Park or nature areaOutline guide

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

National park in Uganda

Photo: Flickr user: futureatlas.com https://www.flickr.com/people/87913776@N00/, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is in Western Uganda. Bwindi forest is the most popular national park in Uganda. It is famous for viewing mountain gorillas in the wild. The park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Where to eat, drink and stay

Sleep2 places

Camping

Karungi Camp
close to Rushaga (20 min drive) and Nkuringo (45 min drive). Single US$40, double US$60, camping US$40. Able to assist with permit.
Address
Muko-Ruguburi Road Ruguburi Town Kisoro District
Phone
+256 (779) 806 583
Website
karungicamp.com
The Gorilla ResortUS$375 per person per night
This intimate, exclusive, high-end safari camp with a breath-taking view of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located at Buhoma - Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla National Park on a mountain side. The camp has been constructed and built to the highest standards whilst retaining sympathy with the local surroundings.
Price
US$375 per person per night
Address
Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Directions
next to the park
Phone
+256 39 3288667
Website
bwindiforestnationalpark.com

Getting there and around

Getting there

Getting into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park requires a permit - the best place to get that is from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). They have an office in Kampala, on Kiira Road.

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Getting around

The roads in Uganda are bad - you will redefine your idea of what is a 'good road' after a visit. Paved roads are few and far between. If you can rent a car, be prepared for a bumpy ride (and make sure you have a spare).

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Articles and travel topics about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Uganda.

Itineraries

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Nature & adventure

African wildlife

African flora and fauna is a highlight of trips to Africa, especially on visits to the continent's national parks. Going on a safari is a common way to see it.

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Itineraries

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Nature & adventure

African national parks

Many of these parks are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They can be visited for safaris, to see the African flora and fauna.

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandThere are four main points for viewing mountain gorillas: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. All the four sectors offer similar opportunities to see the gorillas in their natural habitat.

Get inGetting into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park requires a permit - the best place to get that is from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). They have an office in Kampala, on Kiira Road.

Fees and permitsAs of Apr 2024 the cost for the gorilla permit is US$800 for foreign tourists, though it is worth it as it is an unbelievable experience. The UWA accepts only cash for payment.

Get aroundThe roads in Uganda are bad - you will redefine your idea of what is a 'good road' after a visit. Paved roads are few and far between. If you can rent a car, be prepared for a bumpy ride (and make sure you have a spare).

See

DoGorilla tracking - the main activity here. It is expensive, but it is worth it. There are several different groups of gorilla's, with group H being the largest.

BuyThere are no large shops inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, but several small trading centers and community-run craft stalls can be found around the park’s main trailheads, particularly at Buhoma, Ruhija,…

EatBwindi Impenetrable National Park has no public restaurants inside the forest itself, but every major trailhead—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—is served by lodges and community establishments that provide meals…

DrinkSafe drinking water is readily available at most lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, but visitors should avoid drinking tap water anywhere in the region.

SleepThere are several lodging options in Bwindi. The lodging options in Bwindi are classified as basic, budget, midrange and luxury lodges.

Stay safeBwindi Impenetrable National Park is generally safe for visitors, especially those on guided treks, but its remote rainforest terrain and position near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border mean that travelers…

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Bwindi Impenetrable National Park" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Bwindi Impenetrable National Park", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Flickr user: futureatlas.com https://www.flickr.com/people/87913776@N00/, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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