Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is Uganda’s most famous protected area and one of the last strongholds of the mountain gorilla. Ancient, tangled rainforest cloaks a series of steep valleys in the country’s far southwest, sheltering roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas alongside forest elephants, over 350 bird species, and 200 species of butterfly.

Trackers and rangers head into the forest early each morning to locate a habituated gorilla family, and once found, visitors are permitted to spend one hour observing them at close range — one of the most intimate wildlife encounters on the planet. Bwindi pairs naturally with Queen Elizabeth National Park or Lake Mburo for a wider southwestern Uganda itinerary.

What to Expect

Treks can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on where the gorilla family is feeding that day, over steep and often muddy forest terrain. Trekking permits are limited daily and cost from $700 through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, so booking well in advance is essential. A moderate to strenuous level of fitness is recommended, and porters are available to hire locally.