It lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups, which can be tracked. This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Signature Experiences in Bwindi Forest
Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable
The highlight of the visit to Bwindi is the magical hour in the company of a family of mountain gorillas. Tracking the gorillas can last from a few hours to a whole day, depending on how far the group has moved since it was observed nesting up the previous evening. Bwindi has 15habituated gorilla families that are tracked from trailheads at Buhoma in northwest Bwindi, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Contact time with the gorillas is limited to 1hour and participants must be aged 15 and over.
Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi Forest
Gorilla Trekking & Habituation Experience – A once-in-a-lifetime close encounter.
The highlight of the visit to Bwindi is the magical hour to encounter mountain gorillas. Tracking the gorillas can last from a few hours to 10 hours, depending on how far the group has moved since it was observed nesting up the previous evening. Bwindi has over 25 habituated gorilla families that are tracked from trailheads at Buhoma in northwest Bwindi, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga.
During ‘gorilla trekking’ time spent up close with mountain gorillas is limited to one hour – this will take your breath away. Visitors must be aged 15 and over. You will capture emotional gorilla portraits in the dense mist of Bwindi.
During ‘gorilla habituation’, you will trek with researchers and ranger to encounter gorillas learning their behaviors for up to 4 hours. Observing these gentle giants play, eat, bond with each other simply carry on their life peacefully, will blow your mind. Nothing compares to gazing into the eyes of a huge silverback gorilla! This will be a wildlife encounter you will remember for years to come ever. No safari is complete without an encounter with mountain gorillas.
Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable
Bwindi’s 4 trail heads all offer exciting birding opportunities with the prospect of checking off forest rarities.The River Ivytrail between Buhoma and Nkuringo is recommended as Is Buhoma ‘s forest edge Munyanga River Trail. Ruhija’s Bamboo trail leading to 2607m Rwamunyoni peak and Mubwindi swamp trail are renowned for Albertine Rift endemics including the localized green broadbill.
Long & Short Forest Walks
There are various trails into the forest for your different interests. You have trails leading to beautiful waterfalls where you can dive in the water. You walk along with an armed Uganda wildlife ranger guide for your protection in case you meet a wild animal but also as a guide. 6km walk around the hill where you have chances of interacting with primates and birds.
Community & Cultural Experiences
Visiting Batwa who people that lived in the forest for many years. Due to pressure from conservation, they were relocated to the nearby villages and you visit their new homesteads and interact with them and share how life was before and how life is of current.
