Do you want to visit the place that is home to endangered mountain gorillas and other incredible wildlife species? Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is the place you should include in your travel itinerary. Here you can come across such gorillas and other incredible wildlife species that can be seen in their natural habitat.
Uganda has more than half of the world's mountain gorilla population found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi, which is located in the southwest of Uganda, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. A guided trek in the forest lets you find and observe a mountain gorilla family up close!
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is home to over 40% of the global population of mountain gorillas.
Of these 21 family groups are available for you to visit.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biological richness and importance. It is one of the only 4 national parks in the world that shelter the endangered mountain gorillas, with Bwindi and Mgahinga located in Uganda. Based on the 2018 census, the total number of mountain gorillas in the world is 1064, and about 450 of them live in Bwindi. The park has more than 21 habituated gorilla groups that are open for gorilla tracking. This is the largest number of gorilla family humans can visit anywhere in the world. Gorilla trekking permits are issued to groups of 8 people per day.
The gorilla tracking adventure lasts for several hours, and only one hour is allowed for those who track the giants to interact, observe, and capture the priceless moments. Bwindi's mist-covered hillsides are covered by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests.
This 25,000 year old forest has more than 200 species of trees, over 100 species of ferns, 350 bird species, 200 butterflies, and 51 reptile species. Bwindi also has 120 mammal species including chimpanzees, L'Hoest's monkey, and the main attraction the endangered mountain gorillas.
With 350 species of birds including 23 Albertine Rift endemics, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa's birding hotspots. Some of these birds can be sighted during your gorilla trek. But truly appreciate the bird diversity, take a birding safari with our experienced guides who know the sites and sounds of the birding trails in Bwindi.
Safari tours come in different shapes and sizes, but none are as revealing or special as meeting Uganda's Mountain Gorillas. Tailormade Uganda safari could be a life-changing experience. Journey into the heart of Bwindi National Park to look for mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. When you're not searching for gorillas, enjoy the 5-star comforts of a private tent at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, a luxury retreat in the middle of the jungle. For those who want to relax and have a great nature walk experience, do not hesitate to book it for a cozy relaxation moment.
Take a scenic walk through various trails in the forest. There are several trails to hike on in this region. The gorilla trekking safari, often known as the gorilla habituation experience, includes hiking. You can also reach the rivers, and listen to the bird sounds singing as you move through the forest around the lodge. Have sights of other animal species in the area. All these can be arranged locally by the local tour operators.
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a must-see destination on most Ugandan safari itineraries. Most Uganda safari packages combine it with the savannah parks such as Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or Lake Mburo National Park. One can also add the Kibale National Park home to one of the largest chimpanzee concentrations in the world. Or add the Rwenzori Mountains National Park which has Africa's 3rd highest peak after Kilimanjaro and Kenya.
Accommodation options at Bwindi vary from budget camps to luxury camps and lodges. Only registered and licensed tour operators like Kwezi Outdoors can secure gorilla trekking permits for visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. To begin planning your gorilla trekking safari, get in touch with a dedicated safari expert at Kwezi Outdoors who will design a private personalized itinerary. You will get a free safari quote as you start on your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.
