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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas and one of the oldest jungles on Earth. It’s the best place to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. With more than 25 gorilla families open to visitors each day, Bwindi offers more trekking permits than anywhere else in Africa. As a popular destination, there are plenty of places to stay—ranging from simple lodges to high-end luxury camps. But if you’re booking your trip yourself, keep in mind that Bwindi has four separate trekking areas: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Make sure the lodge you choose is in the same area as your gorilla trekking permit. Here are the best Value Bwindi Lodges;
The quiet and peaceful Nkuringo area is the most beautiful gorilla trekking sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here, you will find Orugano Bwindi Lodge, one of the best places to stay if you’re going gorilla trekking in Uganda. Just a 10-minute walk from the park headquarters, the lodge sits on the southern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, high up at 2,161 meters above sea level. The cool mountain air can be refreshing, and there’s a cozy fireplace to keep you warm. The views from the lodge are amazing, with the lush forest below and the towering Virunga volcanoes in the distance. The cottages are comfortable, and each has its own private balcony where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful forest after a day of trekking.
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge has a lively African style, with cozy cottages that feature wooden floors, woven ceilings, colorful fabrics, and large mosquito nets over the beds. The lodge sits on green hills and is one of the best-value places to stay near the Rushaga gorilla trekking area. If you’re on a tight budget, they also have smaller, more affordable rooms. It’s a great spot to relax and start your gorilla adventure.
Mutanda Lake Resort is a favorite place to stay for people trekking gorillas in Rushaga. It’s located about 20 km south, on a quiet, forested peninsula by beautiful Lake Mutanda. The resort’s biggest highlight is its amazing lakeside setting, with stunning views of the volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. You can choose to stay in simple wooden stilt rooms or in larger, more modern cottages. Guests can swim, canoe, or paddleboard on the lake, and it’s also a great place to watch birds. Getting to Rushaga from the resort takes about an hour by car, so you’ll need to start your day early if you’re trekking the next morning. Still, the peaceful and scenic location is well worth it. The resort is also halfway between Bwindi and Mgahinga parks, making it a great choice if you want to see gorillas in Bwindi and golden monkeys in Mgahinga.
Mahogany Springs Lodge is one of the best value Bwindi Lodges and most popular places to stay for gorilla trekking in Uganda. It’s just outside the park, about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the Buhoma headquarters. The lodge sits in a beautiful forested area on a slope, next to the fast-moving Munyanga River. There are 12 large, comfortable cottages, each decorated with local crafts. Every cottage has its own private balcony with peaceful views of the forest—perfect for relaxing after a day of trekking.
Four Gorillas Lodge is the most luxurious place to stay near the Rushaga area of Bwindi. It’s located right next to the park, just a 10-minute drive from the gorilla trekking starting point. The lodge has eight large, comfortable cottages with wooden floors, local handmade decorations, and private balconies with forest views. Guests love the lodge for its friendly service and tasty food, making it a great spot to relax before or after your gorilla trek.
Buhoma Lodge is not just the most convenient place to stay for gorilla trekking in Bwindi—it’s also one of the best overall. It sits just inside the park, only a 2-minute walk from the main starting point for treks. The lodge is also great for spotting wildlife right from your room. You might see black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and many colorful forest birds around the area. The bright, roomy cottages climb up a forested hillside behind the restaurant and bar, and they offer a very cozy and enjoyable stay.
Engagi Lodge is a great mix of comfort and good value, located on a forested hillside just outside the Buhoma Gate. The lodge is built with stone, wood, and thatch, and its open-air dining and lounge area has a cozy fireplace and some old-style pictures for decoration. There are eight raised guest cottages, each tucked away in the forest for privacy. They use solar power and have private terraces with views of the treetops. When you’re not trekking, you can walk down to the nearby Munyanga River to watch birds and maybe spot some monkeys.
For a long time, the beautiful Ruhija Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park didn’t have luxury lodges like Buhoma—but that changed with the opening of Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge, just 7 km (4 miles) from the trekking starting point. This stylish lodge has 11 large cottages, each with a fireplace, minibar, indoor and outdoor showers, a jacuzzi tub, and a sliding glass door that opens to a balcony shaded by bamboo. The lodge also has a heated pool and a spa. If you enjoy birdwatching, Ruhija is a great place to explore the Mubwindi Trail, a half-day guided walk through the swamp where you can spot rare birds like Grauer’s broadbill.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the highest lodge in Uganda, sitting on a forested ridge at 2,100 meters (6,890 feet). It feels like an African-style mountain chalet, cozy and elegant. The lodge has eight large cottages, each with a king-size bed, a comfy living area with soft sofas and a warm fireplace, and a modern, stylish bathroom. It’s one of the best places to stay for gorilla trekking in Nkuringo area of Bwindi. On clear days, you can enjoy amazing views of the Virunga Volcanoes, including Nyiragongo, which sometimes glows orange at night.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp feels like a luxury safari camp in the heart of the rainforest, making it one of the top high-end lodges in Bwindi. It has eight stylish tents, each with two queen-size beds, a modern bathroom, and a private balcony. Like Buhoma Lodge, it’s located inside the park, just a short walk from the gorilla trekking starting point. Even when you’re back at camp, the wildlife experience continues. You might spot beautiful forest birds like the great blue turaco, see monkeys passing by, and occasionally even catch a glimpse of gorillas walking across the lawn!
Bwindi Lodge is one of the best Bwindi lodges. It’s located just outside Buhoma Gate, in a peaceful area with regrowing forest that leads down to the Munyanga River. The lodge offers large, beautifully decorated cottages with private butlers and great views of the forest. The property has a short walking trail where you can spot red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and various forest birds. Sometimes, even gorillas wander through the area!
Opened in December 2014, Buhoma Community Haven Lodge was built by the Buhoma Mukono Community Development Association, making it a great choice for travelers who want to support local communities while enjoying a comfortable stay. Located just a short walk from the gorilla trekking meeting point, this lodge is perfect for those seeking affordable accommodation within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The lodge is family-friendly, with children of all ages welcome, and kids under 5 stay for free! While the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy for younger visitors.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Nkuringo Sector- Uganda
+256-701-230-309
info@oruganosafaris.com
