of accommodations that cater for both budget and Luxury travelers so be sure to spend a night before your gorilla trek in comfort and leisure.For budget accommodation options, Buhoma community Bandas, Broadbill campsite, Gift of nature, Nshongi gorilla camp, Trekkers tervan, Bwindi View bandas, Nshongi gorilla camp, wagtail eco lodge among others can fit any budget of tight spenders while sanctuary Gorilla forest Camp,Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge,Gorilla safari lodge, Buhoma lodge, Mahogany springs,Ruhija safari lodge  etc.