Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Uganda

Area: 321 km²

Inscribed: 1994

Criteria: (vii) aesthetic; (x) biodiversity

Values: Located in rugged uplands on the eastern flank of the Albertine Rift, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a densely forested park covering a wide range of altitude and known for being home to half the world's mountain gorillas, as well as other exceptional biodiversity.   Many species are endemic to the Albertine Rift, surviving in just a few highland forests on either side of the valley in this part of central Africa. More than 160 species of trees, 100 species of ferns, 350 birds and over 200 butterflies have been recorded, many of them internationally endangered species.

Slideshow of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

MAPS & SATELLITE IMAGES:  A portfolio of maps and Google Earth satellite images is available for download by clicking here.  The maps show the location of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in a regional context, the road network serving the area, and the walking and hiking trails within the park.  The satellite images provide some informative perspectives on the Bwindi Impenetrable forest, showing the rugged topography in this part of Africa's western Rift Valley and the ecological isolation of this and other forests along the eastern rim of the Rift Valley in Uganda.   These 'habitat islands' of forest exist within one of Africa's most densely populated rural landscapes. 

VISITOR'S GUIDE TO BIRDING:  An excellent guide on 'Where to Watch Birds in Uganda' by Jonathan Rossouw and Marco Sacchi was published by the Uganda Tourist Board in 1998 and the Bwindi Impentrable Forest chapter can be downloaded by clicking here.  It provides information on visitor access and facilities in different parts of Bwindi Impentrable National Park, as well as the 'special' bird species (e.g. Albertine Rift endemics) that can be seen at these locations.  Maps of the walking trails within the park are included.

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Links:  Google Earth | UNEP-WCMC Site Description |Official UNESCO Site Details | Management Authority: UWA | Birdlife IBA