Uganda is celebrating a historic milestone as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the country’s most iconic conservation areas, has been ranked the 3rd Best Adventure Destination in the World during the TOURISE Global Tourism Awards held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia held on 10th November 2025.

This global recognition cements Uganda’s status as a leading African destination for conservation, sustainability, nature-based tourism, and adventure travel.

The TOURISE Awards honor the world’s top tourism destinations that demonstrate excellence in environmental stewardship, visitor experiences, community involvement, and innovation in sustainable tourism.

It was previously named Africa’s Best Birding Site (2012) by the African Bird Club, featured by CNN (2019) among the planet’s most beautiful places and best hiking trails, and crowned Best Wildlife Destination (2017) at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo.

This year’s ranking places Bwindi among elite global destinations such as Ancash in Peru and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador—an achievement that showcases the park’s profound ecological significance and the success of Uganda’s conservation model.

About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a popular destination for Uganda safari tours, sits in southwestern Uganda, touching the Congo border and the dramatic Albertine Rift.

It’s 321 km² of ancient rainforest, more than 25,000 years old, is so thick that the only way in is on foot.

Recognized by UNESCO in 1994, it protects roughly half of all remaining mountain gorillas (around 400–460), plus chimpanzees, forest elephants, rare birds, and incredible plant life, most of which is seen by travelers on safaris in Uganda, Africa.

Uganda gorilla trekking is the star activity done to see the main attraction- the endangered Mountain gorillas during Uganda gorilla safaris, but visitors also enjoy forest walks, birdwatching, and meeting the indigenous Batwa and neighboring Bakiga communities during Uganda tours.

What Makes Bwindi a Global Adventure Icon? 

• Home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas in an ancient, mist-shrouded rainforest
• Offers the planet’s most emotional wildlife encounter through intimate gorilla trekking in Uganda
• Combines extreme biodiversity (350+ birds, 120+ mammals, 1,000+ plants) with rugged, foot-only terrain
• Sets the gold standard for low-impact, high-value wildlife tourism
• Deeply integrates local communities and Batwa heritage into the visitor experience
• Conservation success backed by strong governance

Global Recognition and Its Significance for Uganda 

• Ranked 3rd Best Adventure Destination in the 2025 TOURISE Global Tourism Awards (behind Ancash & Galapagos), this boosts Uganda’s Tourism Visibility
• First time Uganda has reached the global top 3, placing the country among elite adventure nations worth exploring for an unbeatable safari to Uganda.
• Validates decades of gorilla conservation success and sustainable tourism leadership
• Celebrated nationwide by communities, operators, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority
• Strengthens local community empowerment

What This Means for Uganda’s Tourism Future 

Bwindi’s global ranking is expected to:

• Dramatically increase in international visitor arrivals and bookings for Uganda safaris/safaris to Uganda.
• Enhance Uganda as a Stronger global brand as Africa’s premier sustainable adventure destination, competing with countries like Peru, Ecuador, Nepal, and Costa Rica
• New investments in tourism eco-lodges, roads, and community projects
• Higher revenue flowing to conservation and local livelihoods from Uganda gorilla tours
• Greater confidence from travelers, filmmakers, and researchers
• Inspire further conservation achievements replicating Bwindi’s model in other parks such as Mgahinga, Kibale, and Kidepo.

The Role of Sustainable Tourism in Bwindi’s Success

Uganda’s commitment to sustainable tourism is one of the main reasons the park achieved this ranking. Key sustainability factors recognized by TOURISE include:

• Strict gorilla trekking regulations that include limited daily permits and strict rules protect gorilla health and habitat
• Revenue-sharing with local communities, where 20% of park fees are directly shared with surrounding communities
• Controlled lodge development and sustainability practices where eco-lodges run on solar power, recycle waste, and employ locals
• Alternative income programs (beekeeping, crafts) reduce pressure on the forest and improve the anti-poaching efforts
• Conservation research partnerships with IGCP, WWF, and CTPH drive ongoing conservation wins

This balanced approach ensures that tourism generates income while safeguarding ecosystems for future generations.

Adventure Activities That Make Bwindi Stand Out 

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking – a life-changing activity that allows visitors to spend a 1 hour with habituated families in their natural habitat
• Forest Hiking & Nature Trails – several challenging trails through dense jungle, waterfalls, and ancient forest corridors
• Birding Adventures – With over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics, Bwindi is among Africa’s top birdwatching destinations
• Batwa and Bakiga Cultural Encounters – Visitors can engage with the Bakiga or Batwa communities, learning about their forest traditions, music, storytelling, and conservation history
• Photography Expeditions – misty rainforest landscapes with perfect light and rare wildlife diversity make it a top destination for nature photography
• Conservation Education Tours – behind-the-scenes with rangers, students, and conservationists who visit Bwindi for fieldwork and ecological studies.

Other Uganda Wildlife Safari Parks to Add to Bwindi Expeditions 

• Queen Elizabeth NP – tree-climbing lions, boat cruises, big game
• Kibale Forest NP – chimpanzee tracking and primate heaven
• Mgahinga Gorilla NP – golden monkeys and Virunga volcano climbs
• Lake Bunyonyi – serene island paddling and relaxation

Top Uganda Travel Agents Offering Bwindi Tours 

• Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
• Wild Gorilla Safaris
• Safari Uganda Safaris
• Gorilla Safaris and Tours
• A Uganda Safari
• Africa Safaris Tours
• Uganda Birding Safaris
• Gorilla Trekking Uganda
• Kampala City Tour
• Self-Drive Car Hire Rentals Uganda
• Car Hire Rentals Uganda Kampala

Popular packages they offer include: 3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek, 3-Day Flying Gorilla Safari, 6-Day Gorillas & Chimps, 5-Day Rwanda-Uganda Double Trek.

Conclusion

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s recognition as the 3rd Best Adventure Destination in the World is a national victory for Uganda and a global acknowledgment of the country’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. It demonstrates the strength of Uganda’s protected area management, the resilience of its communities, and the immense ecological value of its natural heritage.

As Uganda continues to shine on the global stage, Bwindi stands as a symbol of the country’s achievements and a beacon of what conservation-centered tourism can achieve.

Don’t miss an adventure of a lifetime. Call us now to customize your Uganda Bwindi National Park safari package!