Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Kihihi and Kisoro airstrips (fly-in); gateway Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
Uganda
Cool and often wet in the forest, because of the altitude
Year-round travel
Mountain gorilla
6 key species listed
3 to 5 Nights
Tailored itinerary
June to August and December to February are drier and easier for walking
High & Green seasons
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Destination Guide
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda is a dense mountain forest and one of the two best places in the world to see mountain gorillas. It suits fit walkers who want a close wildlife meeting on foot, and travellers who want a day on foot that is very different from a drive safari.
A trek starts early with a briefing and a guide. You walk through thick forest on steep paths to find a gorilla family, which can take from a couple of hours to most of a day. Once you find them, you spend one hour with them, from a safe distance. Porters can carry your bag.
The honest trade-off is effort and rules. The walk can be hard, wet and muddy. Visitors must be at least 15 years old and healthy, with no cold or flu, because gorillas can catch human illness. Permits are limited, cost a lot and must be booked well ahead [ADD: current UWA permit price].
Bwindi is usually combined with Queen Elizabeth National Park or a flight to the lake region, and the whole trip can be followed by a week on the beach in Zanzibar (Uganda Airlines flies direct, about 1 hour 50 minutes, on selected days of the week).
Getting Here, Transport & Climate
Fly from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro, or drive from Kampala in a long day (the drive takes about 9 to 10 hours; the flight takes about 1 hour 30 minutes). Permits and a briefing are arranged in advance. See the gorilla trekking tours.
Overland travel in customized Toyota Land Cruisers featuring pop-up roofs for 360° wildlife viewing, USB charging sockets, high-clearance suspension, and a cooler with chilled bottled water.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Interactive Map & Terrain
Explore the geographic coordinates, boundaries, local airstrips, and surrounding wilderness circuits of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Weather, Climate & Seasonal Advice
June to August and December to February are drier and easier for walking. Gorillas can be tracked all year. The wet months from March to May and October to November have muddier trails.
Cool and often wet in the forest, because of the altitude. The drier months are June to August and December to February. Rain can fall at any time, so bring a rain jacket and waterproof boots.
Highlights & Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Key Wildlife & Marine Species
Signature Highlights
Mountain gorilla trekking with a guide
One hour with a gorilla family
Four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo
Porters who carry your bag and help on steep paths
Forest birds and other primates
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Activities & Things to Do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Gorilla Trek
A trek starts early with a briefing and a guide. You walk through thick forest on steep paths to find a gorilla family, which can take from a couple of hours to most of a day. When you find them, you spend one hour with them from a safe distance. Porters can carry your bag. The walk can be hard, wet and muddy. Visitors must be at least 15 years old and healthy, with no cold or flu, because gorillas can catch human illness. Permits are limited and cost a lot [ADD: current UWA permit price]. Sightings are very likely but never guaranteed.
Featured Safaris & Tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Explore our custom travel itineraries for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Request Custom ItineraryFrequently asked questions
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Best time to visit
June to August and December to February are drier and easier for walking. Gorillas can be tracked all year. The wet months from March to May and October to November have muddier trails.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Getting there
Fly from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro, or drive from Kampala in a long day (the drive takes about 9 to 10 hours; the flight takes about 1 hour 30 minutes). Permits and a briefing are arranged in advance. See the gorilla trekking tours.