Bwindi Lodge

Bwindi Lodge overlooks the primaeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is a wonderful base to enjoy thrilling activities in Uganda as well as adventurous Gorilla Trekking. With dramatic intense views of the forest canopy across a serene stream, it is one of Africa’s unique lodges.

As you relax in the main area of Bwindi Lodge or from your private Banda you can enjoy dramatic views of the impenetrable forest and it is a great place to spot the monkeys and birds hidden in the foliage. 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. One of the best ways to end off a day of gorilla trekking is to enjoy a Gorillini Cocktail! The bar was set up by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust to train disadvantaged local young people in hospitality.

When people head to Uganda, the number-one activity that one must do, Gorilla Trekking through the dense African forests. During each trek, only 8 visitors are permitted each day, to minimize the transmission of human diseases. Guests are also asked to maintain a distance of 7 metres from these fascinating primates. Typically, tracking can take from 3 to 8 hours and requires some agility and fitness; however, all fitness levels can be accommodated, and no one should feel deterred from missing this once in a lifetime experience. You can also enjoy other activities at Bwindi Lodge such as community visits and birding.

About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park,

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (or, officially, Impenetrable National Park) is an ancient, deep forest rising up along the southwestern border of Uganda. Climbing up along the slopes of a mountain range, the park consists of a series of narrow, steep valleys, deep green and cloaked in mist. The park is an old and complex ecosystem with a wealth of biodiversity and within its depths lies a rare and striking world. Due to the dense undergrowth and rugged terrain, large portions of it can only be reached on foot, preserving its primordial nature. Forest elephants, giant forest hogs, hundreds of butterfly species and several types of primate roam beneath the thick canopy of trees.

Bwindi is home to half the world’s remaining population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Out of these, several families have become habituated to humans, allowing small groups of people to track them and spend an hour in their company. The gorillas remain wild and the interaction takes place under the careful eyes of highly trained trackers. As gorillas are susceptible to human disease, the health restrictions for visitors are stringent. Due to the rugged terrain, only those older than 15 years are allowed to track.

A day of gorilla trekking begins early, departing from your lodge with the dawn. The guides will meet and brief groups of visitors at the gathering point before setting off. The walk can be challenging, especially during Uganda’s two rainy seasons, which are from March to May and then again in November and December. Depending on where the gorillas were last seen, the trek can take anywhere between 40 minutes to six hours spent making your way through the tranquil green undergrowth that covers the mountain slopes, with several quiet encounters with the other denizens of the park en route. When the gorillas emerge from the foliage, time stands still as you enjoy their company for an hour. There is something deeply moving about being in the presence of these regal creatures.