Accommodation in Bwindi National Park, Bwindi forest national park is a large protected area divided into four tracking sectors Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga to the south of the park, and each tracking sector has its own allocated habituated gorilla families for tracking.
The habituated gorilla families to track differ depending on the part of the park where you will be tracking. Mountain Gorillas can be tracked in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga national park; the Gorilla permit you buy depends on the tracking sector and hence determined the accommodation facility to reserve.
However, one aspect to make your Gorilla safari in Uganda a success and a memorable one is to reserve the right accommodation according to the tracking sector of your choice and note the accommodation should be a close tracking area to avoid early morning inconvenience to drive to the park. It is very important to secure accommodation, at the same time when you book for a gorilla permit especially during the peak season.
After purchasing a Gorilla permit, you will know the area of the park where you will go gorilla trekking in Uganda; you can therefore choose accommodation ranging between budget, mid-range, luxury, or upmarket accommodation for your gorilla safari.Buhoma is the most preferred region as there are many luxury lodges and camps selection as well as a few budget and mid-range facilities, some the accommodation facilities in Buhoma include;
Volcano Bwindi Lodge
It is a luxury facility sitting at 1475 meters above sea level overlooking the Bwindi forest national park, the lodge is complete with glass-fronted bands and fitted bathrooms with hot showers cold running water. The bandas are characterized by a private balcony with scenic views. Other features are Wi-Fi and internet access available in the main lodge with a well-stocked gift shop and Tranquil massage room as a complementary to every guest who wishes for the treat. The lodge has a Full broad meal plan including all soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Buhoma Lodge
Buhoma lodge offers luxurious comfort while on a gorilla trekking safari, the lodge features 10 spacious chalets each with a private veranda and outdoor furniture where to relax from after along a day. Buhoma lodge has a well-stocked bar and an open lounge offering guests both soft and hard drinks.
Some of the other unique features include;
Four-course meals prepared by the Experienced staff
Free Wi-Fi internet
Complimentary Massage offer to overnight stay guests
Private telephone service for the guests just in case room service is needed.
Souvenir shop with handmade crafts sourced from the neighboring communities.
Mahogany Springs
It is a luxurious up-market lodge in Buhoma offering the most relaxing stay after a long day of travel. The lodging facility offers spectacular views to the visitor from sunset until sunrise, on a good day mountain gorillas, are seen roaming around the facility. The lodge is characterized by the main lounge with WIFI, changing rooms, and ensuite bathrooms. Mahogany springs feature double and single rooms, family cottages, twin, presidential suite, and a honeymoon suite at very affordable rates.
Kitandara Tented Camp is a mid-range accommodation facility comprised of twenty furnished tents inclusive of double beds and twin. Every tent is well suited with a bathroom, hot and cold running water. The tented camp offers a chance to views other spectacular wildlife roaming around the facility such as monkeys, birds, and sometimes the Gorillas themselves. The staff at the camp is friendly and welcoming offering tasty food from all the international cuisines and locally prepared dishes. The advantage of staying at lake kitandara tented camp is because its is located 5 minutes away from the park headquarters.
Silverback Lodge
The latest addition is in Buhoma, a 5 minutes’ walk away facility from the park headquarters overlooking the misty Bwindi forest national park. The main area of Silverback Lodge is the reception area which is also used as a bar. The facility rooms are set along the main area with paranomic views out to the forest.
Activities at the lodge include gorilla trekking, bird watching, nature walk, community visits among others. Other accommodation facilities in Buhoma among others include Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Engagi lodge, sanctuary gorilla forest camp, Havens lodge, and many others.
Accommodation in Bwindi National Park in Ruhija tracking sector: Ruhija is known for gorillas’ families such as Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguriro among others, therefore if of the gorilla families is your choice to trek, it’s a must to book the accommodation facility close to or within Ruhija, these include;
Gorilla mist camp is located at an aerial view southwest of Bwindi forest national park with classic accommodation, clean water, and environment. The facility has well-furnished cottages with a fully stocked bar and fast reliable WIFI internet connection in the restaurant area. The lodge has ample space safe and avid for camping. It also has well-trained warm and friendly staff offering quality services. Activities to enjoy while at the lodge other than gorilla trekking are bird watching, community visits and nature walks.
Bakiga lodge
Is an established eco-friendly lodge with a real African touch and amazing views of the Bwindi forest national park. The lodge has a rustic comfortable room and delish international and local cuisines on the menu. The Lodge offers 10 spacious cabins, all self-contained with ensuite bathrooms and private balconies with spectacular views of the forest. Because Ruhija is very cold, at night they provide warm bottles in the bed to give warmth as well as a hot water bath in the showers. Other amenities include WIFI internet and a fully stocked bar. Bakiga Lodge also organizes community visits, bird watching hiking and nature walks alongside gorilla trekking. Other lodges in Ruhija include Gift of nature lodge, Trekkers Tavern cottages, Ruhija safari lodge, Ruhija Rest camp among many others.
Ichumbi lodge
Ichumbi is situated 10 minutes walk to the park quarters, the lodge caters to individual travelers, families, and groups. These spacious cottages are large with ensuite bathrooms providing families and groups privacy and comfort while on their gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
The lodge has stunning views of Bwindi forest national park, where you are able to spot birds, monkeys while on the balcony. The staff is well trained and friendly to give you a comfortable stay at the facility. Ichumbi lodge has a well-stocked bar for soft and hard drinks, relax and dine in the restaurant as you enjoy the spectacular views of the misty Bwindi.
Rushaga Gorilla camp
The lodge is 15 minutes away from the ranger post for gorilla tracking. Rushaga gorilla camp is situated on top of the hill overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the lodge is characterized by the well-stocked bar, craft shop rustic wooden furniture, and a swimming pool. There is also a campfire every evening in the main building. The lodge accommodates every traveler from budget to luxury travelers. The cabins and tents are well suited and self-contained with clean and hot run water. The lodge offers full board meal plan with several dishes to choose from. Safari activities to enjoy while at Rushaga gorilla camp are gorilla trekking and habituation experience, bird watching, cycling to Rubuguri, nature walks among others.
Other accommodation facilities in Rushaga are Gorilla valley lodge, Chameleon Hill lodge, Nshongi gorilla camp while in Nkuringo you could opt for Clouds lodge, Gorilla Heights lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge among others.
In conclusion, Bwindi forest national park has well-established accommodation facilities to cater for all ranging from budget, mid-range, and luxury suits.