RIYADH,SAUDI ARABIA .Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,the dense forested national park has 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 awarding of winners was during the TOURISE Global Tourism Awards held in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on November 11, 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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.