Panoramic View of the Park

Uganda-With more than 160 types of trees and more than 100 species of ferns, the 32,000 ha Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is renowned for its outstanding biodiversity. Along with numerous endangered species, such as the mountain gorilla, it is also home to a wide variety of birds and butterflies.

The Albertine Rift Valley borders the Southwestern region of Uganda, where Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located. Its elevation ranges from 1.160 m to 2.607 m. This is a true tropical jungle, with steep slopes and valleys strewn about it.

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a World Heritage Site, is a 331 square km area of lowland and montane forests near the Albertine Rift and Virunga National Park, accessible only by foot.

The forest, one of Africa’s most abundant ecosystems, is referred to as “Bwindi” and “mubwindi” in the local dialect, symbolizing its impenetrability and “dark place” as a location.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, established in 1942, features 327 km2 of scrambling vegetation over steep, fissured topography with steep peaks, slippery valleys, and highs, earning World Heritage Site status in 1994.

Gorilla Population in the Park

The Bwindi population, which indeed makes up over half of all mountain gorillas in the world, consists of over 450 individual mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) who live in the park.

Virunga National Park, surely home to the remaining global mountain gorilla population, saw a significant increase in 2006, with 340 gorillas counted.

Biodiversity in the Park

Bwindi is home to 11 primates, over 450 gorillas, 200 butterflies, and 346 bird species, making it home to 90% of the Albertine Rift endemics, making it a unique habitat.

The primary draw for visitors to the park is surely tracking gorillas. Permission is required for tourists who want to monitor gorillas. To avoid environmental damage and threats to the gorillas, certain gorilla families have become accustomed to human presence, and visitor numbers are strictly regulated.

The park is open year-round, but the wet season is challenging. Local lodges, camps, and rooms near Buhoma gate offer accommodation, but long treks are required.

How to access the Park?

Kabale is a six-hour trip from Kampala. It takes 3–4 hours to get from Kabale to Buhoma Park HQ, and 4WD may be necessary. It takes roughly 3 hours to travel from Kabale to Ruhija to Buhoma. A 4WD is required because this road is rarely used by the general population.