Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a world UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Uganda, located on the edge of the Albertine Rift valley and home to approximately half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The park is not only famous for gorilla trekking but also boasts over 120 mammal species, including forest elephants and antelopes, and more than 350 bird species. The park’s mist-covered hills, dense foliage, and rugged terrain create a captivating and mysterious atmosphere.

The national Park covers 331 square kilometres and is surrounded by luxury, midrange and budget lodges that suit a traveller’s needs.

The Highlight of Bwindi Forest National Park is Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is the primary attraction in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The treks can be challenging, involving hikes through dense vegetation and steep terrain, but its rewarding and unparalleled.

Permits: Gorilla trekking permits are required and should be booked well in advance due to high demand. As of now, the cost of a permit is $800 for foreign non-residents.

Best Time to Visit: The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, when trails are less muddy and easier to navigate.

Other Activities in Bwindi National park

Bird Watching: With over 350 bird species, including 23 endemics to the Albertine Rift, Bwindi is a birder’s paradise especially for bird watchers.

Nature Walks: The park offers visitors with a diverse flora and fauna to explorer with guided walks through the forest.

Cultural Visits: The park offers travelers to engage with the local Batwa community, learning about their culture and traditional lifestyle.

Getting to Bwindi Forest National Park

Bwindi can be accessed via road or air. The drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, takes about 8-10 hours. Alternatively, daily flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, followed by a short drive to the National park and its surrounding lodges.

Lodges of Bwindi National Park as provided by Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel.

Luxury Lodges

1) Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

This lodge is located in Buhoma sector at the northern side of Bwindi Forest National Park

Accommodation: 8 luxurious tents with en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and stunning forest views.

Amenities: Bar, dining area, spa treatments, and a lounge with a campfire.

Activities that take place near the lodge include; Gorilla trekking, Batwa community visits, bird watching, and nature walks.

2) Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

This lodge is located in Nkuringo sector at the southern part of Bwindi

Accommodation: 8 stone cottages with en-suite bathrooms, fireplaces, and private verandas.

Amenities: Main lodge with a lounge, dining area, library, and craft shop.

Activities that take place near the lodge include; Gorilla trekking, guided forest walks, cultural experiences, and bird watching.

3) Bwindi Lodge

This lodge is located in Buhoma sector at the northern side of Bwindi

Accommodation: 8 luxurious bandas with en-suite bathrooms, eco-friendly solar power, and forest views.

Amenities: Central lodge with a bar, dining area, and free Wi-Fi.

Activities that take place near the lodge include; Gorilla trekking, forest walks, bird watching, and cultural visits of the Batwa community.

Midrange Lodges

1) Buhoma Lodge

This lodge is located near the Buhoma entrance gate at the northern part of Bwindi

Accommodation: 10 luxury chalets with en-suite facilities, eco-friendly solar power, and stunning views of the forest.

Amenities: Central lodge building with a lounge, dining area, bar, and free Wi-Fi.

Activities that take place near the lodge include; Gorilla trekking, bird watching, Batwa community walks, and forest walks.

2) Mahogany Springs Lodge

This lodge is located in Buhoma sector at the northern side of Bwindi

Accommodation: 8 spacious suites with en-suite bathrooms, private terraces, and river views.

Amenities: Main lodge with a bar, restaurant, library, and Wi-Fi.

Activities that take place near the lodge include; Gorilla trekking, bird watching, nature walks, and Batwa community cultural visits.

3) Engagi Lodge

This lodge is located in the Buhoma sector at the northern side of Bwindi

Accommodation: 8 cottages with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas offering forest views.

Amenities: Main lodge with a dining area, bar, and terrace.

Activities that take place near the lodge include; Gorilla trekking, forest walks, bird watching, and community visits.

Budget Lodges

1) Ride 4 a Woman

This lodge is located in Buhoma sector at the northern side of Bwindi

Accommodation: Simple but comfortable rooms with shared facilities.

Amenities: On-site restaurant, craft shop, and bicycle rental.

Activities that take place near the lodge include; Gorilla trekking, community projects, and Batwa cultural experience.

2) Broadbill Forest Camp

This lodge is located in Ruhija sector at the eastern side of Bwindi

Accommodation: Basic tents with shared bathroom facilities.

Amenities: Dining area and bar.

Activities that take place near the lodge include; Gorilla trekking, bird watching, and nature walks.

3) Bwindi View Bandas

This lodge is Located in Buhoma sector at the northern side of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation: Simple bandas with shared facilities.

Amenities: On-site restaurant and bar.

Activities that take place near the lodge include; Gorilla trekking, forest walks, and Batwa community cultural visits.

List of other Lodges found in Bwindi Forest National Park.

Luxury Lodges	Location	Accommodation	Amenities	Activities
Gorilla Safari Lodge	Rushaga sector, southern Bwindi	18 en-suite cottages with private decks	Restaurant, bar, lounge area	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, cultural visits
Buhoma Lodge	Near Buhoma entrance gate, northern Bwindi	10 luxury chalets with en-suite facilities	Lounge, dining area, bar, free Wi-Fi	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, community walks
Mahogany Springs Lodge	Buhoma sector, northern Bwindi	8 spacious suites with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces	Bar, restaurant, library, Wi-Fi	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, nature walks
Trackers Safari Lodge	Rushaga sector, southern Bwindi	Luxurious cottages with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas	Restaurant, bar, swimming pool	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, cultural visits
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge	Nkuringo sector, southern Bwindi	8 cottages with en-suite bathrooms and forest views.	Restaurant, bar, lounge area	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, cultural experiences
Chameleon Hill Lodge	Lake Mutanda, southern Bwindi	Colorful cottages with en-suite bathrooms and lake views	Restaurant, bar, lounge area	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, boat trips
Bwindi Bar	Buhoma sector, northern Bwindi	Eco-friendly rooms with en-suite facilities	Bar, restaurant, lounge area	Gorilla trekking, Batwa community visits, bird watching
Midrange Lodges
Midrange Lodge	Location	Accommodation	Amenities	Activities
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge	Rushaga sector, southern Bwindi	Cottages with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies	Restaurant, bar, lounge area	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, nature walks
Gorilla Valley Lodge	Rushaga sector, southern Bwindi	Comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms and forest views	Restaurant, bar, lounge area	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, cultural visits
Silverback Lodge	Buhoma sector, northern Bwindi	12 rooms with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces	Restaurant, bar, lounge area	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, community visits
Trekkers Tavern Cottages	Ruhija sector, eastern Bwindi	Cottages with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas	Dining area, bar, lounge area	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, nature walks
Bakiga Lodge	Ruhija sector, eastern Bwindi	Comfortable cabins with en-suite bathrooms and forest views	Restaurant, bar, lounge area	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, cultural visits
Gift of Nature Lodge	Ruhija sector, eastern Bwindi	Cottages with en-suite bathrooms and forest views	Restaurant, bar, lounge area	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, nature walks
Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge	Ruhija sector, eastern Bwindi	Cottages with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies	Restaurant, bar, lounge area	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, cultural visits
Mutanda Lake Resort	Lake Mutanda, southern Bwindi	Comfortable cabins with en-suite bathrooms and lake views	Restaurant, bar, lounge area.	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, boat trips
Budget Lodges
Budget Lodge	Location	Accommodation	Amenities	Activities
Ruhija Community Rest Camp	Ruhija sector, eastern Bwindi	Basic bandas with shared facilities	Restaurant, bar, communal lounge	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, cultural visits
Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite	Nkuringo sector, southern Bwindi	Campsites and basic bandas with shared facilities	Restaurant, bar, communal lounge.	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, nature walks
Rushaga Gorilla Camp	Rushaga sector, southern Bwindi	Basic tents and bandas with shared facilities	Restaurant, bar, communal lounge	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, cultural visits
Buhoma Community Rest Camp	Buhoma sector, northern Bwindi	Basic bandas with shared facilities	Restaurant, bar, communal lounge.	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, community visits
Cuckooland Tented Lodge	Buhoma sector, northern Bwindi	Simple tents with shared facilities	Restaurant, bar, communal lounge	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, forest walks
Bwindi Backpackers Lodge	Buhoma sector, northern Bwindi	Dormitory and private rooms with shared facilities	Restaurant, bar, communal lounge	Gorilla trekking, bird watching, community visits