Overlooking the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge is the finest luxury lodge at Bwindi. With dramatic intense views of the forest canopy across a serene stream, it is one of Africa’s unique properties. The gorillas frequently come to relax in the verdant bush around the lodge! The lodge is perfectly located for a Uganda jungle gorilla tracking experience.
The lodge boasts eight large bandas facing the forest. Each of the guest bandas has a sitting area, a terrace and an en-suite luxury shower room.
The main living area has a central fireplace which acts as a focal point for guests to relax and discuss their gorilla tracking experience. A large terrace overlooking the forest 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 get to experience a fun selection of local and international food and drinks, including the ‘Rolex’, Uganda’s special wrap! The bar is a cool place to hang out and watch local life. The bar was set up to train disadvantaged local youngsters in hospitality. It is run by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust.
Guest Bandas
There are 8 newly renovated luxury bandas. 6 doubles and 2 twins, of which 2 have a fireplace in the room. All rooms offer spectacular views of the forest. All rooms are complete with en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilet, double vanity and shower with hot & cold running water. There are power sockets/charging facilities and hair dryer in the rooms. No air conditioners and Wi-Fi and internet access available in the main lodge only (connection can be slow). Each room has a terrace overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with scenic panoramic views.
Guests are assigned a personal butler for the extent of their stay. One 30-minute complimentary massage per guest per stay at the Humula Forest Spa. Extra massages are available at extra cost. Complimentary laundry service.
Deluxe Bandas
For guest requiring extra space, there are 2 new deluxe bandas on property.
Classic Gorilla Tracking
There are 3 gorilla families that can be easily tracked from Bwindi Lodge at the Buhoma Sector of the forest, just a 5-minutes walk from the lodge. Guests can also track 3 other gorilla families from the Ruhija sector, a 2-hours drive from the lodge.
Gorilla Tracking and Conservation Briefing with Gorillas Doctors or CTPH
For an in-depth understanding of the behaviour and conservation of gorillas, guests can be accompanied by a veterinary doctor from the Gorillas Doctors or by a researcher from the Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) organisation in Buhoma.
Gorillas Doctors are dedicated to conserving wild mountain and eastern lowland gorillas through life-saving veterinary medicine and a One Health approach.
CTPH is a non profit organisation, founded by Dr. Glady Kalema, which focusses on the interdependence of wildlife and human health in and around the protected areas of Uganda. They are located in Buhoma, walking distance from Bwindi Lodge.
Exclusive Gorilla Tracking (8 guests at max)
This exclusive experience allows a total group of 8 guests to track a gorilla group in the forest on their own. This enables guests to have a deeper connection with these fascinating animals, accompanied by their own guide who can give them personal briefing.
Tea Processing Tour
In 2013 the VSPT began simple tea processing in partnership with the local communities, at the Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge, which is located at the edge of the primordial Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, World Heritage Site and home to the famous Mountain Gorilla, in South West Uganda.
Tea has proven to be a very useful buffer crop when planted between forest areas with protected wildlife, and local human communities. Animals do not eat tea so feel no need to come out of the forest to “crop raid” which is the source of much human-wildlife conflict in areas around National Parks.
A tea tour is available to interested Volcanoes Safaris guests, demonstrating how tea is grown, picked and traditionally processed in Uganda. The tour also shows how ‘black’, ‘green’ and ‘white’ teas are produced and differentiated. Guests are invited to sample the fine teas at the end of the tour whilst looking out over the impressive forest.
Bwindi Bar
At the award-winning Bwindi Bar informal local tapas are served in the wonderful garden overlooking the forest. Guests can even make their own "rolex" wrap. It’s like the Harry’s Bar of Bwindi!
In 2015, the VSPT officially opened the Bwindi Bar, located near the Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The bar provides a practical training institution for local disadvantaged youths living near the Bwindi National Park in Buhoma.
Bwindi Community Hospital
Bwindi Community Hospital was established in 2003 to provide health care to the Batwa community and, due to the high demand of health services, the hospital opened its services to all people living in the area. What started as an outreach clinic under a tree is now a 112 bed hospital providing health care and educational services to a population of over 100,000 people. A simple stroll through the village will lead you to the hospital.
Birding
Uganda offers some of the world’s best bird watching, with a vast diversity of bird species. Uganda has over 1,000 bird species with 150 found only in Uganda. Each of our lodges offers the chance to see a number of different birds, with the vast majority endemic to the Region.
River Walk
At Bwindi Lodge the beautiful walk to the river takes you through the lush grounds of the lodge with the magical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on the other side of the river. Gorillas, chimps and birds can often be heard in the undergrowth. A natural pool in the river can be used for quick cool dip!
Ammenities
- No air conditioners in the rooms
- Wi-Fi and internet access available in the main lodge only (connection can be very erratic)
- Fully stocked gift shop located near the main lodge building
- Tranquil massage room to enjoy a complimentary massage
- Full board accommodation including all soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Complimentary laundry service (allow 48 hours for return of clothes in the wet season)
Getting here
- 1 hour !ight from Entebbe International airport
- 8 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda
- 6 hour drive from Virunga Lodge
- 15 minute !ight from Mount Gahinga Lodge
- 15 minute !ight from Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Seasons
- Average day temperatures: 15 - 27 celsius
- Average night temperatures: 7 - 17 celsius
- Dry season: December - February / May - August
- Wet season: March - April / September - November
Children
Children under 15 years of age are not permitted to track the gorillas. They are very welcome at the lodge, but please be advised there are no childcare facilities.
Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust
The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT), established in 2009, is a non-profit organisation that connects Volcanoes’ Rwanda and Uganda luxury lodges to the neighbouring communities and conservation activities. The VSPT receives funding through Volcanoes Safaris, which contributes $100 from safari bookings, as well as private donations by our guests and others.
The VSPT aims to create long-term, self-sustaining projects that enrich the livelihoods of local communities, promote the conservation of the great apes, restore natural habitats and work with communities and institutions to reduce human-wildlife conflict. As part of their stay at Volcanoes Lodges, guests get an opportunity to visit VSPT projects and to share the lives of the local communities.
Bwindi Bar
In August 2015, the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT) opened Bwindi Bar on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Buhoma. The bar provides a practical training institution for local disadvantaged youths, and a welcoming environment for guests to enjoy an ice-cold local beer or handcrafted latte.
Tea Processing
In 2013 the VSPT began simple tea processing in partnership with the local communities, at the Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge, which is located at the edge of the primordial Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, World Heritage Site and home to the famous Mountain Gorilla, in South West Uganda.
Tea has proven to be a very useful buffer crop when planted between forest areas with protected wildlife, and local human communities. Animals do not eat tea so feel no need to come out of the forest to “crop raid” which is the source of much human-wildlife conflict in areas around National Parks.
A tea tour is available to interested Volcanoes Safaris guests, demonstrating how tea is grown, picked and traditionally processed in Uganda. The tour also shows how ‘black’, ‘green’ and ‘white’ teas are produced and differentiated. Guests are invited to sample the fine teas at the end of the tour whilst looking out over the impressive forest.
Pack for a Purpose
Virunga Lodge is a proud member of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and take supplies for the projects we support in need, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families. Please click here to see what supplies are needed for our project/projects at Bwindi Lodge.
For more information about Bwindi Lodge click HERE
To view videos of Bwindi Lodge click HERE.