Bwindi National Park ranked best adventure destination in Africa
The dense forested national park earned Uganda global recognition for its remarkable natural heritage. Bwindi was ranked the third-best adventure destination in the world, and the best in Africa.
The UWA staff led by Dr James Musinguzi, the executive director, awarding King Oyo with a Gorilla portrait after his tracking expedition Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)
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"In the mist-shrouded mountains of Uganda, where the air is crisp with the whispers of ancient forests, lies a realm where humanity meets its distant kin: The majestic mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here, amidst the emerald greenery and the play of sunlight through dense foliage, a journey unfolds, weaving together the tapestry of conservation and the allure of adventure," Joel Kibirango, a tour guide, describes Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The dense forested national park earned Uganda global recognition for its remarkable natural heritage. Bwindi was ranked the third-best adventure destination in the world, and the best in Africa. This was during the TOURISE Global Tourism Awards held in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on November 11, 2025.
Local tourists having breakfast on a platform raised in a tea-plantation overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)
Bwindi came third after Ancash in Peru and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
"The recognition further places Uganda among the world's leading adventure destinations in the world, celebrated for its extraordinary landscapes, biodiversity and sustainable tourism practices," Bashir Hangi, the assistant commissioner in charge of public relations under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), said.
Speaking at the awarding event in Saudi Arabia, UWA board chairperson Prof. James Kalema said the recognition affirms Uganda's position as a global conservation and adventure tourism leader.
"This accolade is a powerful endorsement of Uganda's commitment to conservation-led tourism. Bwindi demonstrates how protecting nature can create meaningful adventure experiences while empowering communities and sustaining national development," Kalema said.
At the outskirts of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, is an outstanding, protruded and magnificent Ihamba house with a detached balcony overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable National park in south-western Uganda. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)
UWA executive director Dr James Musinguzi said the global ranking is an inspiration to every stakeholder to protect Uganda's natural treasures.
"It proves that our medal of conservation-based tourism is delivering results," Musinguzi noted.
On the same note, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) spokesperson Dr Simplicious Gessa described Bwindi’s magical encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas, its pristine wilderness and the warmth of the people around the protected area.
"This continues to captivate the hearts of travellers from across the world. Uganda remains committed to promoting and preserving such natural treasures, ensuring that every visitor leaves with an unforgettable story from the Pearl of Africa," Gessa said.
About Bwindi National Park
Located in south-western Uganda, Bwindi National Park is the country's most important tourist hotspot, which protects a rugged landscape of steep hills and valleys. The tangled forested slopes of Bwindi provide shelter to one of Africa's most diverse mammalian faunas, including the mountain gorillas.
Gazetted as a national park in 1991, the forest covers over 32,000 hectares and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 tree species, over 100 fern species, 120 species of mammals, 357 bird species, and 220 species of butterflies, among several reptiles.
One of the gorillas of Oruzogo family in Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)
Bwindi has a tropical climate with the rain forest contributing to high amounts of evapotranspiration, leading to an average annual rainfall of 1,500mm and remains a vital catchment area, being a source of five major rivers that flow into Lake Edward. Due to its diverse features and ecological importance, the forest became a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
About TOURISE Global Awards
The TOURISE Global Awards recognise destinations that combine innovation, sustainability and visitor experience. The event brings together policymakers, tourism authorities and industry leaders from across the world to celebrate excellence and responsible tourism models that benefit both people and the planet.
Led by global tourism icons, shortlisted destinations, finalists and winners are selected by an independent jury of globally recognised tourism leaders, critics and former heads of world-class organisations.
Standing at a balcony overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)
The judges' decisions are guided by expertise and rigorous evaluation framework, with no influence from popularity or vote. To be eligible for nomination, a destination must have a defined geographic scope. It must also possess a unique character and appeal that stems from culture, landscapes and such attractions that shape how the destination is perceived by travellers.
Appeal for infrastructure development
Meanwhile, during the celebration of this year's World Gorilla Day (September 24) Musinguzi appealed for a fast-tracked development of the gorilla roads that snake through and around Bwindi National Park.
"We wish to see the construction of Kisoro-Mgahinga road, Kisoro-Rubuguri road, Kisoro-Rushaga road, among others that feed into Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks," Musinguzi said.
He further stated that gorillas (in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks) remain Uganda's premium attractions, contributing approximately 70% of the tourism revenue.