The forest earned its name, Bwindi, meaning 'Place of Darkness' due to its thick leafy canopy that dominates the landscape. The biodiversity found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be attributed to its altitude and antiquity. Surviving the last Ice Age, the 331 km² park in southwest Uganda reaches heights of over 8,000 feet, providing a diverse habitat that is home to roughly 120 species of mammal, 350 species of bird, 160 species of tree, and 100 species of fern.

Bwindi offers four areas from which gorilla trekking is conducted - Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. While Buhoma and Ruhija are easier to incorporate into a Uganda safari itinerary due to their location in the north of the forest, they tend to get fully booked well in advance. Rushaga and Nkuringo are accessible by road or light aircraft and offer viable options for those seeking where to see gorillas in Uganda.

Visit Uganda and experience the ultimate photographic safari and gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Don't miss out on the chance to witness the rare and remarkable mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Book your trip today and discover what makes Uganda such an attractive tourist destination for safari and wildlife enthusiasts.

The mountain gorilla population in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is estimated to be above 450 individuals, making it a prime destination for gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking is an incredible experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

During gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi, visitors can get as close as 7 meters to the gorillas. The close proximity is possible because the gorillas have been habituated to human presence by expert guides. Gorilla trekking experiences are safe because visitors are accompanied by trained and experienced guides who ensure that visitors follow the necessary safety protocols.

Gorilla trekking experiences usually last between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla groups and the terrain. Trekking can be challenging and is recommended for visitors who are physically fit and able to walk long distances on uneven terrain.

The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is during the dry season from June to September, as well as December to February. During these months, the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it easier to hike through the forest and track the mountain gorillas. Additionally, there are fewer mosquitoes and other insects during this time, which can make for a more comfortable experience.

However, it's worth noting that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a rainforest, so it can rain at any time of year. Visitors should be prepared for some rain even during the dry season. The wet season from March to May and October to November can bring heavy rainfall, which can make hiking and gorilla tracking more challenging.

January:

The weather is generally dry and sunny, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night. The average rainfall is 80mm, with about 11 rainy days.

February:

The weather is similar to January, with slightly higher average rainfall of 90mm and about 12 rainy days.

March:

The rainy season begins, with an average rainfall of 150mm and about 20 rainy days. The temperature remains warm during the day, with an average of 25°C (77°F), but drops to 13°C (55°F) at night.

April:

This is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 220mm and about 26 rainy days. Temperatures remain similar to March.

May:

The rainfall starts to decrease, with an average of 170mm and about 22 rainy days. Temperatures remain cool, with an average of 23°C (73°F) during the day and 12°C (54°F) at night.

June:

The weather is generally dry, with an average rainfall of 80mm and about 10 rainy days. Temperatures start to increase, with an average of 25°C (77°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night.

July:

The weather is similar to June, with slightly lower rainfall of 70mm and about 9 rainy days.

August:

The weather is dry and sunny, with an average rainfall of 60mm and about 8 rainy days. The temperature remains warm during the day, with an average of 26°C (79°F), but drops to 13°C (55°F) at night.

September:

The weather is similar to August, with slightly higher average rainfall of 70mm and about 9 rainy days.

October:

The rainy season starts again, with an average rainfall of 130mm and about 17 rainy days. Temperatures remain warm, with an average of 25°C (77°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night.

November:

The rainfall continues, with an average of 200mm and about 24 rainy days. Temperatures remain similar to October.

December:

The rainfall starts to decrease again, with an average of 150mm and about 20 rainy days. The temperature remains warm during the day, with an average of 25°C (77°F), but drops to 13°C (55°F) at night.