Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, located in southwestern Uganda, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Spanning approximately 331 square kilometers, this ancient forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Africa. Its dense vegetation, steep hills, and thick canopies create an “impenetrable” atmosphere, hence its name.
Bwindi is most famous for its mountain gorillas, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining population of these endangered primates. Visitors from around the world come for the gorilla trekking experience, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Besides gorillas, Bwindi supports a range of wildlife, including 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, and countless types of plants and butterflies.
The forest is also rich in local culture, with the Batwa pygmies, the indigenous people of the forest, offering cultural tours that give insight into their traditional way of life.