Accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
See our recommended mid-range and luxury lodgings in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your choice of stay when you shall be visiting to track mountain gorillas. With more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas in the world, Bwindi forest is one of the few places on earth where you can see habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat.
This park has four gorilla tracking sectors which include Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Each of the four sectors offers unique gorilla tracking experience. Besides the gorillas, these sectors have something to offer. For instance, Nkuringo is best for landscape photography, Ruhija for birds, Buhoma for waterfalls, birds as well butterflies. So, you might need to do more activities than just seeing the gorillas.
Lodges in Rushaga Sector
Perfect for families or small groups of people traveling together, Gorilla safari lodge is a luxury lodge located in Rushaga gorilla sector. Perched on of the edge of the forest, the lodge is just a short walk away from the Rushaga gorilla tracking point. The lodge features 18 luxury cottages which join the main lodge with bar,lounge, restaurant and a fire place.
All cottages have the following amenities;
- Private en-suit bathroom with cold and hot water
- Solar powered lighting
- Flush toilets
- Private balcony
- Breakfast in bed can be provided for your comfort.
The bar is fully stocked and the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gorilla Safari Lodge also has spa where you can have massage after a tiresome gorilla tracking experience.
There are five special cottages each with double rooms with nice of view of the forest. These rooms have a fireplace inside which provide warmth during cold nights and are spacious for families and smalls groups of travelers. There’s a fireplace for those who don’t have fireplaces inside their rooms to wind down in the evening by gathering around for storytelling and local music performances.
One of the new luxury lodges in Rushaga sector, Ichumbi includes 9 double rooms which are elegant and incredibly comfortable. The lodge also has a restaurant, mini bar, free Wi-Fi, standby generator and parking space.
Built on the edge of Bwindi, all rooms have amazing and direct views of both the forest and terraced hills. There are rooms which can host up to 4 people and offer king size beds, private balconies, en-suit bathroom, hot and cold showers. It is a favorite for couples.
The staff at Ichumbi offer great service and hospitality such as free laundry service after gorilla tracking. The lodge is close to the gorilla tracking center only 10-minute walk which means that you don’t have to stress alarm clock to wake up early.
The location of this lodge along with comfortable rooms on the shores of the lake Mulehe offers luxury accommodation. It’s an area for relaxation in the midst of nature. Lake Mulehe Gorilla Safari Lodge contains spacious 12 cottages. These include double/twin, single and triple rooms which can accommodate couples and parents with children. These rooms include hot and cold showers, private balcony and fantastic views of the lake. The family cottage includes a private tub and extra spacious rooms.
In addition to the comfortable cottages, the lodge offers restaurant for delicious food and a bar for cocktails, juices, cold beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Boat and canoe rides are available to explore Lake Mulehe, giving you great views and birding. Try out community walks to visit BaTwa pygmies.
Accessibility of this lodge may be an advantage or disadvantage in one way or the other. Because it is located in between Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park giving you a chance to explore both parks. The southern Bwindi Rushaga gorilla center is 20km away while Ntebeko center in Mgahinga is 25km away from the lodge.
Lake Mutanda Resort/ Chameleon Hill Lodge
This chalet style lodge offers luxury accommodation and is situated on the shores of Lake Mutanda at 1,800 meters above sea level. It is just 14 km away from Rushaga gorilla tracking and 20 km from Mgahinga gorilla national park. Thus, it offers guests a chance to explore both parks for gorilla tracking and golden monkey tracking. The roads leading to the parks are not in good condition thus require 4WD vehicle.
This luxury accommodation contains 20 rooms including single, double/twin and triple. The rooms are equipped with en suit bathrooms, hot and cold, mosquito nets, safe and veranda overlooking lake mutanda. Some of the rooms are about 50 meters away from the main lodge building. Concrete walk ways connect rooms to the main lodge building which features a bar and lounge, fireside dining area and mini library.
The lodge offers a cool atmosphere for relaxation because of the lake and a backdrop of Virunga volcanoes. Guests can explore lake Mutanda for boat and canoe rides, hiking and birding, visiting the local school on the island. The Vegetarian visitors are catered for with a range of fruits and vegetable dishes such as fresh mushroom soup, egg plants because the lodge has a backyard garden.
LODGES IN RUHIJA SECTOR
Ruhija sector is situated between 2000 to 2605 meters above sea level. It is the highest elevation point of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Therefore, it experiences coldness and temperatures can drop to 10 degrees Celsius. This sector has few lodges but a few of them include the following;
Bakiga Lodge
Built on top of the valley, Bakiga lodge offers mid-range accommodation and has nice view of Bwindi forest and Virunga volcanoes.
The lodge contains 4 family cabins with a capacity of 6 visitors and 2 twin tents which are all self-contained. Rooms have en-suit bathrooms. Wi-Fi is provided at the bar and dining area with fireplace.
The lodge does not have nice looking structure but the staff are hospital and friendly which makes it a favorite for some tour operators.
For travelers who would like to give back to the community, Bakiga Lodge runs a non-profit organization dedicated to help the local people benefit from tourism. The Bakiga community development project has established several clean water projects.
The newest lodge in Ruhija sector, Agandi Uganda offers mid-range accommodation. To differ from other lodges in the area, the lodge has traditional Ugandan style kind of accommodation. There are 2 cottages, 2 tree nests, 2 traditional Ugandan huts which are self-contained with flush toilets, cold and hot water shower.
For those who love camping, the lodge has 2 platforms with grass roofs with public showers. Campfire is available and most times guests are offered barbecue and hot water bottles are provided in the bed to make it simple and warm. The lodge has a reception where Wi-fi is accessed and dining room with a balcony overlooking the forest.
This lodge offers accommodation in Ruhija gorilla tracking sector for luxury and mid-range visitors. Ruhija gorilla Safari Lodge has 8 en suit cottages including 4 superior and deluxe room cabins each with a capacity of 8 guests.
There are standard room cabins with a capacity for 12 guests and each room is equipped with twin beds with en suit private flushing toilet and bathrooms, side bed lamp stands, overhead hot and cold-water showers, extra blankets. Hot water bottles are provided during cold nights, two pairs of slippers, reading chair and table.
Ruhija gorilla safari lodge has everything you need for a comfortable stay including DSTV, coffee making machine, bar and restaurant, gift shop, traditional cultural entertainment, free Wi-Fi connection, mini library, winery, laundry and housekeeping services, fire place at each of the cabins.
Visitors with special dietary needs will be catered for such as vegetarians. Their restaurant prepares Ugandan traditional dishes as well as Indian, European, Chinese and tea is served in the afternoon. The dining area faces the surrounding rolling hills.
Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Sector
Gorilla Mist Camp provides classic accommodation in 4 grass-thatched cottages including twin and double bedrooms with showers, flushing toilets.
The lodge has a fully stocked bar, lounge and dining area where you can useWi-Fi. Dining is good in the restaurant providing African dishes and vegetarian options. Visitors who stay here enjoy quick access to gorilla tracking, bird watching around Mubwindi swamp and Rwamunyonyi peak since the lodge is located about 5 minutes from the visitor briefing center.
BUHOMA SECTOR
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (GFC)
This is the lodge for a keen nature lover/ birder because it is located inside the Bwindi rainforest next to Buhoma gorilla center. You shall be staying only minutes away from the start of your gorilla tracking adventure. The forest surrounding Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp allows visitors to view different monkeys and birds. Not only that, sometimes gorillas may come to feed around the lodge. There are nature trails around the lodge such as river Munyaga, River Ivi and waterfalls trail.
The lodge itself is an exclusive camp and contains 10 luxury private tents set on wooden decks raised above the ground. Each of the tents is styled with local materials and offers a private en-suit bathroom with hot and cold water.
The bar, restaurant and dining area are in one communal cottage that connect to rooms by walkways. SPA services are available including herbal treatments, manicure, pedicure, foot and facial massage. You can enjoy reading a book in the small library, delicious meals and drinks in the restaurant and mini bar respectively.
The campfire outside in the gardens allows guests to enjoy a cool atmosphere and enjoy story telling entertained by local BaTwa pygmies and Bakiga performers.
The policy of the lodge is that the longer you stay, the lower the rates you pay per night. Committed to conservation and sustainability, GFC involve the local community in protection of Bwindi ecosystem as well research in human health through the philanthropy project at Bwindi community hospital. As an exclusive experience for elderly travelers, the lodge provides customized sedan chairs which allows guests with disability or less able to walk to be carried into the rainforest to track gorillas.
Buhoma Lodge
One of the three Exclusive Camps and Lodges’ properties in Uganda, Buhoma Lodge offers luxury accommodation in a peaceful and natural setting. With 10 grass thatchalets located about 100 meters from the gorilla tracking center, you are sure to feel immersed in the rainforest. The lodge was built with local materials plus solar lighting to offer low environment impact on the forest
Each chalet room is fully equipped with comfortable en-suit bathrooms, bath tub, flush toilets, cold and hot water rain like showers and insect proof window screens. In addition to the regular chalets at Buhoma Lodge, there’s also a family/honeymoon chalet which has a lounge room with open fireplace. This lodge offers discounts for children below 12 years.
Not only offering excellent accommodation, Buhoma Lodge also a massage and spa area where you can choose from a range of treatments.
All lodge chalets and open-air restaurant and bar are built on a raised platform to the level of tree vines. The hours you spend relaxing are rewarding with sightings of monkeys and several bird species such as western green tinker bird, waxbills, weavers, cuckoos, trogons, woodpeckers.
The full bard package includes 3 multiple course meals with featuring Ugandan flavors, hot beverages, bar snacks and complimentary massage. This lodge offers a good selection of activities; nature walk through the forest to the waterfalls, visit the local community and hiking. Several excursions are available such as self-guided Munyaga river nature walk, water fall walk, Buhoma cultural walks with professional community guides.
This lodge is owned and operated by the Maarasa Africa hospitality group which is well established and provides great mid-range/ luxury accommodation. Silverback lodge has 12 luxury rooms including 1 single, 4 doubles and 7 twins featuring en-suit bathrooms with hot and cold water and large terrace. All room types are comfortable, modern and welcoming, but guests have a choice of standard, deluxe or superior.
Built on top of the hill above Buhoma gorilla tracking center, you have clear views of the valley and the entire Bwindi forest. The lodge is only 10-minute walk to the gorilla tracking
On site restaurant prepares a selection of local dishes along with international cuisines. Dinning can be arranged in the gardens with a laid-back atmosphere. Fire place is available for cold evenings.
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
One of the most luxurious and comfortable lodges, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge sits at the edge of Bwindi Forest near Buhoma gate. The lodge consists of 9 bandas and has recently upgraded2 bandas into deluxe plus standard rooms. It has also addeda new sauna added to spa and dining room. Each room has its own veranda and views of the forest. Each banda has charging facilities while free Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge building. The lodge offers personal butler service for all guests.
Outside the lodge is a bar with premium wines, whisky and cocktail menus. The Bwindi bar along with tea project were set up by Volcanoes Safaris partnership trust to help train local people with disabilities in hospitality. This means that majority of the employees come from local community. Local guides accompany guests on walks along the river in the valley below the lodge.
Mahogany Springs
Set on the edge of the Bwindi rainforest few meters from park entrance gate, Mahogany Springs is a wonderful place for family stay, honey moon couples visiting Buhoma to tack mountain gorillas.
Their luxury rooms include, family, honey moon, presidential and superior suites with twin/double, triple and quadruple beds. All rooms have spacious terraces where you can relax with views of Munyaga river valley. Bush breakfast or dinner can be arranged on the side of River Munyaga.
The main building includes, restaurant, living and the bar is well stocked with several wine and spirit brands as well as beverages and cocktails. The living room is spacious enough with a double sided fire place, library and craft shop with souvenirs such as traditional clothing.
Mahogany springs offer a variety of cuisines in its restaurant ranging from African, European, Asian and Middle East. Tea is freely provided throughout the day to compliment your meals.
Engagi Lodge
Positioned on the entrance gate of Buhoma, Engagi lodge provides mid-range accommodation in 8 en-suit cottages each with double/twin beds which are suitable for individuals and small group travelers. The distance to gorilla tracking center is just 2-minute walk hence there’s no rushing to wake up early morning.
This lodge tries to run in an environmentally friendly way. Its powered by solar, the cottages are thatched with banana fibers. Stay in comfortable rooms with great views of the valley. Room amenities include towels, bed linen, flushing toilets, hot and cold running water. Visitors on full board are served 3 meals per day and vegetarian meals are also prepared.
The also has bar and TV lounge, dining area and parking space. The staff offers laundry services so your shoes and trousers are cleaned freely after gorilla tracking. Being at the edge of Bwindi forest, guests can take a walk from the lodge down to River Munyaga to spot a variety of birds, trees and primates that live on the forest edge.
Eco marvels Gorilla Resort Lodge, Buhoma Sector
Gorilla resort lodge has 8 luxurious rooms with twin/double beds. Visitors can also stay in the walk-in safari tents set on raised wooden platforms giving you views of Bwindi rainforest and Munyaga river valley. Both tents and cottages have wooden beds, chairs, and ball and crow foot brass bathtub, hot and cold-water showers. The restaurant serves African dishes and fresh fruit juices are prepared in their well-stocked bar.
Trackers Safari Lodge
LODGES IN RUHIJA SECTOR
Like Ruhija, the Nkuringo sector also lies at 2000 meters above sea level. At this altitude mosquitoes are rare. Lodges in this area have great location for landscape scenery than in other sectors.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
The lodge provides mid-range accommodation including 2 family cottages. These cottages have fireplace and the bedrooms have en-suit bathrooms. The family cottage share balcony and overlook the forest.
Other facilities at the lodge include mist spa, dining and lounge area with Wi-Fi and charging sockets. There’s also a cozy restaurant, bar and craft shop.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge has a good location on Nteko ridge about 2000 meters above sea level. Therefore, offers uninterrupted views that cut across Bwindi rainforest, Virunga Mountains and Albertine rift valley. Other activities besides gorilla tracking include forest walks, bird watching and community tours.
To get to Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, you can walk on foot with Nkuringo walking safaris from Buhoma through the Bwindi forest which takes about 3 hours. The lodge is 5-hour drivefrom Queen Elizabeth national park.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Situated at high altitude 2,000 meters above level on Nkuringo ridge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is an award-winning eco lodge offering exclusive luxury accommodation and access to gorilla habituation experience.
Built with natural materials such as volcanic stones, the lodge was designed to blend seamlessly with natural surroundings and was built by a partnership of USAID, African Wildlife Foundation and Nkuringo community.
The lodge has 5 and 2 family cottages with a total capacity of 18 guests in 7 rooms looking out at the rainforest. Each of the family cottage has 2 private bedrooms, en-suit bathrooms and baby-sitting services are provided. The air-conditioned cottages are made of volcanic stones, reclaimed wood, decorated with local art work, and contains arm chairs, hand woven carpets, double sided fireplace, and bedrooms have their own private veranda. The lodge offers private dinners and massage.
The main building has a perfect luxury setting including reception, well stocked bar, dining area, gift shop, fireplaces and spacious balcony to lay back and soak in the views of Bwindi rainforest and virunga volcanoes. The highlight of course is to see gorillas but children who are below 15 years can do other activities like birding, community walks, BaTwa cultural experience.