Bwindi Impenetrable Forest protects more than half of the last remaining 1,050+ mountain gorillas, making it a top prime tourist attraction in the world. There six exclusive high-end gorilla safari lodges in Bwindi, including two luxury gorilla camps located within the National Park boundaries and providing the best vantage point for trekking mountain gorillas.
Bwindi was divided into four sectors for easy management. Because most trekkers would rather stay near the trailheads, a wide selection of various accommodation types has mushroomed around the communities surrounding the trailheads. From open camps to hostels to fairly good cottages, luxury chalets, and up-market family villas, every type of traveler can find where to spend a night near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is an intimate luxury retreat set in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park known as the Nkuringo Sector.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the world’s last remaining rich ecosystems. It spreads over a series of steep ridges and valleys that form a protective habitat for the mountain gorillas, the main attractions in this pristine jungle.
The lodge provides a prime access point to the start of the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. And about 30 minutes’ drive away is another trailhead in Rushaga, which has eight habituated gorilla families and is also an alternative to trekking Nkuringo gorilla groups.
Each private cottage is built of local volcanic stone, with a spacious living room installed with a fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets. Comfortable chairs on the outdoor verandas provide the perfect vantage point to admire the unforgettable vistas of the forest below. Blazing fireplaces create a cozy glow as evening falls.
Meals are prepared using the freshest local ingredients and served in front of a roaring fire in the dining area or the privacy of your stone cottage.
Bwindi Lodge
Overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park across a valley stream, Bwindi Lodge offers intimate bush luxury accommodation in the Buhoma sector. Positioned elegantly a walking distance from the trailhead, this lovely jungle retreat is an excellent base for gorilla trekking in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the two last mountain gorilla strongholds.
Bwindi Lodge’s nine gorgeous wood and stone cottages sit across the hillside facing the emerald Bwindi canopy. The room decor is simple and yet comfortable, showing off African fabric and character. Each cottage has a private deck where guests can marvel at one of the world’s remaining rich ecosystems while enjoying exclusive privacy in the jungle.
Most guests find themselves in the charming main area pretty soon after arrival. The big glass windows, airy fireplace, and raised position of the lodge add elegance to the cool evenings. Bwindi Lodge staff, quite appropriately, proud in working there, speaking volumes about Volcanoes Safaris’ effort (the lodge operators) invested in working with the surrounding community.
Chameleon Hill Lodge vibrantly glows on top of a hill overlooking Lake Mutanda’s tranquil rift valley in the shadows of the Virunga Mountains. This charming little retreat is a perfect base for trekking gorillas in southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and exploring the slope of the Virunga’s in Mgahinga National Park.
The lodge has 10 individually styled private cottages spread out on the hill overlooking over the charming Lake Mutanda and beyond Virunga Mountains’ elegant backdrop. Each room is boldly colored and fitted with quirky African decor to bring out a sense of uniqueness. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom and a charming outside sitting area to watch the captivating beauty that surrounds Chameleon Hill.
Sitting in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains, Chameleon Hill Lodge brags of dreamy views of the Virunga massif, excellent tropical weather, and mind rebuilding retreat activities. Sunset evenings at the lakeside, enjoying the tranquillity and unspoiled beauty as far as your eyes can see, are something to look out for. Yes! You can jump into the calm waters of Lake Mutanda from the private pier or take a boat cruise of the enchanting islands on the rift valley lake.
The lodge has a spacious communal area with an adjacent wooden deck on top of the hill that offers a bird’s eye view over the lake and beyond. This is where the in-house chef serves all the meals, and guests catch up on the social moments. The building’s walls are decorated with colourful art and for those chilly evenings, there is a romantic fireplace to make sure the ambiance is perfect. The lounge area with a stylish cement sofa, a soft couch, and inviting armchairs spreads a sense of cosiness.
Buhoma Lodge is one of the only two lodges located within the National Park boundaries. It provides a prime access point to starting the excellent gorilla activity at Buhoma trailhead.
Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The Lodge is designed entirely with eco-friendly material from the forest and neighbouring communities to provide a perfect naturally warm blending look. It uses green energy and keeps a sustainable program with neighbouring communities. Each chalet has a private veranda and large windows, giving spectacular views of the forest canopy.
Awaken to chattering forest birds and the occasional screech of a monkey. Mountain Gorillas have even been spotted in our garden. The open-air lounge and bar area offers uninterrupted views, and eerie forest mists create an enchanting magical experience. The chef’s multi-course meals are freshly prepared from local produce, ensuring you take away warm homely memories of your time in Uganda.
Mutanda Lake Resort is a charming little lodge sitting on a peninsula at one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda. This enchanting little getaway heaven provides an excellent base to track gorillas in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and explore the Nepal-like attractions around this misty lake.
Sitting in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains, Mutanda Lake Resort brags of dreamy views of the massif, excellent tropical weather, and mind rebuilding resort activities. Sunset evenings at the lakeside, enjoying the tranquillity and unspoiled beauty as far as your eyes can see, are something to look out for. Yes! You can jump into the calm waters of Lake Mutanda from the private pier and piss off the toads: the lake waters are clean enough!
Mutanda Lake Resort offers accommodation in 13 beautifully crafted cottages with en-suite bathrooms. The rooms sit on wooden platforms above the ground, spread across the lake and outside areas facing Lake Mutanda, extending views to the Virunga Mountains. Local art, fabric, and decor adorn the rooms to give the guest a sense of belonging.
The main area’s most charming feature is the deck overlooking the lake. All meals are served here, with the sunrise over the mountains and sunset over the tranquil lake. The Swiss-like main area with an African finish and brick-worm fireplace is a magnet to visitors. The chef serves fresh vegetables for the property’s home garden to compliment his wonderfully selected menu. Your meals can even be served in the privacy of your stone cottage.
Buhoma Community Haven Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The Lodge is owned by Buhoma Mukono Community Development Association, which guarantees you elevated community experiences. The lodge uses green energy and keeps a sustainable program with neighbouring communities.
The lodge lounge is open-ended to allow guests to marvel at the pristine scenery while relaxing, having a drink, and tucking into delicious meals by the in-house chef. There’s a little shop stocking African craft souvenirs and postcards to take back home for your memory bank.
