Bwindi National Park was recognized as the third-best adventure destination at the prestigious TOURISE Global Tourism Awards ceremony that was held on November 10, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This accolade solidifies Uganda’s position as a world-class adventure destination, especially for those interested in mountain gorilla tours.

Bwindi follows the Ancash region in Peru (first place) and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador (second place).  The award is a major milestone for Uganda’s tourism industry. It highlights Bwindi as the exemplary model of how conservation and sustainable tourism lead to a greater good.

A History of Awards Won by Bwindi National Park

1. Ranked as Africa’s number one birding site by the Africa Bird Club in 2012
2. The world’s most beautiful place according to CNN Travel in 2019
3. Rated among the 23 best hiking destinations in the world according to CNN Travel on 3rd April 2019

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Uganda, established in 1991 in southwestern Uganda in Kanungu District.

The park spans an area of about 331 square kilometres of mainly mountainous terrain that is covered with dense vegetation. Its tropical rainforest dates back 25000 years, and it comprises hardwood such as mahogany, and ebony, among others.

It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because of its incredible biodiversity and being home to nearly half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world (over 459 individuals).

For its incredible number of mountain gorillas, it is the best destination for gorilla trekking in the world. These gentle giants can be best seen when you book Uganda gorilla tours.

What To See in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

• Over 459 mountain gorillas that worth seeing on Uganda gorilla trekking tours
• Other animal species, including African forest elephants, forest hogs, and antelopes, among others.
• Over 350 bird species, such as Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco, Kivu Ground Thrush, Grauer’s Warbler, among others worth seeing on birding safaris in Uganda.
• Over 220 tree species, including African Brown Mahogany Tree, Ceiba Trees, and Cecropia Trees, among others.
• Over 200 butterfly species, including 35 species that are endemic to the park, such as Graphium gudenusi, Cream-banded swallowtail (Papilio leucotaenia), and Charaxes fournierae, among others.
• The Batwa pygmies who live around the park. These over the best cultural experiences when especially to visitors on cultural tours in Uganda.

What To Do in Bwindi National Park?

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is what Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famed for. This interesting activity involves visitors trekking through the dense forest to locate the habituated gorilla group.

Visitors on gorilla trekking in Uganda spend some hours searching for mountain gorillas, and once they are found, trackers are allowed to spend one hour with these gentle giants, observing their behaviour.

Bird Watching

This fun activity offers a chance to spot numerous bird species, such as the Rwenzori Apalis, Regal Sunbird, and Dusky Crimsonwing, etc, in the birding sites such as Mubwindi Swamp Trail.

Nature Walks

During nature walks, visitors explore different parts of the park on foot to see different flora and fauna more closely. These nature hikes range from short to long, e.g., the Ivy trail, which is one of the longer hikes, passing through different sectors of the park.

Cultural Tours

When on Uganda safari tours, visitors who visit Bwindi NP can engage in interesting cultural encounters with the Batwa pygmies to learn about their primitive way of life.

Enjoying Views of Breathtaking Scenery

Visitors enjoy views of breathtaking scenery, and some of the designated spots include Rushura Hill, which provides panoramic views of the forest canopy and the surrounding landscapes.

What Does the Ranking Mean to Uganda’s Tourism Industry?

• The Ranking of Bwindi as The Third Best Destination Increases Competitiveness.

The ranking gives Uganda a distinctive advantage over its neighbours with similar safari packages, like Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga National Park.

• Attracting High-Value Tourists

Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the premium and high-cost activities. Ranking Bwindi as the third-best adventure destination in the world enhances its prestige, which helps to attract high-spending tourists, willing to pay for this unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Strengthens The Destination Brand.

The award received at the TOURISE Global Tourism Awards validates Uganda’s reputation as a prime adventure destination globally. This provides a powerful, credible tool for marketing the country’s tourism, thereby attracting more tourists worldwide.

• A Drive to Economic Growth

With the increase in high-value gorilla trekkers, foreign exchange earnings are expected to increase, and this will significantly contribute to the country’s GDP and the Balance of Payments.

• Strengthening Conservation Efforts

With the increase in revenue from gorilla trekking permits, part of this revenue is to be reinvested into veterinary care, anti-poaching patrols, and habitat restoration, ensuring the long-term survival of mountain gorillas and other wildlife species.

Conclusion

The accolade to Bwindi National Park as the third best adventure destination is a powerful endorsement of Uganda’s commitment to conservation-led tourism. Reserve your safari to Uganda and grab an opportunity to see amazing attractions and engage in interesting activities for lasting memories.