Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

As one of the most luxurious accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge offers visitors to the park a high-end experience with impeccable facilities and service.

The lodge is made up of eight standard suites plus two deluxe suites, each one given the name of a specific gorilla. With walls made of stone and timber, and large glass fronts, the suites are the perfect place to relax and take in the forest canopy view. Their design blends into the surrounding environment, providing an eco-sensitive luxury experience. In addition, they have en-suite bathrooms complete with a walk-in shower, and a personal veranda. The price of each room includes personal butler service, which really sets this lodge apart from the rest.

As well as the comfort of their private suites, guests can enjoy the open fireplace in the main lounge area, take in the scenery from the common viewing platform, or relax at the bar and restaurant which serves incredible food. The Bwindi Bar, which is linked to the lodge, also offers popular tapas-style dishes featuring the best of Ugandan cuisine. The bar was set up by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust and offers training to local young people in hospitality.

Bwindi lodge is the perfect place to enjoy the wildlife of the surrounding forest, and they are frequently visited by a family of gorillas. What’s more, the lodge offers a wonderful spa built into the forest with a newly added sauna, perfect for relaxation and reflection after a gorilla trek.

The lodge is situated in the village of Buhoma rather than within the Bwindi park itself, so visitors must travel roughly an hour by car to reach the trailhead.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is one of the most luxurious options in Bwindi , found just five minutes away from the Buhoma trailhead. It blends seamlessly into the surrounding forest, with gorillas often emerging from the trees to wander around the camp. 

The camp is made up of ten individual luxury tents, each built in a modern style on a raised wooden platform. They boast a private viewing deck, two queen-sized beds and en-suite with a shower and bathtub, perfect for soaking your tired muscles after a gorilla trek.

There is a cosy lounge, bar and dining area overlooking the forest, and a wonderful campfire to enjoy at night whilst taking in the sky full of stars. The camp also has a small gift shop with local crafts and supplies, and a small spa.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp has a well-established connection with the local area, supporting various projects at the Bwindi Community Hospital and Victory School. Visitors have the chance to visit the hospital to see the great work being done.

In short, this accommodation option is perfect for getting as close to nature as possible, whilst still enjoying a high-end, luxurious stay.

Buhoma Lodge is found right inside the park, only five minutes from the Buhoma gorilla trekking trailhead. Whilst not up to the same luxury standard as other accommodation options in Bwindi like Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, the Buhoma Lodge is still a firm favourite amongst travellers.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with simple furnishing. There are ten cottages on offer with double or twin beds, built on raised platforms which make them incredible vantage points to take in the views of the surrounding forest. For families, there is also a family suite with two separate bedrooms. Each cottage features an en-suite bathroom and private veranda.

The main building, built tastefully from wood with a thatched roof to blend into the surroundings, has a bar, restaurant, cosy fireplace, and deep, comfortable couches for visitors to enjoy. Knowing how challenging a gorilla trek can be, the staff here provide wonderful massages and a laundry service free of charge to all guests.  

Buhoma Lodge is built with sustainability in mind; the buildings are made using local materials, the restaurant sources ingredients from the surrounding area, solar power is used to provide lighting, and all staff are recruited from the local community.

Clouds is a family-run business, set up in partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation, Ugandan Safari Company, and the local Nkuringo community. The lodge is an innovative, community-focused enterprise that is committed to supporting the long-term protection of Bwindi gorillas.

This lodge is found in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at over 2,000m above sea level, making it Uganda’s highest lodge. Being in the south of the park, most trekking experiences start from the nearby Nkuringo trailhead.

The lodge is built with natural volcanic stone walls and large windows offering fantastic views of the surrounding forest. There are eight cottages available, two featuring two separate bedrooms perfect for families or small groups. All are en-suite with walk-in showers, offer a private veranda overlooking Bwindi, and a personal fireplace with comfortable armchairs. Each cottage also features incredible works by some of Uganda’s most respected artists.

In addition to the wonderful private cottages, guests can enjoy the spacious and welcoming main lodge. This communal space has expansive windows showing off the wonderful surroundings. In fact, the view from the lodge is so expansive that visitors can even catch a glimpse of the volcanic activity of Rwanda’s Virunga Volcanoes across the border.

To add to the experience, all guests have a personal butler to take care of their every need during their stay. This includes collecting and delivering laundry, bringing delicious food from the dining area (made with fresh ingredients grown in their own organic garden) to your door if requested, and lighting your private fireplace.

Mahogany Springs is a simple, independent lodge found right in the heart of Bwindi national park. This wonderful location is set right beside the Munyanga River and surrounded by the Impenetrable forest. Despite not offering the same high-end luxurious experience as some of the other lodges in the park, Mahogany Springs is a simple and stylish choice for those looking for a more affordable option.

There is a variety of room options, with twin, double or triple suites as well as a presidential suite perfect for groups or families. All rooms are built with large glass doors leading out to a private terrace with expansive views of the forest, as well as an en-suite bathroom. Each suite is located off a quiet stone pathway, leading away from the main building through peaceful gardens. The main building has a spacious dining area, a lounge with fireplaces, large veranda, bar, and gift shop. The veranda is the perfect place to relax, take in the surroundings and listen to the sounds of the nearby river.

The staff is made up of people from the local community, trained to the highest standard in excellent customer service and hospitality. The lodge also hosts or supports a wide variety of sustainability projects, such as a tree planting scheme which offers a chance for guests to offset some of the carbon footprint from their trip. They have also sponsored a local orphanage, supported a hydro-electric project to provide electricity for the local area and hospital, and back a community project providing local women with the chance to learn skills and provide for their family.