Bwindi Forest National Park

Things to See & Do 

• Gorilla Trekking.
• Gorilla Habituation.
• Batwa Experience.
• Guided Nature walks.
• Birding safaris.
• Mountain Biking.

When is the best time to visit Bwindi Forest National Park?

Gorilla trekking in the forest is a big part of any safari in Uganda and are best done in the drier months (June-August, and December & February). The habitat of rainforests is naturally very wet, and one can’t avoid rain completely. However, after heavy rain, the skies often open up to bright sunshine.

Passport & Visa Requirements

• A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months.
• Passports must have a clean and full visa page for endorsement.
• All visitors travelling to Uganda must have a valid yellow fever certificate, which will be required as part of a visa application, and may also be required at the port of entry.
• Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don’t need a visa is available.
• Visas are best obtained in advance through an official online visa-application portal, but they can also be obtained through your local Uganda embassy or high commission. At present visas on arrival are still being issued alongside the online application process, but this is meant to be phased out so enquire about this before opting to go this route.
• Tourist visas are available for Uganda only, or East Africa (which covers entry to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) for the same cost.

Getting in & around 

Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is where most visitors enter the country. However, some are known to fly into neighbouring Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.

By road:

From Entebbe to Bwindi forest National Park is approximately 500km/310mi – a journey that lasts about 9-hours. Alternatively, to cut the drive short, you could add a day or so and break the drive with a visit to Lake Mburo National park, or Queen Elizabeth National Park or both.

From Kigali, the journey to Bwindi is a lot shorter than from Entebbe. Driving from Kigali to Bwindi Forest will take you approximately 5-hours (including border crossing time), However, Travellers opting for the fly into Rwanda and drive to Bwindi – 5 hours experience must remember to apply for the East African tourist Visa.

By Air:

It is possible to fly by a domestic carrier from Entebbe or Kampala (Kajjansi Airfield) to Kihihi or Kisoro near Bwindi. Chartered flights to Bwindi can also be booked.