The Impenetrable Bwindi National Park has an area of about 331 square kilometres with an altitude Range of approximately 1160 metres. It has an annual Temperature Range of 7-20 degrees Celcius. June-July are the coldest Periods. Annual Precipitation is 1130 mm - 2390 mm and you can experience the tropical rains in March-April and September - November.

The local people living around the park are Bakiga and Bafumbira, and it constitutes one of the densest settlements in Uganda (233 people/ square kilometres). Bwindi is a settlement to 326 gorillas, one half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. It has about 120 species of mammals including primates and about 30 elephants. There are about 360 species of birds and over 200 species of butterflies. About 324 tree species have been recorded here.

Gorilla Safaris:

This is a major tourist activity in Bwindi with four gorilla groups currently available to be visited on daily basis. Gorilla safaris are carried out at Mubare group (10 gorillas, 1 silverback) which was opened for tourism in 1993, while Habinyanja group (18 gorillas, 1 silverback) was ready in July 1998. The Rushegura group (10 gorillas and 1 silverback) was opened for tourism in July 2002 while the Nkuringo group (19 gorillas, 2 silverbacks) was opened for tourism in April 2004. To enjoy the gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park it is imperative to book at least
3 months in advance to ensure that the requested dates are available.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi can be tiring, therefore be prepared by keeping fit in preparation! Carry jungle boots and rain jackets because the park is often wet. Also bring with you sunscreen, insect repellant, a cap, and warm clothes for the evenings.

Your gorilla trekking experience starts at 8:30 am for a 6-8 hour trek, depending on the day's luck and the gorillas' location! For Conservation reasons, time spend in the presence of the gorillas is limited to one hour (1 hr).

Bird Watching

Bwindi is home to mutitudes of birds! It holds 348 species of birds and contains 90% of all Albertine rift Endemic such as the Short-tailed Warbler, Rusty-faced Woodland Warbler, Bar-tailed Trogon, Gruer's Rush Warbler, Wilcock's Honey-guide, Yellow-eyed black Fly-catcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, Dusky Crimson Wing and White-tailed Blue Monarch among others.

An experienced birder can spot up to 100 species in a single day! Visit Ruhija and Buhoma for this dream.

Nature Walks:

For the visitor who has 2 or 3 days in Bwindi, the park has 4 fantastic hiking trails. On all these trails, you have opportunities to see and learn about primates, many species of birds, butterflies, trees, and other organisms.

The Munyanga River Trail:

This is an ideal short walk for visitors with little time to spare. Here you can see birds and primates of the forest edge. The popular Waterfall Trail provides an attractive feature of the forest with a profusion of tree ferns, epithetic ferns, orchids and Bwindi's colourful array of butterflies. This trail which leads to 3 delightful crystal clear waterfalls typifies your impression of a tropical rain forest.

The Rushurra Trail:

This trail commands expansive views across the western rift valley floor. To the west, Congo's Parc Nationale Des Virungas provides a spectacular backdrop, and on clear days Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountain are visible.

The Muzabajirro Trail:

This one offers breath-taking views of Bwindi Forest, the Western Rift Valley and the Virungas. On the way, you witness hundreds of pre-historic tree ferns. The top of this trail is a great place for a picnic lunch.

The Ruizi River Trail:

This is the longest in the park and will occupy you for a full day. It is highly recommended for bird watchers.

The Bamboo Trail:

The Bamboo trail offers 14 vegetation types and is one of the areas of highest diversity in the park. At the top of this trail, you witness panoramic views encompassing L. Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.

Cultural Performance:

In the evenings, participate in captivating traditional performances presented by Women's groups. Proceeds from these go directly to improve the welfare of families around the park