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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park safari in Tanzania - Porcupine Tours

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Safari

Tanzania's Premier Wildlife Destination

Experience one of the world's most profound wildlife encounters in Uganda's ancient montane rainforest - home to nearly half the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Trek through dense jungle to sit within meters of habituated gorilla families, observing their remarkably human behaviors. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects 459 gorillas across 20+ habituated families.

Why Choose a Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Safari?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda's crown jewel for primate lovers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects approximately 459 mountain gorillas - nearly half the world's remaining population. Gorilla trekking here offers life-changing encounters with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Safari Highlights

Mountain Gorilla Trekking - 459 Gorillas
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Home to Half the World's Mountain Gorillas
Ancient Montane Rainforest
350+ Bird Species Including 23 Albertine Endemics
Multiple Trekking Sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo)

Regions to Explore

Buhoma Sector (North)

The original gorilla trekking area with excellent infrastructure. Home to 4-5 habituated gorilla families. Moderate trek difficulty, ideal for first-time visitors.

Ruhija Sector (East)

Highest elevation sector (2,200-2,600m) with cooler temperatures. Home to 4 habituated families. Excellent for birdwatching with 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

Rushaga Sector (South)

Most gorilla-rich sector with 8+ habituated families. Popular with budget travelers. Closest to Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

Nkuringo Sector (South)

Most challenging sector with steep terrain but rewarding views. Home to 2-3 families. Best for fit trekkers seeking adventure.

Activities & Experiences

Mountain gorilla trekking (1 hour with gorillas)
Gorilla habituation experience (full day)
Forest birding walks
Batwa cultural experiences
Village walks and community tourism
Waterfall hikes

Did You Know?

Size: 331 km² of protected montane rainforest

Established: 1991, UNESCO World Heritage Site 1994

Gorilla population: ~459 mountain gorillas (nearly half the world's ~1,063 total)

Habituated families: 20+ available for trekking

Age: Ancient forest over 25,000 years old

Permit cost: USD $800 per person (Uganda Wildlife Authority)

Trek duration: 2-8 hours to locate gorillas

Time with gorillas: Strictly 1 hour

Planning Your Visit

Recommended Stay

Minimum 2 nights (1 trek), ideally 3 nights (2 treks). Add extra for birding or cultural visits.

Getting There

8-9 hour drive from Kampala/Entebbe. Shorter from Kigali, Rwanda (4-5 hours). Daily flights to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips.

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp ($800-1,500/night), Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge ($700-1,200/night). Mid-range: Silverback Lodge ($300-500), Gorilla Mist Camp ($250-400).

Important to Know

Minimum age 15 years. Maximum 8 people per gorilla family. Book permits months in advance. Good fitness required.

Best Time to Visit

June-September & December-February (dry seasons, easier trekking). March-May & October-November (wet, harder trekking but fewer tourists, gorillas stay lower).

Wildlife

Mountain gorillas (459 individuals), chimpanzees, L'Hoest's monkeys, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, forest elephants (rare), 120 mammal species, 350+ bird species including 23 Albertine Rift endemics

Experience Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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