About Orugano Bwindi Lodge
Orugano Bwindi Lodge is the perfect base for anyone looking to explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas and one of the oldest jungles on Earth. The lodge is located at the southern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, close to both the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the scenic Lake Mutanda. The nearest international airports are Entebbe in Uganda and Kigali in Rwanda. If you are flying into Entebbe, you can catch a short flight to Kisoro, which takes about 90 minutes.
From Kisoro, the lodge is a scenic 90-minute drive away. The drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, while from Lake Mburo National Park, it takes around 5 to 7 hours. Orugano Bwindi Lodge is located in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi, at an altitude of around 2,161 meters above sea level. The altitude brings cooler temperatures, but guests can cozy up around the fire pit to stay warm. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Bwindi Forest, Lake Mutanda, and the Virunga volcanoes.
Accommodation & Amenities
Orugano Bwindi Lodge offers a range of comfortable and thoughtfully designed accommodation options, including Single Cottages, Double/Twin Cottages, and a Family Cottage. Each of these spaces has been carefully crafted to blend modern comforts with a rustic, natural charm, creating a welcoming and tranquil retreat in the heart of the wilderness. The family cottage is designed with families or groups in mind, this spacious cottage includes two bedrooms, each with twin beds, and two living areas. The large space allows for plenty of room to relax after a day of adventure, and it offers a cozy atmosphere with stunning views of the forest and nearby Virunga volcanoes. Every cottage is built with large windows that let in natural light, ensuring you stay connected to the incredible surroundings. Whether you’re enjoying the peaceful mornings or the stunning sunsets, the view is always part of the experience.
- Fire Pit: Unwind by the fire pit after exploring Bwindi Forest, sharing stories, or stargazing under the night sky.
- Spa Treatments: Enjoy rejuvenating massages and therapies to relax after a day of adventure.
- Dining: Savor multi-course meals with a variety of hot beverages and soft drinks, accommodating special dietary needs upon request.
- Wi-Fi: Stay connected with unlimited Wi-Fi available in all rooms.
- Laundry Services: Benefit from complimentary laundry services to keep your clothes fresh during your stay.
- 24-Hour Security: Enjoy peace of mind with round-the-clock security provided by the lodge.
Activities At Orugano Bwindi Lodge
Orugano Bwindi Lodge offers a variety of exciting activities for every type of traveler, with a special focus on gorilla trekking. However, guests can also enjoy a range of other thrilling experiences, including hiking, canoeing, golden monkey tracking, birdwatching, and cultural visits, making it the perfect base for an unforgettable adventure.
- Gorilla Trekking: Two types of gorilla experiences are available. The first is a trek that can have up to eight travellers. The second is a “habituation experience” that is limited to just four travellers. The trek allows for one hour of observation of gorillas, while the habituation experience gives you four hours.
- Hiking & Nature Walks: Nkuringo and the surrounding areas offer a variety of scenic hikes, from gentle walks through Bwindi to more challenging treks through local farmland. The lodge’s staff will provide advice on different routes based on your fitness level and interests, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes at your own pace.
- Canoeing on Lake Mutanda: Paddle across the serene waters, surrounded by stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes and lush landscapes.
- Birdwatching: For bird enthusiasts, Orugano Bwindi Lodge offers special birdwatching excursions. Led by experienced guides, these trips provide the chance to spot a wide variety of bird species, including rare and vibrant ones such as the scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird and olive woodpecker.
- Golden monkey Tracking: For those seeking a different primate experience, you can take part in golden monkey tracking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, just a short distance from the lodge.
- Volcano Climbing: For the adventurous traveler, volcano climbing is an exciting challenge. You can summit any of the three Virunga volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhavura.
- Batwa Experience: We highly recommend the Batwa Experience, a cultural adventure that lets you connect with the local Batwa community. Meet the indigenous Batwa people, learn about their traditional way of life, and discover how they have coexisted with the forest for centuries.
