Young gorilla in Bwindi

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park

Park at a glance:

Size: 321km².

Altitude: 1,160m - 2,607m above sea level.

Bwindi was gazetted as a National Park in 1991 and declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994. The Mubare gorilla group was the first to become available for tourism in Uganda in April 1993.

As of today over 23 groups have been habituated for tourism with one reserved for habitutaion experience in the rushaga sector . Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys, Bwindi is the source of five major rivers, which flow into Lake Edward.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants.

More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 500 mountain gorillas - roughly half of the world's population, with 23 habituated groups, which can be tracked and a number of solitary individuals.


Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park is home to diverse animal and bird species

This biologically diverse destination provides shelter to 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons, monkeys and chimpanzees, as well as elephants, buffalos and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

The neighboring towns of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo have an impressive array of luxury - midrange lodges, rustic bandas and budget campsites, as well as restaurants, Curios and community tour services. Opportunities abound to discover the local Bakiga and Batwa cultures through performances, workshops, museums and village walks.

Mountain Gorilla families And sectors of bwindi impenetrable forest National park:

Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park has 4 trail heads/ sectors: Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma and Nkuringo and each sector offers slightly different Experiences but the highlight remains Gorilla tracking, what puts them apart is level of difficulty and number of Gorilla families there.

The easiest sector to track Gorillas is Buhoma sector and is the oldest, Rushaga has the largest concentration of families and one family reserved for habituation experience and is perfect for midrange travellers. Nkuringo and Ruhija are also good in their own ways.

The Gorilla tracking activity is strictly handled by the park officials. During Gorilla tracking, you will accompanied by the head guide and at least 2 armed military rangers who will be assisted by a team of trackers or you may call them “advance team” and a few other tourists. The total number of trackers in the group is strictly 8 but sometimes it can be less, depending on the turn up of tourists.

Buhoma Trail Head - Nothern sector

This the most famous of all sectors and the oldest Trail head in the nothern part of bwindi, it was opened in 1993 and the first family to be habituted here was mubare group and is still outstanding, other gorilla families in Buhoma sector are: Habinyanja, Rushegura, Mubare, Katwe, Binyindo and Muyambi.

This sector is 1 hr drive to Kihihi airstrip south of Queen Elizabeth national park, which makes it accessible for those who would opt to use flight as a mode of transfer from Entebbe international airport.

It is approximately 5hr drive from Kigali the capital of Rwanda, and 1hrs drive from Ishasha Sector. Out of the 4 sectors, it's the easiest to trek and the most convenient for older people.

Some of the activities that could be done at the park include birding, forest walks, communities tours with the Batwa and Bakiga, and the waterfall trail.

Nkuringo Trail Head - Southern sector

Nkuringo trail head is located in the southern part of the park; the sector is home to the famous Nkuringo gorilla family well known in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park for their playful behaviours because of many Juveniles.

Nkuringo is home to 4 fully habituated gorilla families, Nkuringo, Bushaho, chrismass and Posho. The sector is well known for its views of Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira.

One of the hardest sectors to trek in because of the terrain but has some of the best views. The sector can easily be accessed from Kigali International airport on a 3hr drive scenic drive.

Some of the activities carried out in this sector include nature walks, birding, and cultural encounters with the Batwa of Buniga and the Bakiga or bafumbira communities.

Rushaga Trail Head - Southern sector

Rushaga sector has the highest number of habituated gorilla families. It is one of the sectors where Gorilla habituation experince takes place.

It is easily accessible to travellers coming from Kigali through the Cyanika or Katuna border in Kisoro and kabale districts respectively, which is approximately a 3hr drive as opposed to the 9 to 10 hrs from Ugandas main Airport of Entebbe.

Apart from Gorilla tracking other, Other activities done at the park from this sector include boat cruising at Lake Mutanda, bird watching, cultural experience of the Batwa community, and gorilla habituation Experince.

Gorilla families here include: Busingye, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Bikingi, Nshongi, Kutu, Rwigi

Ruhija Trail Head - Eastern sector

Situated on the Eastern part of the park. It is suitable for travellers arriving from kigali or who have Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National Park as part of their itineraries through Ishasha sector.

It is home to 4 habituated gorilla families ie: Oruzogo, Bitukura, Mukiza, Kyaguriro. Out of the 4 sectors, it's the highest and probably the coldest.

Some of the activities carried out in this sector include cycling mountain biking, birding, cultural encounters of the Batwa community, and nature walks.

Ruhija is generally a perfect place Trek as the way to the lodges goes through the park giving you a feel of this destination a day before your official tracking, there are instances where clients have encountred gorillas on their way to the lodge, other primates you can meet on the way include L'hoests monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, and so many others.


Top safaris

Leopard

12 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari and Rwanda with Lake Kivu

This safari joins Uganda and Rwanda’s Lake Kivu. Uganda will expose you to the primate capital in Kibale national park as you look for the chimps. You will then enjoy the best queen Elizabeth national park 

Explore Idea

From

5880

Per person

golden monkey

4 Days Golden Monkey Rwanda and Gorilla Tracking in Uganda

You will visit Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda for the endangered Golden Monkey Trekking Tour and proceed to Uganda for a gorilla trekking tour experience in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park to conclude with relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi.

Explore Idea

From

2013

Per person

gorilla

7 Days  Gorilla Back Packing safari

This 7 days back packing safari will highlight and introduce clients to beautiful Uganda's wildlife, nature and people. This trip starts from and ends in Entebbe.

Explore Idea

From

2464

Per person

Silverback gorilla

1 Days Gorilla tracking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable forest

This 1 day tour is one of the most affordable gorilla tracking tours to Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. The tour starts and ends in Kabale, and it is perfect for people close to Kabale town or Lake Bunyonyi who would like to add gorilla tracking to their safari adventure. We are ready to make this possible!

Explore Idea

From

1214

Per person

Gorillas hand

1 Days Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Gorilla Tracking Tour

A day tour of Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park helps travelers to encounter mountain gorillas and the Batwa people in only 12 hours, the tour starts and ends in Kabale and can be customized.

Explore Idea

From

1152

Per person

Female gorilla

3 Days Double Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park

The tour starts and ends from Kigali/ Rwanda and takes you to Mgahinga gorilla national park where you will do the first tracking and then later transfer to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park where you will do the second tracking.

Explore Idea

From

2837

Per person

Silverback in a thicket

3 Days Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Lake Bunyonyi Budget Safari

The 3 day mid range tour covers Gorilla Trekking and Lake Bunyonyi relaxation. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is the forest that houses the largest number of the world's remaining wild mountain gorillas. 

Explore Idea

From

1740

Per person

Gorilla fist

4 Days Lake Mburo and Gorilla Tracking in Uganda

This short gorilla and wildlife trip highlights gorilla tracking, beautiful country side and safari, a stop over at the equator, safari at Lake Mburo national park, Uganda's smallest but richest savanna park you will be able to encounter animals like giraffes, zebras, topis, elands, impalas and warthogs.

Explore Idea

From

2195

Per person

Female gorilla

4 Days Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Budget Tour

The 4 day Budget Gorilla Trekking and Charitable Cultural Tour takes you to Lake Bunyonyi and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park. This is the forest that houses the largest number of the world's remaining wild mountain gorillas.

Explore Idea

From

1785

Per person

lioness

7 Days Wildlife and Gorilla Tracking Uganda Safari

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest national park, to give you the best experience tackling Uganda's most thought after treasures.

Explore Idea

From

3228

Per person

gorilla head

8 Days Africa Family Safari Package

You will be picked up from Kigali and transferred to Uganda though either Katuna border post or Chanika border post depending on the gorilla tracking station, after checking in at the border, through the hills of Kigezi you will head to Ruhija/Rushaga for gorilla tracking.

Explore Idea

From

3593

Per person

Gorilla face

8 Days All Inclusive Custom Vacation Tour of Uganda

The tour Starts from Entebbe Airport or hotel, Transfer to Kibale Forest national park take on Bigodi Wetlands excursion and then head to Queen Elizabeth National Park and treat yourself to a big game drive safari, the Kazinga Channel boat.

Explore Idea

From

3240

Per person

Gorilla eating

10 Days Uganda Primates, Apes and Safari, Mid Range Tour

This tour takes our clients to popular National Parks in Uganda that include Lake Mburo National Park for game drives and boat cruises, to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park for gorilla trekking to Queen Elizabeth National park for game drives and a boat cruise on Kazinga channel, to Kibale Forest National park for chimpanzee trekking and wetland walk before you drive to Murchison Falls National park for game drives and a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls.

Explore Idea

From

4576

Per person

Chimpanzee in a  tree

10 Days Chimpanzees and Wildlife Safari in Uganda

Ten days Gorilla, chimpanzees and wildlife Safari will take you to 4 national parks. On this customized primates and wildlife safari, you will visit Murchison falls national park, Kibale Forest National Park, queen Elizabeth national park or if you like add on Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Lake Bunyonyi.

Explore Idea

From

4750

Per person

Hippopotamus

16 Days Uganda Primates, Apes and Safari Mid Range Tour

On this customized safari, you will visit Kidepo Valley National Park Africa's wildest, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki game reserve, Queen Elizabeth national park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo national park.

Explore Idea

From

6880

Per person

golden monkey

21 Days Uganda and Rwanda, wildlife and primate safari

This safari will take you to Uganda and Rwanda, You will experience the most sough after activities like gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking as well as wildlife viewing adventures in these countries 

Explore Idea

From

12604

Per person

Gorilla mother

2 Days Rwanda and Uganda Tour Starting from Kigali

This safari is meant for nature and wildlife lovers who have limited time but are writing off countries, we will take you to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda and Akagera national park in Rwanda, where you will try your luck to complete your African big six tour in only two days.

Explore Idea

From

1943

Per person

sleepy gorilla

4 Days Golden Monkey Rwanda and Gorilla Tracking in Uganda

You will visit Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda for the endangered Golden Monkey Trekking Tour and proceed to Uganda for a gorilla trekking tour experience in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park to conclude with relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi.

Explore Idea

From

2013

Per person

elephant at Kazinga channel

6 Days Uganda Wildlife And Gorilla Tracking Budget Tour

This 6 days tour has been designed with your comfort and sense of adventure in mind. From the moment you are picked up at the airport to the end, you will have a dedicated car and guide/driver at your disposal to take you to all the exciting places in the itinerary.

Explore Idea

From

2160

Per person

safaris

Other toursit destinations in Uganda

Kampala city

Kampala city

Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, is a dynamic and rapidly growing urban center that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, adventure, and modernity. With its rolling hills, lush vegetation, and friendly people, Kampala welcomes visitors to experience the heart and soul of Uganda.

Explore park
Kabale round about

Kabale town

Kabale town is a charming destination that has earned the nickname "The Switzerland of Africa." This picturesque town, surrounded by lush green hills and cool, misty weather, offers travelers a perfect escape into nature, culture, and adventure.

Explore park
Lioness on an anti hill in Queen Elizabeth NP

Queen Elizabeth national park 

Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda's most popular tourist destination. The park's diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid woodland forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees, mankeys, baboons and over 600 species of birds.

Explore park
Water buck in Kidepo Valley NP

Kidepo valley national park

Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged, semi-arid valleys between Uganda's borders with Sudan and Kenya, some 700kilometers from Kampala.

Explore park
Murchison falls

Murchison falls national park

Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savanna. First gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, it is Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area, hosting 76 species of mammals and 451 birds.

Explore park
Mountain Elgon

Mount Elgon National Park

At 4,000km² Mount Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda - Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80 kilometers in diameter, rises more than 3,000 meters above the surrounding plains.

Explore park
Rwenzori Mountain

Rwenzori mountains national park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km long and 65km wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world's rarest vegetation.

Explore park
hot springs in Semliki national park

Semliki National Park

Semuliki National Park sprawls across the floor of the Semuliki Valley on the remote, western side of the Rwenzori. The park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin. This is one of Africa's most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12-18,000 years ago.

Explore park
Rhino at Zziwa

Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a protected area located in Nakasongola district, Uganda. It was established in 2005 with the primary objective of reintroducing and conserving the endangered southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in Uganda.

Explore park
Water buck pian upe

Pian Upe Game Reserve

Pian Upe Game Reserve is a highly desired tourist destination located in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda. This expansive reserve covers an area of approximately 2,788 square kilometers, making it the second-largest protected area in the country.

Explore park
Chimpanzee in Kibale

Kibale forest national park

Kibale Forest National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau.

Explore park
Zebras in lake mburo national park

Lake Mburo national park

20% of the park's entrance fee is used to fund local community projects such as building clinics and schools. Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem, located conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda.

Explore park
Golden monkey in Mgahinga

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a protected area located in southwestern Uganda, on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of the two national parks in Uganda that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, the other being Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Explore park
birds on the source of the Nile

The source of the Nile

The source of the Nile, alluded to hazily in the ancient writings of Ptolemy, stood as one of the great geographical mysteries of the Victorian Age. Closer to home, the Nile downriver from Jinja, Uganda, offers some superb white water rafting and game fishing.

Explore park
hot springs sempaya

Sempaya Hot springs

Sempaya Hot Springs, also known as Semuliki Hot Springs, is a natural wonder located in the Semuliki National Park in western Uganda. These hot springs are renowned for their unique geological features and therapeutic properties, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Explore park
Sipi falls

Sipi falls

Sipi Falls is a stunning waterfall located in eastern Uganda, near the town of Kapchorwa. It is considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country and draws tourists from all over the world. The falls are part of the Sipi River, which originates from Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano that straddles the border between Uganda and Kenya.

Explore park
Plane sunset

Entebbe international airport

Entebbe International Airport is the main international airport serving Uganda. The airport is an important gateway to Uganda and the surrounding region.

Explore park
Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the wonders of Lake Mutanda, what makes it a must-visit destination, and how Musana Tours and Travel can help you curate an unforgettable adventure.

Explore park
Kisoro

Kisoro town

Kisoro town should be on your must-visit list. At Musana Tours and Travel, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for travelers, and Kisoro promises just that—an unforgettable adventure filled with nature, wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences.

Explore park
Kid on a canoe on Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi

Known as the “Place of many little birds,” Lake Bunyonyi is located in southwestern Uganda near the border of Rwanda. Its tranquil waters, stunning landscapes, and unique islands make it a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Explore park
Bridge on the Nile

Jinja city

Jinja City, perched on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in eastern Uganda, is a true gem for travelers looking for adventure, nature, and a taste of Uganda’s rich culture

Explore park
Entebbe city

Entebbe City

Entebbe, a vibrant city located along the shores of Lake Victoria, is one of Uganda’s most captivating destinations. Its scenic beauty, historical significance, and proximity to Uganda’s only international airport make it a key gateway to the rest of the country.

Explore park
shoebill stork in Mabamba swamp

Mabamba Swamp

Mabamba Swamp stands out as a remarkable wetland, teeming with birdlife and other wildlife. Located along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, this swamp is one of Uganda’s most important bird-watching sites.

Explore park
Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world. Spanning three countries, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, this vast body of water offers unparalleled beauty, cultural richness, and abundant wildlife.

Explore park
River Nile

River Nile

The River Nile, the longest river in the world, holds a mystique that captivates explorers, travelers, and historians alike. Spanning over 6,600 kilometers, the Nile flows through 11 countries in northeastern Africa before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.

Explore park
Fort portal

Fort portal 

Fort Portal, the tourism capital of Uganda, is a beautiful, serene city located in the western part of the country, lying at the base of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains.

Explore park

News and updates

Why Chimpanzee Trekking Should Be on Your Bucket List

"Discover why chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda should be on your bucket list! Experience unforgettable encounters with our closest relatives while supporting vital conservation efforts. Book your adventure with Musana Tours and Travel today!"

Explore blog

Mon Sep 30 2024

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge

Are you seeking a unique wildlife adventure in Uganda? Look no further than Kyambura Gorge, a hidden gem in the heart of the country that offers an unparalleled chimpanzee trekking experience.

Explore blog

Wed Sep 11 2024

Wildlife Filming in Uganda National Parks

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts and filmmakers alike. With its lush landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rare wildlife, it’s no surprise that this East African nation has become a prime destination for wildlife filming.

Explore blog

Wed Sep 11 2024

More blogs
Let's chat