Accommodation

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

It is remote. It is beautiful. It is intimate. And at over 2,000 metres above sea level, it is Uganda’s highest lodge.

Since it opened, this small, remote lodge continues to win prizes, awards and accolades both internationally and locally.

Picture this: You are sitting up on a ridge, above the clouds, looking across to the Virunga volcanoes. Behind you is the primordial, mysterious and impenetrable forest that is Bwindi. As you sit there, drinking your chilled wine, or your freshly brewed coffee, or your freshly squeezed juice or your amber coloured whisky you smile. You smile because you know that your personal butler is lighting the fire in your cottage and setting out your freshly laundered clothes. In the kitchen a gorgeous meal is being prepared, and tomorrow after breakfast you will walk from the lodge to the Nkuringo trailhead and track the gorillas.

Guests at Clouds stay in their own cottage. Built of local volcanic stone, every cottage has a large sitting room with fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets. Each individual cottage features the work of one of Uganda’s most respected artists (we call them the ‘Clouds 9’). Their work has been so highly regarded by guests that they have commissioned their own pieces and now the work of these artists graces the walls of homes and offices in New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and London.

Tracking gorillas is high on the agenda for many tourists to Uganda. By all means, come to Clouds to track gorillas…but while you’re here, why not stay on a bit and immerse yourself in the relaxed vibe of the lodge, partake in Community activities, indulge in massage and beauty treatments and just enjoy the rarity of being pampered in such a spectacular setting.

The main lodge feels like someplace else – soaring ceilings, massive exposed wooden beams, big picture windows with endless views of treetops, volcanoes and mountains. It feels like a ski chalet in the alps. Or a stone palace in the Rocky Mountains. But with the gentle and warm welcome, the quiet dedication of the personal butlers and the smiles on the faces of virtually all the staff, this can only be in Uganda.

Come and stay awhile in the Clouds…

Set at 7,000 ft (2,133 m) elevation, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is a jungle-hugged designer lodge perched on rugged hilltops above the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest overlooking the vast Virunga Mountains range emerald vistas.

NBGL offers 12 rooms in 9 residences with full amenities divided into three two-bedroom family villas and six garden cottages. Each cottage features a bedroom, ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower living area with a fireplace and comfortable chairs to enjoy the golden fire glow. Lounge chairs on the outdoor verandas give the perfect vantage point to celebrate the constantly changing Bwindi views.

In all its glory, celebrating sustainability and nature, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, an African bush wonderland, lets the landscape do the showing off. All villa rooms have breathtaking views over the imposing Bwindi Forest, and the garden chalets soar above the Virunga Mountains range. Rounding out the experience are rickety walkways, dramatic black volcano rock finishing, and the constant natural freshness.

The newly finished main area sits on the property’s highest point, giving 360-degree vistas of what makes NBGL outstanding. High ceilings, pale canvas furnishings, large wooden beams, and columns maximize the sense of space and grandeur in the main lodge area, befitting the excellent location perfectly well. Our local specialty chef serves all the meals in the main area.

The lodge is located a 10-minute walk from the Nkuringo Sector trailhead, where daily gorilla trekking excursions begin. Also, a 30-minutes drive from the lodge is Rushaga Sector trailhead, commonly preferred for the gorilla habituation experience that allows trekkers at least four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family.

Gorilla Safari Lodge sits comfortably at the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a primeval forest and lush jungle region in south west Uganda. This national park is home to wild gorillas, forest elephants, and 23 species of bird endemic to the area. Located a 5 minute drive from the briefing point for trekking makes it a sought after lodge for gorilla safaris. After a long day of trekking and ploughing through thick tropical vegetation, hikers can seek solace in knowing that their lodge is just a quick drive away from the entrance to the park.

Banana and guava trees cocoon the lodge, and in the distance there are views of the forest jungle with its ancient canopy of trees decorating the lofty hills. The entrance to the lodge is warm and welcoming. Bold colours from indigenous flora greet you upon arrival, leaving a lasting first impression. The atmosphere is personable, and efficient staff ensure you looked after
for the duration of your stay.

The main lodge area houses the dining room, a relaxation lounge, spa treatment room and a quaint nook where the bar is situated. This remote lodge comprises of 21 individual units, each with private wooden balconies overlooking the wilderness and named after individual gorillas or their tribes. 3 of these units are inter-leading rooms, making them ideal for families. Another 2 rooms are joined, but aren’t inter-leading. The lodge is also well equipped for disabled guests, 2 rooms have been designed for wheelchair access with wider doors & bathrooms.

Being one of the oldest hotels in Uganda, with a history steeped in gorilla conservation, Travellers Rest becomes a must for your gorilla trekking in the area. It boasts an impressive list of guests. To name just one: Dian Fossey, who even called this her second home.

Built in 1955 by Walter Baumgartel, the so-called father of gorilla tourism, it quickly became a meeting place for people interested in the mountain gorillas. It was entirely renovated in 1999, but charm of the somewhat colonial style still remains up to today.

Situated just outside Kisoro, the area is of astonishing beauty and the views of the Virunga volcanoes dominating the landscape will remain engraved in your memory.

Adventure, enchantment and ‘Luxury, naturally’ - all delivered with a quiet, understated charm and understanding of place – is the guiding philosophy of Sanctuary Retreats and one of our most secluded camps, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is nestled deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest Uganda, home to almost half the world’s last surviving mountain gorillas.

Located within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is the perfect base from which to track the park’s most famous resident – the mountain gorilla. Due to its unique location, it’s not unusual for the gorilla families to visit the camp itself. This luxury camp features ten rooms and a bar, lounge and dining area overlooking the rainforest.

Ichumbi derived from the local Rufumbira dialect means ' a cool, comfortable home '. The lodging facility that is just 10 minutes' walk to Rushaga gate of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, has a spectacular view of the park right from your room! It is designed to provide you with high end comfort and relaxation to be able to enjoy your Gorilla tracking experience, go birding watching and enjoy forest life surrounded by impressive landscape

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on one meter away from your veranda. It feels like you are invited into to home of the majestic mountain gorillas. But these gentle giants are not your host, just your neighbors, occasionally coming out of the forest to spend some time in our garden. This is what makes Gorilla Valley Lodge so special.

Located on the border of the impenetrable forest and set on a steep slope the lodge has a truly unique setting. Imagine waking up with the sounds of the forest, having your cup of coffee or tea on you private terrace, experiencing the forest coming alive and the mist mysteriously giving way for a lush jungle.

Gorilla Valley Lodge a ‘medium range hotel’, consists of 12 rooms, with spacious private bathrooms, Toilets, Dining/Waiting area beautifully situated in lowland evergreen forest allowing breathtaking views of the African Eden, rich with wildlife and at a close distance the majestic Virunga Volcanoes. Every room has been lovingly furnished with twin beds and decorated in a modern retro style.

Gorilla Valley Lodge is a slice of wilderness paradise far from the madding crowd; a place of renewal and reconnection with the natural world. And trust, one could never get closer to Bwindi!!!! The gentle Giants are at home at GVL, Sometimes the gorilla’s come out of the forest to spend some time feeding and playing in our gardens…… From the veranda of the rooms you can almost touch this national park and home of our mountain Gorillas.

Overlooking the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Lodge is the finest gorilla lodge at Bwindi. With dramatic intense views of the forest canopy across a serene stream, it is one of Africa’s unique lodges.

The property has dramatic views of the impenetrable forest and is a great place to spot the monkeys and birds hidden in the foliage. During 2021 two new delxue bandas have opened, standard bandas have been rebuilt and upgraded, and the lounge and library have been reimagined.

The award-winning Bwindi Bar, in the high street of the village nearby is the most stylish and colourful bar in the area! Guests also enjoy informal tapas style meals inspired by Ugandan dishes. It’s the Harry’s Bar of Bwindi! Guests can make their ‘rolex’ wrap and the delicious Gorillini Cocktail, a must-have after a gorilla tracking in Bwindi! The bar was set up by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust to train disadvantaged local young people in hospitality.

As the highest lodge on the hill we over look the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi and all its many islands from all our cottages and main dinner area and bar.
Arcadia Lake Bunyonyi has 25 cottages and each cottage over looks the islands on Lake Bunyonyi. Each cottage is self contained with a private deck for guests to enjoy the view in the comfort of their cottage.

This exclusive, colorful and vibrant lodge enjoys spectacular views across Lake Mutanda with the Virunga Volcanoes as a magnificent backdrop.

Each chalet flaunts its own identity and color scheme along with high quality, hand made furnishings that boast a unique Euro-African style.

Buhoma Lodge, an intimate and charming property that commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. One of only two lodges situated within the National Park, within a short walking distance from the meeting point for gorilla tracking and other activities in the Buhoma area. An elevated central area, complete with lounge, bar and dining area, offers a cosy, comfortable environment to discuss the day’s activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evenings.

Engagi Lodge in Bwindi is a modern lodge in a breathtaking setting offering stunning views over the forest canopy. The lodge is situated in a large tract of land contiguous to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and runs from the main road to the Park Headquarters down to the Munyaga river.

The lodge has been built using local materials and a local workforce. It is constructed from rocks found in and around the site and eucalyptus trees while the rooms are thatched from banana fibre sourced from local farmers.

The main lodge building is divided into a bar cum sitting room, the dining room and a large outdoor verandah viewing platform. The lodge building is big enough to cater for larger groups but still allows for smaller individual groups to spread out in the various different areas for privacy.

The lodge is open ended at the front allowing a dramatic view of the Bwindi forest from every corner inside the building.

The kitchen, built away from the lodge to ensure privacy, prepares a variety of 3 course meals and clients requirements (eg. Vegetarians) catered for by our team of experienced Kampala trained chefs.

The lodge consists of just 8 en-suite cottages, spaced out and hidden in the foliage. Each cottage has either double or twin beds, a bathroom with flushing toilets and hot and cold running water. All have private verandahs where guests can enjoy their morning tea or coffee as they watch out over the forest canopy.

Electricity is provided by solar power with a back-up generator. Hot water is supplied by eco-friendly wood burning boilers.

The main reception area has been built up near the Buhoma road and we have a large secure car-park; both of these are a good distance away from the main lodge buildings.

Clients can walk around the lodge down to the river, viewing the birdlife and flora of the area.