Home to approximately 400 mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is for Uganda what the Seregenti is for Tanzania – an iconic bio-diverse destination whose reality more than lives up to expectations.
The tight regulations on gorilla tracking permits limit visitor numbers and ensures an exclusive experience even in peak travel season. Planning ahead is a must – and to a certain extent, where you stay depends on availability of permits. Access to the 25-30 gorilla troops is via four different points: the longest-established, Buhoma, was set up when Uganda introduced gorilla tracking in 1993, and Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga followed years later.
Inarguably, coming face-to-face with the gorillas will be the highlight of your stay in the region. but make time too for guided birding walks through the tropical forests (Bwindi is home to around 350 species), community visits and even hiking on the nearby Virunga Volcano range.
