Bwindi Ranks the Third Best Adventure Destination

Bwindi National Park achieves a global ranking of being the third best adventure destination in the world at the TOURISE Global Tourism Awards held in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This ranking places Uganda among the must-visit countries, especially for adventure seekers who may take up an African safari.

While at the rewarding event, Professor James Kalema, the chairman of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, said that “this accolade is a powerful endorsement of Uganda’s commitment to conservation-led tourism. Bwindi National Park demonstrates how protecting nature can create meaningful adventure experiences while empowering communities and sustaining national development.

About the TOURISE Global Tourism Awards

The TOURISE Global Tourism Awards were held at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 11-13, 2025, as part of the inaugural TOURISM Summit.

The event was attended by industrial leaders, tourism authorities, and policymakers from different countries to celebrate excellence and responsible tourism models.

An independent panel of global industry leaders judged these awards, which recognized destinations excelling in innovation, sustainability, and visitor experience to shape the future of travel.

The TOURISE Awards Focused on The Following

Best overall destination
Best arts & culture destination
Best adventure destination (where Bwindi National Park of Uganda emerged as the third best destination.
Best food & culinary destination
Best shopping destination
Best entertainment destination.

Previous Awards Won by Bwindi National Park

Africa’s number one birding site by the Africa Bird Club in 2012
The world’s most beautiful place by CNN Travel in 2019
Named 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 by visitors on Uganda gorilla tours or Uganda safari tours.

This park is situated in the Kanungu District in southwestern Uganda, about 476 kilometers from Kampala via Mbarara-Masaka Rd. and Kabale-Mbarara Rd.

Bwindi National Park was established in 1991 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its incredible biodiversity and a significant population of the critically endangered mountain gorillas, making it the best place for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

The park spans an area of 331 square kilometers, and it is also renowned for its mist-covered hills and the dense tropical rainforest that has been in existence for over 25,000 years.

Bwindi NP is renowned for being home to almost half of the mountain gorillas remaining in the world, making it the best destination for gorilla tours in the world.

During gorilla trekking tours, trackers with the help of park rangers hike through the dense forests to locate mountain gorillas, and once they are found, visitors are allowed to spend one hour with them, observing their behavior.

Things to See in Bwindi National Park

Over 459 mountain gorillas, worth seeing when on Uganda gorilla trekking tours
Over 120 other mammal species
Over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics
Over 200 tree species, including hardwoods, e.g., mahogany
The Batwa pygmies

What to Engage in Beyond Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Habituation—During this activity, gorilla trackers and researchers spend more time with mountain gorillas to make them used to human presence.
Game Viewing—Travellers to Bwindi have an opportunity to see other animal species that roam within the park.
Bird Watching—With over 350 bird species, the park remains a birders’ haven, offering views of different bird species, including the Albertine Rift endemics like the African green broadbill and the Grauer’s swamp warbler, among others.
Butterfly Watching-Tourists interested in butterfly watching have an opportunity to spot some of the 200 butterfly species, which may include the Cream-banded swallowtail, among others.
Nature Walks and Hiking—There are various hiking trails, varying in difficulty and length, and this allows visitors to explore the different ecosystems.
Mountain Biking-These are done following well-maintained trails at Buhoma to the Ivy River.
Batwa Cultural Experiences—Visitors who are interested in learning about the local cultures can visit the Batwa pygmy community to gain insight into their primitive way of life.

Conclusion

Come experience the thrill in Bwindi, recently ranked the third-best adventure destination globally. This recognition not only boosts the park’s status but also puts Uganda on the world map, attracting more visitors and enhancing the country’s economy. Book a safari to Uganda now for unforgettable gorilla trekking and more adventure.