Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Location: Southwestern Uganda
Year of Inscription: 1994
Criteria: (vii) outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance;
(x) biodiversity and threatened species conservation
Overview: The park is known for its dense, tropical forest, which is home to over 400 species of plants and 120 species of mammals, including the critically endangered mountain gorilla. The park's rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists.
Prominent Features: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to a number of unique and iconic species, including:
Mountain gorillas: Bwindi is one of the few places in the world where visitors can observe wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Forest elephants: These elephants are smaller than their savannah counterparts and have adapted to living in dense forests.
Giant forest hogs: These large, nocturnal animals are the largest wild pigs in Africa and are known for their distinctive, warty faces.
Birds: Bwindi is home to over 350 species of birds, including 23 species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift region.
History: The forested region of Bwindi has been inhabited by indigenous communities for thousands of years. In the 20th century, the area was designated as a forest reserve to protect its unique ecosystem. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established in 1991.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take part in guided nature walks and birdwatching tours. Children must be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla tracking activities.
Fun Fact: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over half of the world's remaining wild mountain gorillas.
Entry Fees: Visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are required to purchase a permit for gorilla tracking and other activities. Permits cost $700 per person per day for foreign non-residents, $600 per person per day for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 per person per day for East African residents.
How to Reach It: By Air: The closest airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the Kihihi Airstrip, which is served by several domestic airlines. From the airstrip, visitors can take a taxi or arrange for a pick-up with their accommodation provider.
By Road: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible by road from Kampala, Uganda's capital city. The journey takes approximately 9 hours by car or 10-12 hours by bus.
Where to Stay: There are several lodges and campsites located within and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, ranging from budget to luxury accommodations. Some popular options include the Buhoma Lodge, the Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge, and the Gorilla Safari Lodge.
Next Stop: Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi
Year of Inscription: 1994
Criteria: (vii) outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance;
(x) biodiversity and threatened species conservation
Overview: The park is known for its dense, tropical forest, which is home to over 400 species of plants and 120 species of mammals, including the critically endangered mountain gorilla. The park's rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists.
Prominent Features: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to a number of unique and iconic species, including:
Mountain gorillas: Bwindi is one of the few places in the world where visitors can observe wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Forest elephants: These elephants are smaller than their savannah counterparts and have adapted to living in dense forests.
Giant forest hogs: These large, nocturnal animals are the largest wild pigs in Africa and are known for their distinctive, warty faces.
Birds: Bwindi is home to over 350 species of birds, including 23 species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift region.
History: The forested region of Bwindi has been inhabited by indigenous communities for thousands of years. In the 20th century, the area was designated as a forest reserve to protect its unique ecosystem. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established in 1991.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take part in guided nature walks and birdwatching tours. Children must be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla tracking activities.
Fun Fact: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over half of the world's remaining wild mountain gorillas.
Entry Fees: Visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are required to purchase a permit for gorilla tracking and other activities. Permits cost $700 per person per day for foreign non-residents, $600 per person per day for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 per person per day for East African residents.
How to Reach It: By Air: The closest airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the Kihihi Airstrip, which is served by several domestic airlines. From the airstrip, visitors can take a taxi or arrange for a pick-up with their accommodation provider.
By Road: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible by road from Kampala, Uganda's capital city. The journey takes approximately 9 hours by car or 10-12 hours by bus.
Where to Stay: There are several lodges and campsites located within and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, ranging from budget to luxury accommodations. Some popular options include the Buhoma Lodge, the Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge, and the Gorilla Safari Lodge.
Next Stop: Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi