Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in south western Uganda, on the edge of the Western Rift Valley (Albertine rift) and is shared by Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro districts. It is 331 km squared in size and on an altitude range of 1,160 metres (Ishasha gorge) to 2,607 metres (Rwamanyonyi Peak).

Bwindi is home to 326 gorillas, almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. There are also 346 species of birds and over 200 species of butterflies.

Gorilla tracking is the major activity in Bwindi, with four gorilla groups currently available daily for tourists. Book at least 3 months (but not more than two years) in advance to ensure that requested dates are available. As gorilla tracking in Bwindi can be challenging, a general level of fitness is required. The gorilla tracking experience starts at 8.30 am local time and can last from a few hours to a whole day!

For the visitor who has 2 or 3 days in Bwindi, the park has 4 fantastic hiking trails. On these trails, you have the opportunity to see and learn about primates, many species of birds, butterflies, trees and other organisms as well as view the natural splendor of crystal clear waterfalls or the sweeping landscape of the breathtaking Rift Valley. In addition, the Munyaga river trail is an ideal short walk for visitors with little time to spare, giving you the opportunity to see birds and even primates that can sometimes be found on the forest edge.

For those who prefer the comfort of their car, visitors with their own 4 wheel drives can access some of Uganda's finest vistas of deep undisturbed forests.

Access:

Kampala to Kabale is a distance of 414 km on bitumen surface and takes 6-7 hours. An additional 120 km from Kabale to Buhoma Park headquarters via Kanungu and Kanyantorogo on murram surface takes 3-4 hours and may require a 4WD vehicle. Kabale-Ruhija-Buhoma is 95 km and takes about 3-4 hours. This road is not frequently used by the public. A 4WD vehicle is recommended.

There is also a bus from Kampala to Butogota. Taxis for hire are available for about US$ 15 from Butogota to Buhoma park headquarters. You may travel by bus or public taxi from Kampala to Kabale. In Kabale you can hire a car at about US$ 50, or take a pickup taxi to Butogota. Public transport to Butogota is unpredictable but most common on Thursdays. Arrange in advance to be picked from Buhoma after your visit, if you don’t have your own vehicle.