Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Protecting one of the largest and most ancient highland forests in Africa, the hilly Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also an important center of biodiversity. Its best known inhabitants are a population of around 350 mountain gorillas (about 45% of the global total), nine groups of which have been habituated for daily tourist visits. Unsurprisingly, gorilla tracking is the most popular activity in Bwindi, and though not cheap, and sometimes physically demanding, it is undoubtedly one of the world’s most thrilling wildlife encounters. Bwindi also ranks among Africa’s most compelling birdwatching destinations. The main attraction is two ...

Protecting one of the largest and most ancient highland forests in Africa, the hilly Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also an important center of biodiversity. Its best known inhabitants are a population of around 350 mountain gorillas (about 45% of the global total), nine groups of which have been habituated for daily tourist visits. Unsurprisingly, gorilla tracking is the most popular activity in Bwindi, and though not cheap, and sometimes physically demanding, it is undoubtedly one of the world’s most thrilling wildlife encounters. Bwindi also ranks among Africa’s most compelling birdwatching destinations. The main attraction is two dozen species endemic to the Albertine Rift, among them the eagerly sought after African green broadbill. A total of 350 species have been recorded, a great many of them forest dwellers that are unusually easy to locate here, partly thanks to the high standard of local bird guides. Aside from gorillas, another 100 mammal species have been recorded, including chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, black-and-white colobus, elephant, and the rare yellow-backed duiker.

About the Expert

Philip Briggs has written or contributed to 50-plus editions of Bradt, Insight, AA and Berlitz guidebooks to African destinations.