Wildlife
Buhoma gorilla trek
Buhoma sector, northern BwindiFollow trackers into misty montane forest for a regulated hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
An ancient forest and one unforgettable hour.
01 Overview
About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on the planet. This ancient rainforest — over 25,000 years old — shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
A gorilla trekking permit grants you one unforgettable hour with a habituated family. Bwindi also offers superb birding, Batwa cultural encounters and waterfall hikes through jungle that feels entirely primeval.
- 01
Mountain gorilla trekking
UWA-permitted, strictly limited numbers per gorilla family each day.
- 02
Gorilla habituation experience
A longer immersion with a semi-habituated family.
- 03
Batwa cultural trail
Guided by the forest’s original custodians.
- 04
Birding
Hundreds of species, including Albertine Rift endemics.
02 Where you’ll go
Sites to visit, day by day
Scenic stops and their locations — mix and match them into days, or ask Davema to build the route for you.
Nature
Ruhija & the Mubwindi Swamp
Ruhija sector, eastern BwindiA birdwatcher’s trail down to a high-altitude swamp rich in Albertine Rift endemics.
Scenic
Lake Mutanda
Near Kisoro, south-west UgandaPaddle a dugout across a calm crater lake backed by Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabinyo.
Scenic
Nkuringo viewpoint
Nkuringo, southern BwindiRidge-top views over the forest canopy towards the Virunga volcanoes on the Rwanda–Congo border.
03 More in Uganda
Nearby places
Uganda
Murchison Falls
Where the Nile throws itself through a rock.
Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Tree-climbing lions and a channel full of hippos.
Uganda
Kibale National Park
The primate capital of the world.
Uganda
Kidepo Valley National Park
Uganda’s remote and wildly beautiful north-east.
Uganda
Jinja & the Nile
The adventure capital at the source of the Nile.
Uganda
Lake Bunyonyi
The place of little birds.
Uganda
Rwenzori Mountains
The Mountains of the Moon.
Uganda
Ssese Islands
Lake Victoria’s island escape.
Uganda
Kampala
The vibrant city on seven hills.
Uganda
Sipi Falls
Three waterfalls on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
04 When to visit
Month by month
JanBest
FebBest
MarGood
AprQuieter
MayQuieter
JunBest
JulBest
AugBest
SepBest
OctGood
NovGood
DecBest
Best time Good Less ideal / wetter
05 Itineraries
Journeys in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
07 Things to do
09 Before you go
Travel notes
Tips
- Gorilla permits are limited and sell out — book months ahead for peak seasons.
- Minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15.
- Bring waterproofs, gaiters and gloves — even in the dry season the forest is wet.
Visa & entry
Most visitors need a visa for Uganda, which can be applied for online as an e-visa before travel. Requirements depend on nationality — see our visa guide in the Travel Journal and ask the Davema visa desk to confirm for your passport.
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