Located strategically in southwestern Uganda at the edge of the rift valley, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a place of untamed and natural beauty. The park was established in 1991 and is named after one of Uganda’s most ancient and biologically diverse rainforests, which contains almost 400 unique plant species and dates back to 2,000 years ago. The term Impenetrable stems from the densely forested area that has remained so for years making it impassable on foot.

Botany aside, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest houses over 51 reptile species, 200 butterfly species, 350 bird species including the rare Albertine Rift endemics, and 120 mammal species. The latter includes numerous primates like baboons, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, and, the star of the Impenetrable show; the mountain gorilla.

Bwindi remains one of the secure homes of the endangered mountain gorillas. The forest shelters up to 500 mountain gorillas, which is almost half of the entire world’s population. This also includes numerous habituated groups that can be tracked on foot, an experience like no other.

The forest is surrounded by the hospitable Buhoma and Nkuringo communities. These are defined by luxurious tourist lodges, campsites, restaurants, craft stalls and tour guide services. In addition, track and meet the indigenous Batwa Pygmy tribe, which is considered Uganda’s oldest living ethnic group.