Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Holidays

Set among the rolling hills of Uganda's Kisoro district, at the south western tip of the country, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is prime primate territory, and home to half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population. With these great apes on the critically endangered list, Bwindi safaris take place in one of the few places in the world where you can trek with mountain gorillas (Rwanda and the decidedly off-limits Democratic Republic of Congo being the only others). Visitors to Bwindi are assigned in small groups to a gorilla family to track, and will then set out with a guide to explore the mountainous forests in search of these gentle giants. With less than 900 mountain gorilla remaining in the whole world, the opportunity to track these animals in the wild is a genuinely unique experience. As well as gorilla trekking there is plenty more to keep guests entertained on a Bwindi holiday. There are over 350 species of birds, 310 butterflies and 200 trees to identify, and various scenic hikes and nature walks to enjoy.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holiday ideas

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Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Guide

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What can you find in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest that you won't find anywhere else?

A thick tangle of trees and vines characterise Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, undoubtedly justifying the inclusion of ‘impenetrable’ within its name. Home to the largest assortment of tree species in East Africa, the UNESCO-protected primeval forest sprawls across 79,000 acres of land in south-west Uganda. As well as more than 200 types of tree, the dense habitat plays host to a large proportion of the planet’s population of endangered mountain gorillas, making it one of only three destinations for unforgettable gorilla-trekking (along with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo). The focus of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holidays often takes the form of these gorilla treks, and seeing these majestic primates in their natural habitat is a truly magical experience.


Beyond gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holidays cater to avid birders, with over 350 species of bird inhabiting the dense forest canopy overhead, while the abundance of hiking paths are just waiting to be explored. Once you’ve hung up your walking boots, aching muscles can be eased with massages back at your comfortable lodge. For the ultimate Ugandan safari experience, combine Bwindi with Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park and Semliki Wildlife Reserve, or for an adventure which takes you further afield, our travel experts can design an itinerary which incorporates gorilla trekking in Uganda and a safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara.

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