Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to about 460 mountain gorillas. You can go on a trek to see many of these gorilla families up close. The park is also home to special animals that live only in this region. These include L’Hoest’s monkeys, the Rwenzori three-horned chameleon, and 23 kinds of birds that are found nowhere else. While you are at Bwindi, you might also see chimpanzees, but they are wild and stay away from people. There are also about 100 forest elephants, but they are very shy and hard to spot. You are more likely to see other forest animals, like bushbucks and several types of duikers.
Welcome to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park! This is a very special place, what we call a conservation hotspot. This means it is one of the most important places in the world for protecting animals, especially endangered ones. Here, you will find the amazing mountain gorilla, as well as chimpanzees and forest elephants. While there are 120 types of mammals in the park, you will most often see black-and-white colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Bwindi is also a fantastic place for seeing birds and butterflies. We have 350 kinds of birds and 220 kinds of butterflies, and some of them are very rare and can only be found in this region!
When you plan your gorilla trekking trip, the most important thing to consider is the rain. Heavy rain can make the walking trails very muddy and slippery, making your hike more difficult. While it can rain at any time of the year, the best time to visit is from June to August and from December to February, as there is less rain during these months. The park stays open all year, so you can choose to visit whenever you like.
Bird watching in Bwindi is good all year, but the best months are March and September. The main nesting season is from May to June, and there’s plenty of food for the birds from late May through September. If you want to see the special Grauer’s broadbill, the best time to look is from May to July. Keep in mind that heavy rain can make bird watching difficult; the wettest months are March to May and September to November. The driest months, June and July, are also a good time to visit to avoid the rain.
450+
Nov to Apr
There are two dry seasons in Bwindi. The main one is from June to August. In June and July, it is the driest time, but you might still get some rain. By August, the rain starts to increase, but the forest trails are still in good condition.
The second dry season is a shorter one, from December to February. The rain slows down in December but starts to pick up again in February. You can still expect some rain to fall. The temperatures are similar in both seasons: it is usually warm during the day, around 21-22°C (70-72°F), but it gets cool at night, dropping to about 12°C (54°F).
The two wet seasons in Bwindi are from March to May and from September to November. During these times, it rains a lot, and sometimes it can even drizzle for days. The forest trails become very muddy and slippery, making them difficult to hike. The roads also get muddy, so you may need a 4×4 vehicle to get around safely. Temperatures are similar to the rest of the year, with daytime temperatures of about 22°C (72°F).
Bwindi has four different areas where you can start your gorilla trek: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. It’s important to know that these areas are several hours apart by car.
Most visitors arrive in Uganda through Entebbe International Airport (EBB). From here, the drive to Bwindi is very long, taking at least 10 hours. If you are coming from other parks in Uganda, the drive is shorter:
From the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, it takes about 2 to 3* hours to get to Buhoma.
From other parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the drive is about 4 to 6* hours.
From Lake Mburo National Park, the drive is 5 to 7* hours.
During the rainy seasons (March to May and September to November), you will need a 4×4 vehicle to safely travel on some of the roads.
If you want to avoid the long drive, you can take a domestic flight from Entebbe or Kampala to the nearby towns of Kihihi or Kisoro. Another popular option is to fly into the capital of Rwanda, Kigali, as it is much closer to Bwindi than Entebbe is, and the drive from there is a lot shorter.
It is always best to check online travel sites like Google Flights, Expedia, or Skyscanner for information on airlines and flight costs to Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
Most of your domestic flights between parks are arranged by your tour consultant and are already included in your package. You can reach Bwindi by a scheduled or private chartered flight. There are two main airports near the park: Kihihi Airport is the closest to the Buhoma and Ruhija trekking areas, while Kisoro Airport is the closest to the Rushaga and Nkuringo areas. Both airports are about 40km (25 miles) away, and the drive from either one takes at least 1.5 hours.
Only one domestic carrier currently offers scheduled flights to Kihihi and Kisoro:
For details on passports, visas, and other entry rules for Uganda, please check our “How To Get to Uganda” page.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a very safe place to visit. Crime is very rare in all of Uganda’s parks, and your guide will always be with you to ensure your safety.
For the most up-to-date information, you can also check your government’s official travel advice for Uganda.
Before your trip, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or a travel clinic for advice on vaccinations and how to protect yourself from malaria. To avoid getting malaria, you should use a strong mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and pants in the evening, and take antimalarial medicine as advised by your doctor.
Gorilla trekking is very safe. Gorillas are generally not aggressive, and problems almost never happen. As long as you follow the directions from your guide, you should have nothing to worry about. You will also receive a safety talk before your trek begins.
Nestled in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Lodge is an eco-luxury retreat just steps from the gorilla trekking trailheads. The lodge features spacious, elegantly appointed cottages with sweeping views of the forest canopy, seamlessly blending comfort with sustainability. Renowned for its warm hospitality and attentive service, Buhoma Lodge offers an intimate base for unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas and a fully immersive rainforest experience.
Set on the tranquil shores of Lake Mutanda, Mutanda Lake Resort offers a refined eco-luxury escape framed by the sweeping views of the Virunga Volcanoes. This peaceful retreat blends understated comfort with raw natural beauty, creating a serene base in Uganda’s highlands.
Its elegant cottages overlook calm waters and misty peaks, offering a quiet sense of space and privacy. Days begin with soft light over the lake and end with sunsets fading behind volcanic silhouettes.
Perfectly located for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the resort combines adventure with comfort, offering a seamless transition from rainforest encounters to lakeside relaxation. Locally inspired cuisine and warm, attentive service complete the experience. Here, luxury is defined not by excess, but by stillness, scenery, and a deep connection to one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Perched on the sparkling shores of Lake Mutanda, Chameleon Hill Lodge is a vibrant and distinctive retreat offering sweeping vistas of the Virunga Volcanoes. Celebrated for its colorful design and attentive hospitality, the lodge provides a lively yet elegant base for gorilla trekking, lake excursions, and exploring the rich diversity of Uganda’s landscapes.
Set in the prime Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, this exclusive retreat is a true oasis of privacy, serenity, and rejuvenation. Here, there are no crowds—only the rare privilege of encountering majestic mountain gorillas, accompanied by the soothing chorus of birds, the gentle rustle of ancient trees, and soft forest breezes framing breathtaking views.
Nestled in the breathtaking foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, Mount Gahinga Lodge offers an intimate and exclusive retreat surrounded by some of Africa’s most spectacular scenery. The lodge features eight beautifully handcrafted bandas — including six standard and two deluxe suites — each thoughtfully designed with en-suite bathrooms, double vanities, hot and cold running showers, cosy fireplaces, and private verandas overlooking the majestic volcanic landscape.
Inspired by the rich culture of the Bufimbira people, every banda combines authentic charm with refined luxury. Guests enjoy personalized butler service, ensuring every detail of their stay is taken care of effortlessly.
Savour exquisite cuisine served al fresco against a backdrop of rolling mountain ranges, or unwind in the elegant lounge and lush gardens with a fine book and the soothing sounds of nature.
Mount Gahinga Lodge is the perfect gateway to unforgettable experiences. Encounter endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys on thrilling treks through ancient rainforest. Immerse yourself in the fascinating heritage of the Batwa people through cultural visits, traditional dance performances, and inspiring community projects. For adventurous travelers, scenic hikes to Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhavura, and the stunning Kisozi Caldera promise extraordinary panoramic views and unforgettable memories.
Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge is set high on a ridge overlooking the vast expanse of southern Bwindi, offering sweeping views that naturally draw the eye into the forested landscape beyond. It is a place where nature takes centre stage, and luxury is expressed through quiet simplicity and thoughtful detail.
Inside, comfort is understated yet deeply satisfying—warm fireside evenings, serene rooms designed for restorative sleep, and attentive hospitality that anticipates every need without intrusion. From well-timed meals to carefully considered touches throughout the day, everything is crafted to feel effortless and seamless. Life here moves in harmony with the rhythm of the forest. Mornings unfold slowly and without rush, while evenings return a sense of calm, privacy, and your own space to simply be.
Perched in Uganda’s Nkuringo, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge offers an exclusive retreat where luxury meets seclusion, framed by sweeping views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This refined lodge provides an intimate base for gorilla trekking and mountain adventures, combining personalized service with elegant accommodations and a steadfast commitment to conservation and community development—ensuring an unforgettable and meaningful safari experience.
Perched on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mahogany Springs Lodge offers an elegant sanctuary with sweeping views of the Munyanga River and surrounding forested hills. The lodge features spacious, refined suites, gourmet dining, and attentive personalized service, providing the perfect retreat after exhilarating gorilla trekking adventures. With its stunning setting and commitment to sustainability, Mahogany Springs Lodge delivers a harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure for nature enthusiasts exploring Bwindi’s remarkable wilderness.
Perched on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge offers an exclusive eco-luxury retreat in one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions. The intimate lodge features elegantly appointed accommodations with sweeping forest vistas, providing refined comfort and direct access to gorilla trekking. Guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the wilderness while supporting local communities and vital conservation initiatives.
Tucked deep within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is an exclusive eco-luxury retreat. The camp’s intimate, elegantly appointed tents offer comfort and privacy while providing direct access to unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures. Set in a secluded location and guided by expert naturalists, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp delivers an immersive wildlife experience, allowing guests to witness these gentle giants in their pristine habitat while savoring the serenity and beauty of Bwindi.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to about 460 mountain gorillas. You can go on a trek to see many of these gorilla families up close. The park is also home to special animals that live only in this region. These include L’Hoest’s monkeys, the Rwenzori three-horned chameleon, and 23 kinds of birds that are found nowhere else. While you are at Bwindi, you might also see chimpanzees, but they are wild and stay away from people. There are also about 100 forest elephants, but they are very shy and hard to spot. You are more likely to see other forest animals, like bushbucks and several types of duikers.
Welcome to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park! This is a very special place, what we call a conservation hotspot. This means it is one of the most important places in the world for protecting animals, especially endangered ones. Here, you will find the amazing mountain gorilla, as well as chimpanzees and forest elephants. While there are 120 types of mammals in the park, you will most often see black-and-white colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Bwindi is also a fantastic place for seeing birds and butterflies. We have 350 kinds of birds and 220 kinds of butterflies, and some of them are very rare and can only be found in this region!
When you plan your gorilla trekking trip, the most important thing to consider is the rain. Heavy rain can make the walking trails very muddy and slippery, making your hike more difficult. While it can rain at any time of the year, the best time to visit is from June to August and from December to February, as there is less rain during these months. The park stays open all year, so you can choose to visit whenever you like.
Bird watching in Bwindi is good all year, but the best months are March and September. The main nesting season is from May to June, and there’s plenty of food for the birds from late May through September. If you want to see the special Grauer’s broadbill, the best time to look is from May to July. Keep in mind that heavy rain can make bird watching difficult; the wettest months are March to May and September to November. The driest months, June and July, are also a good time to visit to avoid the rain.
450+
Nov to Apr
There are two dry seasons in Bwindi. The main one is from June to August. In June and July, it is the driest time, but you might still get some rain. By August, the rain starts to increase, but the forest trails are still in good condition.
The second dry season is a shorter one, from December to February. The rain slows down in December but starts to pick up again in February. You can still expect some rain to fall. The temperatures are similar in both seasons: it is usually warm during the day, around 21-22°C (70-72°F), but it gets cool at night, dropping to about 12°C (54°F).
The two wet seasons in Bwindi are from March to May and from September to November. During these times, it rains a lot, and sometimes it can even drizzle for days. The forest trails become very muddy and slippery, making them difficult to hike. The roads also get muddy, so you may need a 4×4 vehicle to get around safely. Temperatures are similar to the rest of the year, with daytime temperatures of about 22°C (72°F).
Bwindi has four different areas where you can start your gorilla trek: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. It’s important to know that these areas are several hours apart by car.
Most visitors arrive in Uganda through Entebbe International Airport (EBB). From here, the drive to Bwindi is very long, taking at least 10 hours. If you are coming from other parks in Uganda, the drive is shorter:
From the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, it takes about 2 to 3* hours to get to Buhoma.
From other parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the drive is about 4 to 6* hours.
From Lake Mburo National Park, the drive is 5 to 7* hours.
During the rainy seasons (March to May and September to November), you will need a 4×4 vehicle to safely travel on some of the roads.
If you want to avoid the long drive, you can take a domestic flight from Entebbe or Kampala to the nearby towns of Kihihi or Kisoro. Another popular option is to fly into the capital of Rwanda, Kigali, as it is much closer to Bwindi than Entebbe is, and the drive from there is a lot shorter.
It is always best to check online travel sites like Google Flights, Expedia, or Skyscanner for information on airlines and flight costs to Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
Most of your domestic flights between parks are arranged by your tour consultant and are already included in your package. You can reach Bwindi by a scheduled or private chartered flight. There are two main airports near the park: Kihihi Airport is the closest to the Buhoma and Ruhija trekking areas, while Kisoro Airport is the closest to the Rushaga and Nkuringo areas. Both airports are about 40km (25 miles) away, and the drive from either one takes at least 1.5 hours.
Only one domestic carrier currently offers scheduled flights to Kihihi and Kisoro:
For details on passports, visas, and other entry rules for Uganda, please check our “How To Get to Uganda” page.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a very safe place to visit. Crime is very rare in all of Uganda’s parks, and your guide will always be with you to ensure your safety.
For the most up-to-date information, you can also check your government’s official travel advice for Uganda.
Before your trip, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or a travel clinic for advice on vaccinations and how to protect yourself from malaria. To avoid getting malaria, you should use a strong mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and pants in the evening, and take antimalarial medicine as advised by your doctor.
Gorilla trekking is very safe. Gorillas are generally not aggressive, and problems almost never happen. As long as you follow the directions from your guide, you should have nothing to worry about. You will also receive a safety talk before your trek begins.
