Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, on the edge of the western Rift Valley, covers an area of 331 sq km (128 sq miles). The forest, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, is a sanctuary for around half the world’s mountain gorillas, including the Mubare and the Habinyanja groups. It is also famed for being the home of the Colobus monkey, various species of chimpanzee, hundreds of species of birds and many other animals, including forest birds, snakes, lizards, chameleons and butterflies. As well as animals, the park is home to huge trees covered in creepers, a bamboo zone and rare plants, including mistletoe and orchids. Trekking permits to see the gorillas are strictly limited and must be booked in advance.

Uganda Wildlife Authority, Plot 3, Kintu Road, Nakasero, PO Box 3530, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: (041) 346 287/8
Website: www.uwa.or.ug

Air: Entebbe International Airport. Road: Car: Kabale–Buhoma Road to the park headquarters at Buhoma (from Kabale). Four-wheel drive vehicles are advised.

Uganda Tourist Board
PO Box 7211, Impala House, Ground Floor, Kimathi Avenue, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: (041) 342 196/7. Fax: (041) 342 188. E-mail: utb@starcom.co.ug
Website: www.visituganda.com
High Commission for the Republic of Uganda
Uganda House, 58-59 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DX, UK
Tel: (020) 7839 5783. Fax: (020) 7839 8925.

Uganda