In the south-west of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National park stretches from lowland forest up to a montane forest belt. Believed to have been a refuge for species during the last Ice Age, it is now famous for its population of wild Mountain Gorillas. 

The main activity in Bwindi is gorilla trekking, and it is easy to see why. The forest is home to almost half of all Mountain Gorillas found in the world today and the chance to get up close to these amazing animals is an experience worthy of the once-in-a-lifetime descriptor. 

However, those who only come to Bwindi for gorilla trekking and leave soon afterwards risk missing out. If you take a little more time to explore the forest, you’ll discover the unique flora and fauna of the park, find the best hiking trails, and learn about the fascinating people who make the forest their home.

Explore Bwindi’s incredible biodiversity

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a place of incredible bio-diversity, including 10 primate species, 120 mammal species, and 220 species of butterfly, any of which are endemic to the park. 

Unfortunately, many of these species are globally threatened. Bwindi is an important front line in conservation efforts. Ecotourism activities, such as guided nature and wildlife tours, have been highlighted by UNESCO as one of the most important ways to support the future conservation of the park.

Nature Walks

Nature walks in Bwindi take you through the verdant forest, and there are a number of routes to choose from depending on your interests, fitness, and time constraints. 

If you’re keen to get in some good trekking during your trip, Bwindi has some of the best trails in the south-west. 

There are 6 trails to choose from, each taking you through a different part of the forest. En route, you’ll discover some of Bwindi’s lesser-visited landmarks including the Muyanga waterfall, Habinyanja swamp, and the ‘African Corner’ named after a piece of rock that is said to depict a map of Africa.

Spot the Butterflies!

For fans of butterflies, Bwindi is a dream. The forest is the most important place in all of Africa for montane forest butterflies, hosting 202 different species representing 84% of Uganda’s total, including eight only found in the national park.

Take a walk through the forest to catch a glimpse of the incredibly rare African giant swallowtail, or Cream-banded swallowtail.

Bird Watching

Bird lovers are also in for a treat. The forest has 348 different species of forest birds recorded in the park, 23 unique to the region. Some highlights are the African green broadbill, Chapin’s flycatcher, and Shelley’s crimson-wing. The main nesting season is in May and June, with abundant food for the birds from May to September. Migratory birds can be found in Bwindi from November to April. 

Many of the bird watching tours on offer take place in the Buhoma area, along village paths and in the forest margins. They also take place in the Ruhija area of the park where knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the park to discover a variety of forest and swamp birds in their natural habitat. Wherever visitors choose to go in Bwindi, the birds are always plentiful and easy to spot. 

Explore the forest by bike

In the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, visitors have the chance to explore the park by mountain bike. There is a 13km trail leading cyclists around the forest to the shores of the Ivi River. The trail takes around 6-7 hours, including time to stop and soak in the incredible scenery and admire the wildlife.

This mountain biking experience is organized by Buhoma Community Rest Camp and is part of a community initiative called ‘Ride 4 a Woman’ which supports local women struggling with HIV, domestic violence, and poverty. By renting a bike, visitors directly support the great efforts of the organization in helping women and the local community. Due to the success of the organization, they have expanded to now offer a sewing and weaving cooperative for women. Visitors are welcome to spend time with the women and try their hand at weaving.

How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

By air

Travelling by air is the fastest way to reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and there are a number of flights each day. Most visitors arrive in Uganda at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), which is roughly 29 miles from the capital city of Kampala. From here, and from Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield, there are many domestic flights connecting to Bwindi. It is also possible to book chartered flights to Bwindi.

For visitors travelling to the Buhoma or Ruhija trailheads in the north of the park, the closest airport is Kihihi. There is also the option of chartering a flight to the Kayonza airstrip. Alternatively, if travelling to the southern trailheads of Rushaga and Nkuringo then Kisoro is the best place to fly to. The total flight times are generally around 2 hours, which are then followed by a short drive of around 1.5-2 hours.

By road

Whilst the journey by road is much longer than flying, the route passes through fantastic scenery, and driving through a country often gives you a much better impression and understanding of the country than flying ever could. Driving is the most popular way for visitors to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

There are a number of routes to take by road, depending on how much time you have and what you want to see. All the routes converge at the town of Butogota, which is then just 10 miles from the entrance gate at Buhoma. 

If coming straight from Entebbe or Kampala, the drive time to the park will take roughly 9-10 hours.

For visitors who are already in Queen Elizabeth National park Bwindi is very easy to reach by a 2 to 3-hour drive south. You can drive through Ishasha on this route to see the famous tree-climbing lions before arriving in Buhoma.

If you’re coming up from Lake Mburo National Park, the drive is 5-6 hours.