Created in 1991 Bwindi's Impenetrable Forest is the home to half of the world’s remaining 600 Mountain Gorillas.. The name "Impenetrable" definitely applies here, with the dense undergrowth, vines and other vegetation in this lush forest. Huge trees are covered with creepers and parasitic plants such as mistletoe and orchids. Giant thickets of bamboo thrive in the humid atmosphere and, where sunlight breaks. The park is located in south western Uganda, covering parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro, and Kabale Districts.

The worlds’ population of mountain gorillas is currently estimated at 600, half of which live in the 205 sq. mile (331 km) of Bwindi, of which three families have been habituated to humans. The Bwindi chimpanzee population size is unknown but roughly estimated at 350-400. The nearby Virunga Volcanoes Conservation Area has a population of 300 mountain gorillas but no chimpanzees, making Bwindi the only forest in Africa in which these two apes occur together.

At least 120 species of mammal in one of the richest ecosystems in Africa including mountain gorilla, chimpanzee and 8 other species of primate. Elephant, bush pig, giant forest hog, many species of bats and rodents, at least 346 species of birds including rare forest birds, at least 14 species of snakes, 27 species of frogs and toads, 6 chameleons, 14 lizards, skinks and geckos, at least 202 species of butterfly. There are also several endangered species of birds with limited ranges. Established as a safe habitat for several families of mountain gorillas it is now the location of an important scientific conservation program.