Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Travel Guide
Uganda’s unforgettable ‘place of darkness’ is a World Heritage Site
Home to nearly half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
One of the best destinations in Africa to see these majestic primates in the wild.
Adventurous jungle treks offer close-up encounters and an immersive discovery of this scenic corner of Uganda.
True to its name, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers a true African adventure. Here, ancient rainforests play host to a remarkable diversity of ecosystems and wildlife, from ferns and butterflies to an array of primates and other mammals.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Bwindi is home to the world’s highest concentrations of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). Gorilla treks – guided by expert rangers and trackers – leave the lodge early in the morning, and you can expect to hike for up to four hours to reach a gorilla family feeding in the forest. Once a family is found, you’ll spend up to 60 minutes in their company, observing them feeding, grooming, and interacting.
In addition to gorillas, jungle treks in Bwindi offer the chance to see a startling array of wildlife, from chimpanzees and colobus monkeys to forest elephants and more than 350 species of birds.
While restaurant options are limited due to Bwindi’s remote location, the in-house dining at luxury lodges in the area is exceptional. Expect locally sourced farm-to-table cuisine served in elegant dining rooms or on al fresco terraces overlooking the forests. Lodge chefs can easily adapt menus to suit your dietary requirements. Please provide further details on reservation.
Gorilla trekking is an adventurous outing, and sturdy (but comfortable) hiking boots are essential. Waterproof clothing, gardening gloves—for holding onto branches on steep inclines—and a small backpack for water and snacks are also useful. Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and trousers to avoid being scratched by the thick vegetation. Most lodges will provide walking sticks and gaiters, and porters are available on request.
At the lodges the dress code is relaxed, so aim for comfortable cotton clothing and warm thermals to layer up or down in the cooler mornings and evenings. Rain can fall year-round, even in the dry season, so a rain jacket is recommended.
Bwindi has a tropical climate, but temperatures remain mild year-round thanks to the altitude: more than half of the park is located 2000 metres (6500 feet) above sea level! Rainfall can occur at any time, but the dry seasons from June to September and December to March are best for trekking. April and May are the wettest months, when paths in the forest can be especially muddy and slippery.
Malaria is widespread in Uganda, and prophylaxis is recommended. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure. In the morning and evenings, apply insect repellent and wear long trousers and long-sleeved clothing to reduce the chance of mosquito bites.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is roughly 500 kilometres (310 miles) from Kampala, on Uganda’s southwestern border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The easiest way to reach Bwindi is on a scheduled or charter flight, followed by a short road transfer to your lodge. Helicopter transfers from Entebbe and other safari destinations are also available, delivering breathtaking views.
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