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Bwindi Lodge
Bwindi National Park, UgandaActivities travellers enjoyed
Game drives | Cultural visits | Historical tours | Gorilla tracking | Bird watching | Boat excursions
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Bwindi
Bwindi is the forest on the Uganda side of the Albertine Rift where most mountain-gorilla treks happen. One permit is one morning in the forest with one habituated family.
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Experience the Pearl of Africa in Bwindi, Uganda
From Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Other Primates to Lake Adventures
Forming part of the great green swathe of rainforest that cloaks the Rift Valley mountains shared between Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC, is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Widely acknowledged as one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa, it's undoubtedly a destination to add to any bucket list. And, fortunately, it's not as inaccessible as its name suggests.
But a Bwindi safari isn't just about gorillas: there are 11 other species of primate and numerous mammals ranging from shy forest elephants to giant forest hogs. The bird watching is excellent – keep a look out for any of the 23 endemics among the 350 recorded bird species – while even the most seasoned of nature-lovers will be amazed by the dazzling colours of Bwindi's 200 butterfly species.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a destination on most Ugandan safari itineraries and combines easily with the country's savannah reserves such as Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park. There is specialist gorilla trekking accommodation in and next to the forest. While it's considered a year-round destination, the best time to visit Uganda is in its two dry seasons, from June to September and December to February.
1. Experience Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park
Home to around half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers Uganda's best gorilla trekking. Once permits are secured, professional guides will take you into the heart of this teeming ecosystem in search of these incredible families. The success rate of finding gorillas on a daily basis is around 90% and the positive impact of these conservation-driven treks has seen an increase in the gorilla population. Along the way, you'll have the chance to view the 11 other primate species that call the forest home – consider adding a chimp trekking expedition to your Ugandan adventure to truly experience it all.
Highlights of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi:
- Soul stirring moments spent observing these forest giants
- A chance to see 11 other primate species on your search for gorillas in Bwindi
- Keep an eye out for endemic birdlife and beautiful butterflies
- A high success rate for finding gorilla families
2. Fantastic Accommodation Options
Fortunately, there are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation in Bwindi National Park ranging from cosy and comfortable to intimate eco-conscious offerings and all the way through to a handful of luxury selections. In comparison to its Tanzanian and Kenyan counterparts, accommodation in Bwindi, Uganda, is typically smaller and less opulent, but just as enticing with a general consensus of superb service, ample comfort, and tasty food.
Highlights from Accommodation in Bwindi National Park:
- Erebero Hills – a new luxury offering designed to reflect the unique shapes and flow of Bwindi
- Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge – a beautiful eco-lodge overlooking the forest canopy
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – found in a private concession on a flat peak high above the forest
- Accommodation to suit a variety of budgets and tastes
- More intimate options offering personalised care and service
3. Adventures & Activities at Lake Mutanda
Explore one of Uganda's glorious freshwater lakes while still having access a Bwindi gorilla safari, as well as the ability to visit other renowned parks. Spend time gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and even track golden monkeys in nearby Mgahinga National Park. Around the lake, enjoy an array of land- and water-based activities including canoe tours, boat cruises, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, guided nature walks or more testing hikes. Take the opportunity to interact with indigenous Batwa tribes to learn more about their culture and traditions. Amidst the activities, indulge in some downtime admiring stunning sunsets, birdwatching, and simply relaxing – the perfect example of Africa adventure vacations.
A Few Lake Mutanda Highlights:
- Access to various national parks nearby
- Embark on Bwindi gorilla trekking adventures
- Set off on foot in search of golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park
- Try a host of watersports and surrounding land-based nature excursions
4. A Perfect Combination Destination
One of the options for getting to Uganda's Bwindi National Park is to fly into the capital of Kenya, Nairobi. Considering that, combining a Kenya safari with Uganda is an easy feat for an incredible classic safari sojourn and adventurous gorilla trekking excursions. The same could be said for Uganda's other neighbour, Tanzania where wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and hidden gems in the south lie in wait. There are a plethora of fantastic Bwindi National Park Safari Tours to explore that both focus on this location and combine it with others.
Highlights of Combining Uganda With Other Destinations:
- Enjoy the best of both worlds with safari heavy hitters like gorilla trekking in Bwindi and the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and Kenya
- Explore neighbouring countries to get greater perspective and exposure to Africa
- Venture through varied and striking landscapes in multiple countries
Whether it's just Bwindi gorilla trekking that calls to you or the addition of other Ugandan destinations, like a classic safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, our team of Africa Safari Experts are on hand to help you plan a tailor-made itinerary with you in mind.
What travellers most enjoyed about Bwindi National Park
Bird watching
Gorilla trekking
Scenery
Walking safaris
Where to go
- Bwindi Impenetrable ForestThe park itself. Sleep at the sector where the trek starts. Moving gates in the middle of a two-night stay wastes the day on the road.
- Queen ElizabethThe savannah park most trips add: a boat on the Kazinga Channel and a game drive. It is the open-country contrast to the forest.
When to go
June to September, and December to February
The drier months. Trails are steeper in the wet, and the gorillas do not move to suit the calendar. Permits for these months go first.
The rains
April, May, October, and November are muddier. Treks still run. Pack a rain layer either way. The forest makes its own weather.
Travel advice
The trek
Wear boots you have walked in, gaiters if you have them, and give the walking sticks and porters a real job. The group size and the one-hour visit are park rules.
Health
Bwindi is a malaria and a yellow-fever area to ask a clinic about. The permit has an age rule. Check it before you pay for flights for a child.
Popular tours and safaris in Bwindi
Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.
From KSh468,722 pps
Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Lake Resort Adventure
4 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Kisoro | Uganda
From KSh618,038 pps
Uganda’s Luxury Gorilla Safari
5 daysHighlights
A gorilla trek on the permit day. One trek uses one permit.
Destinations visited
Bwindi National Park | Entebbe | Uganda
From KSh733,596 to KSh958,219 pps
Adventurer Uganda's Fly-In Gorilla Trek
5 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Bwindi National Park | Uganda
Ask for the rate
7-Day Uganda Community & Conservation Safari
7 daysHighlights
A gorilla trek on the permit day. One trek uses one permit. A visit with a local community.
Destinations visited
Entebbe | Mgahinga Gorilla National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Uganda
From KSh1,047,809 to KSh1,548,991 pps
8-Day Uganda’s Wild Waters to Bwindi
8 daysHighlights
White-water rafting is part of this route. A guided forest walk to look for chimpanzees.
Destinations visited
Bwindi National Park | Entebbe | Murchison Falls National Park | River Nile | Uganda
From KSh1,869,696 to KSh2,086,529 pps
Serengeti, Crater & Gorillas
9 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Bwindi National Park | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti | Tanzania | Uganda
From KSh1,685,323 to KSh2,775,979 pps
Luxury Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Safari
10 daysHighlights
Game drives set around the month you travel.
Destinations visited
Arusha | Bwindi National Park | Entebbe | Kenya | Masai Mara | Serengeti | Tanzania | Uganda
Ask for the rate
Uganda's Primates & Wildlife Adventure
10 daysHighlights
A guided forest walk to look for chimpanzees. A gorilla trek on the permit day. One trek uses one permit.
Destinations visited
Bwindi National Park | Entebbe | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Uganda
Bwindi Forest Accommodation
Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park ranges from eco-lodges to tented camps. The emphasis is naturally on gorilla trekking but we’ve made sure our recommended Bwindi Forest accommodation delivers the complete rainforest experience.
If you’re looking for a gorilla trek in one of Central Africa’s safest, most accessible and most rewarding rainforests, our selection of Bwindi accommodation is sure to inspire you and will make planning your Uganda safari so much simpler.
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Bwindi stays
4 stays. The rate is per person sharing.
- Bwindi National Park, Uganda
From KSh1,047,809 to KSh2,982,425 pps
Erebero Hills
Bwindi National Park, UgandaActivities travellers enjoyed
Game drives | Conservation projects | Cultural visits | Star gazing | Gorilla tracking | Bush dining
From KSh733,596 to KSh2,526,686 pps
Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary
Bwindi National Park, UgandaActivities travellers enjoyed
Gorilla tracking | Game drives | Cultural visits | Bird watching | Hiking | Bush dining
From KSh618,038 pps
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Bwindi National Park, UgandaActivities travellers enjoyed
Gorilla tracking | Game drives
Costs
The gorilla permit is the large line. It belongs on the quote, not inside a vague daily rate.
A lodge near Buhoma or Rushaga is the other large line. The drive from Kampala or the flight to Kihihi changes the total.
Published Uganda trips are the guide. International flights, visas, and tips are extra. Nothing is paid until you accept the quote.