Lodges of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and its wonders
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.
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
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.
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.
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 |