Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda

Buhoma Area.

Mubare Gorilla Family. This gorilla family contains 8 members and 1 silverback. This is the oldest gorilla family to be habituated in Uganda for gorilla trekking encounter in Bwindi and Uganda in general. It was first sighted in Mubare hills with its habituation commencing on 15th October in 1991 and receiving its first official visit on 13th October 1993 (2 years later). The Mubare gorilla family was led by Ruhondeza and had 12 members in the start before encountering a fierce attack from a wild gorilla that broke his leadership taking away some of its female members in March, 2012. Ruhondeza abandoned the group and settled in the adjacent community forest where he lost his life on 27th June 2012 while sleeping at about 50 years of age. Its grave can be visited while on a gorilla tracking safari in Uganda. The Mubare gorilla family then remained with only 5 members for some time until March 2013 when 4 other members joined the group. The new silverback Kanyonyi who succeeded Ruhondeza was able to expand the group to eight members including the bay gorilla Kashundwe. Because of easy connection to Queen Elizabeth National Park, its permits are heavily demanded by Uganda gorilla safari undertakers.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family. This gorilla family contains 18 members with 2 silverbacks. The Habinyanja gorilla family was habituated in 1997 and received visitors in 1999. This gorilla family derives its name from the local word Nyanja which literally means a pool of water. It demonstrates a swamp in Bwindi where the group was first sighted. The gorilla family was led by Mugurusi succeeded him. However, due to their differing characters, the two brothers could not stay together as Rwansigazi was very adventurous while Mwirima preferred dwelling in a limited range. This prompted their separation in 2002 though with no fights. The Rwansigazi group maintained Habinyanja name while the Mwirima group became Rushegura. Rwansigazi later left the throne to Makara who is currently the dominant silverback of Habinyanja gorilla family. These two gorilla families tend to meet on rare occasions in a mutual brotherhood. The female section is dominated by Kisho.

Rushegura Gorilla Family. This gorilla family contains 19 members with 1 silverback. The family came about in 2002 after the separation of Mwirima from the Habinyanja gorilla family. The Rushegura gorilla family started with 12 gorilla members and it derives its name from the local floral species called Ebishegura which are abundant in the area. The Rushegura gorilla family is very calm though with minor border crossings to DRC. It is usually within the environs of Buhoma village and sometimes wonder through the gardens of Gorilla Forest Camp enabling guests to have unexpected gorilla viewing encounter.

Ruhija Area.

Bitukura Gorilla family. This contains 14 members with 4 silverbacks that can be tracked on Uganda gorilla safari tour. The Bitukura gorilla family derives its name from the river where it was first sighted. Its habituation commenced in the month of July 2007 and it did not take long as the gorillas had a frequent encounter with UWA rangers no wonder after 15 months it was ready for tracking unlike the normal 2 years of habituation. The Bitukua gorilla group initially had 24 members but due to internal instabilities, some of the members resolved to quit the family. Bitukura has a baby born that came in the early 2013.

Oruzogo Gorilla Family. This contains 23 members with 1 silverback. The Oruzogo is considered to be among the new gorilla families that have been habituated for trekking encounter in the Impenetrable forest of Bwindi. The Oruzogo gorilla family is led by Tibirikwata and on 20th June 2011 is when this gorilla family was opened for trekking. The family has energetic and playful juveniles and toddlers which make it thrilling to encounter this gorilla family while on your gorilla trekking safari tour in Uganda.

Kyaguriro Gorilla Family. This contains 15 Members with 2 silver backs. The Kyaguriro gorilla family was called Zeus before he was banished by his rival Rukiina into the forest. This gorilla family was initially used for research but has been of recent opened for gorilla trekking encounter.

Nkuringo Area.

Nkuringo Gorilla Family. This contains 19 members with 2 silverbacks. The naming of this gorilla family is derived from the local Rukiga word Nkuringo that literally translates into a round hill meaning that it was the first place where the gorilla family was first sighted. The Nkuringo gorilla family was opened for trekking in 200 after being habituated for 2 years. The group had the tendency of encroaching on peoples’ plantations and gardens to consume crops like sweet potatoes which motivated conservationists to habituate it. The dominant silverback Nkuringo passed away in April 2008 leaving behind two silverbacks Rafiki and Safari. Safari dominated the group and twin baby gorillas i.e. Katungi and Muhoozi were born in Novembver of that very year allowing the group to recover very fast. Unfortunately, Katungi passed away at 1 ½ years as a result of sickness. Nkuringo is considered to be the one of the toughest gorilla families to trek while on your gorilla safari in Uganda though trekkers do not usual complain of being drained.

Rushaga Area.

Nshongi Gorilla family. This contains 18 members. Nshongi is considered to be the first gorilla family to be habituated with over 36 gorilla members and derived its naming from the local River Nshongi where the group was first sighted. The gorilla family was opened for tracking in September 2009 following 2 years of habituation. Unlike other gorilla families of 25 members which contain 1 or 2 silverbacks, Nshongi gorilla family has 4 silverbacks. Surprisingly, the Silverback Nshongyi is not the oldest of the others but rules the family in harmony with the other three. However, the Nshongi has had series of secession with Mishaya breaking off in July 2010 leaving it with 26 members and in 2013 Bweza also split reducing the Nshongi group to 18 members.

Mishaya Gorilla Family. This contains 7 members with 1 Silverback. Mishaya gorilla family was formed as a result of separation from Nshongi gorilla group in July 2010. Mishaya was a re-known great fighter and he used his fighting capability to conquer more females from other gorilla families increasing the family. Mishaya died in Feb 2014 and was succeeded by Mwiine who has managed to take the gorilla family forward.

Kahungye Gorilla Family. This contains 13 members including 3 silverbacks. Kahungye derives its name from a local hill called Kahungye. The dominant silverback for this gorilla family is called Rumanzi who is followed by other two old male gorillas in the names of Ruhamuka and Rwigi. This gorilla family was opened for gorilla trekking in 2011 but it later split leading to the formation of Busingye gorilla group. Before this separation, the Kahungye gorilla family had 27 members and 3 silverbacks.

Bweza Gorilla Family. This contains 7 members with 1 Silverback. Bweza gorilla family was established after splitting from Mishaya gorilla family in 2012. The management of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) anticipated that the two gorilla families would re-unite something that did not happen and eventually Bweza gorilla family was introduced for gorilla trekking encounter.

Busingye Gorilla Family. This contains 9 members with 1 silverback. The Busingye gorilla family broke off from Kahungye in June 2012. Busingye established this family and it has 9 members with two adult female and three infants while others are juveniles. Though Busingye means peace, the naming is contradictory to the character of Busingye as he likes fighting with other groups. The diversity of its members makes it thrilling to encounter while on gorilla safari in Uganda.

Batwa people.

The Batwa, or Twa people are considered to be the last groups of short people who are also referred to as pygmy people whose physical structure and the heritage behind it has made it a hot spot for Uganda safari undertakes. Before the establishment of Bwindi forest as a national Park, the Batwa people lived in the forests where they flourished in their hunter gather culture. The Batwa people are earliest inhabitants of East Africa dating back to 4,000 years long before the Bantu communities arrived in the region. Their ancestral god Nagasian gave them the responsibility of taking care of the forest.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a range of impressive flora and fauna some of which are listed as endangered worlds wide. Besides that, the forest of Bwindi was a home of the Batwa who considered themselves as the keepers of the forest. They survived by hunting small game with the help of arrows and bows, gathering of wild fruit and wild roots that are edible not forgetting honey harvesting. The Batwa built their houses in the forest using climbing plants and tree leaves. This shows that the Batwa were able to live in harmony with the forest ecosystem. However, with the gazettion of Bwindi as a national Park, the Batwa were evicted from the forest pushing them to the forest margins exposing them to the life they were not well conversant with which opened the door for their suffering. The Batwa were bailed out by the missionary doctors of the American origin in the names of Dr. Scott and Carol Kellermans in 2001 who started up some programs that would see the Batwa’s life change including; school, hospital and housing. Apparently, the Batwa Development Program is spearheading the advancement of the Batwa people and their transformation to adapt to the new environment that they round themselves in.

Birds.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides one of the ideal Afro-montane birding opportunities on the African continent. The park has 350 species of birds of which 23 are endemic to the Albertine rift with 14 identified nowhere else in Uganda. Bwindi has globally threatened bird species such as African Green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimson wing. Other bird species include; Black-billed Turaco, Handsome Francolin; African Broadbill; Black and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters; Western Green Tinker bird; Purple-breasted, Blue-headed and Regal Sunbirds; Short-tailed and Black-faced Rufous Warblers; Mountain and Yellow-streaked Greenbuls; Many-colored Bush-Shrike, Mountain-masked and Collared Apalis among others. A range of birds thrive in Ruhija with great bird counts per square. The early morning birding encounters exposes you to splendid handsome Francolin, white-tailed crested Flycatcher, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Ruwenzori batis, western Green Tinker bird, red-faced woodland Warbler, yellow-streaked Greenbuls and chestnut-throated Apalis, among others.

Bird watching
On a tour in Uganda and Bwindi in particular, birders are exposed to over 350 species of which 23 are endemic which include; Short tailed warbler, Blue headed sun bird among others. Other species include the Red headed blue bill, African blue and white tailed blue flycatchers, Common Bulbul and African Emerald cuckoo. An early morning and late evening bird walk generates a great memorable experience for a birder on Ugandan tour. Birding takes place along the main trail, the Buhoma Waterfall Trail and along the bamboo zone and Mubwindi Swamp trail in Ruhija.

Cultural Encounters
The surroundings of Bwindi have got diverse tribal groups including the Bakiga, Batwa and Bafumbira who have got interesting traditions that can be encountered while on safari in Uganda. A range of cultural trails have been designed to enable you explore these traditions.
Buhoma Community Tours / Mukono Development Association.
Buhoma community tours takes about 3 hours and it commences at a local handicraft shop which sells locally made fabrics, beeswax candles and wood carvings that are produced by local artisans. The Batwa community in Buhoma is also visited on this tour exploring their heritage including Music dance and drama, the tour also takes you to a traditional healer to explore how he uses local herbs to cure diseases and also a primary school. The local brewing process is also explored on this tour. The returns of this package support the community projects while the Batwa receive all proceeds for their performances.
Nkuringo Community Conservation and Development Foundation (NCCDF).
This is in the south of Bwindi with impressive views of Congo and Virunga volcanoes. It offers wonderful cultural and scenic encounters. The encounter will take you to the blacksmith Nicholas who still employs the Stone Age survival techniques in the modern era. You will be impressed by sheepskin bellow sounds as they spew in the air into the Charcoal fired furnace where a hit red metal is extracted and modeled into the respective tools such as machetes and knives. The home of Sicilia exposes you to a range of traditional huts that house millet grinding stone, apparatus for waragi distilling and cooking pots. Besides those, Pena who is the traditional healer uses local plants to make tea, herbal powders and ointments that cure a range of ailments.

Buniga Forest Nature Walk.
The Buniga Forest Nature Walk exposes you to rich forest encounters including impressive flora and fauna under the guidance of the local people that have inherited this knowledge for years and years. Buniga is a pocket forest of Bwindi and in a bid to control encroachment and biodiversity loss, Nkuringo Community Conservation and Development Foundation (NCCDF) designed atrial to put the forest into sustainable use. The returns are put to the benefit of the local community invigorating their interests in conservation.

Nkuringo Cultural Centre (NCC)
Nkuringo Cultural Center is designed to enable you master a skill while on Uganda gorilla safari. It offers impressive and educational workshops that range from African cooking to basket weaving, dancing and drumming. It also organizes a community walk where travellers are enabled to meet directly with locals in their daily life and explore into their life style. The encounter exposes to the life in Rubuguri village and the travellers can also participate in crafts demonstration. Visit the local primary school and marvel at the Kiga dance where by the best dancer is one who shakes the earth.

Nyundo Community Eco-Trails.
The residents of Nyundo village experienced climate change when their crops were eroded away from the hill sides, the rain patterns changed and the mist that used to cover the area disappeared. The crop productivity eventually began to reduce. The community decided to allow the natural forest to regenerate which in return enabled the rains and the mist to return. The Nyundo Community Eco Trails were set up to ensure sustainable use of this forest other than logging, agriculture and poaching which provided income while conserving the forest. The trails like King Bakyara water fall trail takes to the scenic views of the waterfall where the Kings bathe. Pay a visit to the blacksmith, a local banana beer distillery, cattle farm, banana plantation and a bee keeper. The traditional skills trail offers an opportunity to learn how to prepare millet bread, make crafts and yoghurt making.

Rubuguri Village Walk (NCC)
The Rubuguri village is positioned in the south of Bwindi and is one of the hard to reach areas. The village walk allows you to explore the life in Rubuguri passing through a swamp heading to home steads with an opportunity to meet the residents and participate in raft demonstration. The St. Peters Primary School can also be visited to encounter teachers, pupils and their impressive music dance and drama.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is a permanent luxury tented camp nestled in the mist-swathed rainforests of mountainside in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The exclusive location – the sole property within the park’s boundaries – affords Gorilla Forest Camp the status of being the ideal base for gorilla tracking, primate viewing and birding daytrips in the park. Overnight sleep is in 8 double tents, elevated on wooden stands, with inbuilt facilities and hot and cold running water, basin and unusually – a bathtub overlooking the jungle. Every tent has expansive wooden terrace where visitors can lessen, have a meal while enjoying the sight offers of the forest.

Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp

Lake Kitandara Tented Camp is the best camp for mid-market visitors to Bwindi National Park. Freshly overhauled in a traditional African style, it has exceptional tents which feature both original structures but with modern conveniences. The camp has a very pleasant and welcoming atmosphere and feels very much a home away from home thus invoking your comfort on gorilla tracking safari. The camp has a total of 20 comfortable tents which are self-contained and are named after bird species of Uganda. It has solar power electricity operating 24-hours.

Facilities:

Room Service

Bar/Lounge

Laundry Service

Restaurant

Boutique/Shops

Luggage Porters

Terrace/Veranda

Bath (all rooms)

Buhoma Lodge.

Situated within the National Park, Buhoma Lodge is a short distance from the meeting point for gorilla tracking and other activities in the area. Ten comfortable cottages have been carefully built, each with its own terrace, permitting delightful sights of the forest cover of the National Park. In expansive cottages, there are comfortable beds, en suite bathroom with flushing toilet and a hot shower and also bath tubs in some rooms. A raised lounge zone, with bar and dining, offers a comfortable atmosphere, to recap the day’s activities. Hot beverages are available throughout the day on a self-service basis, but, are delivered to client’s cottage with early morning wake up calls as required, allowing the client to awake gently and savor the early morning sounds of the forest.

Lodge facts at glance.

• 10 comfortable chalets with en-suite flush lavatories, warm baths and some rooms have bath-tubs.
• All rooms are mosquito proof realm
• Cozy dining and bar area with elevated views of the forest
• Recharging facilities.
• Internet access available
• Children and families welcome

CTPH Gorilla Conservation Camp.

CTPH Gorilla Conservation camp is one of Bwindi’s only budget options offering accommodation on the edge of the beautiful Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. CTPH Gorilla conservation camp provides countryside but comfortable accommodation for tourists, students and researchers and puts 100% of profits towards gorilla conservation. The camp was the first to be operational in the area when Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was opened for Gorilla tracking in 1993. Today the camp has four single/double tents based around a shaded dining area set amongst the trees. It is situated in the village of Buhoma in close proximity to the Batwa village and only 2km from the entrance to the national park.

Silverback Lodge.

This small and cozy lodge is perched on a top hill, overseeing the thick, gorilla-dwelling jungle of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The seven rooms were designed using indigenous supplies. The restaurant’s unique and creative menus include local and intercontinental dishes, served in relaxed environs. The Bar is perfect for sharing the day’s adventures after tracking gorillas. Alternatively, you may choose to stroll through the large gardens along the butterfly and bird trails.

Lodge Amenities

• Intercontinental restaurant and Bar
• Veranda with forest views
• Large gardens
• Seven en-suite rooms
• Hot running water
• On-site wildlife viewing

Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge.

Volcanoes Lodge at Bwindi is located just close to Buhoma Village next to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at the extreme part of western Uganda. The lodge is situated on a raised surface beyond the river, providing a faultless view of the thriving rain jungle. It’s a pivotal point for all travelers who love gorilla tracking and it’s the best place in the national park.

Accommodation & Facilities

The lodges are designed inform of thatched cottages with high class amenities. The bathrooms and toilets resemble those in the distant travel camps. The cottages have a good-looking Veranda featuring well stocked bar and an organized dining room that gives a scenic view of the Forested hillside.

Lodge Amenities.

• Restaurant and bar
• Communal fireplace
• Laundry service
• On-site wildlife viewing
• 24 hour security guard
• Baby crib available
• Circuits for recharging mobile gadgets.

Engagi lodge.

The lodge is situated in a large tract of land contiguous with the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and runs from the main Buhoma road down to the Munyaga River. The lodge consists of just 8 en-suite cottages, evenly spaced out and hidden in the foliage. Each cottage has either double or twin beds (complete with hot water bottles), a bathroom with flushing toilets, hot and cold running water. All have private verandas where guests can enjoy their early morning tea or coffee as they prepare for gorilla tracking.

Gorilla Resort.

The Gorilla Resort is such an amazing safari camp with a magnificent sight of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It’s suited at Buhoma along with Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla National Park besides the Mountain. The camp is enclosed with lavishness cottages in addition to the East Africa Safari Tents that are positioned on an eminent wooden platform providing a beautiful scenic view of the area. The wooden decks will definitely give you a perfect view of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as well as River Munyaga.

Mahogany springs camp.

Located just outside of Bwindi National Park, Mahogany Springs Lodge has stunning views over the Munyaga River Valley and provides the perfect base for gorilla tracking. Blending seamlessly with the outstandingly beautiful surroundings, the lodge was built using local materials and consists of just 8 large stone cottages, each with their own private veranda and modern simple décor. The soothing atmosphere, luxurious suites and great staff make it easy to relax here, especially if you have been out tracking the mountain gorillas. Enjoy complete serenity and privacy, and you may even get some wildlife viewing from your lodge, as the gorillas have been known to come and visit every now and then. Luxurious accommodation with a modern twist on traditional style comprised of 8 suites.

Each room here is considered a suite and has its very own private wrap around terrace with astounding views of the area. Superior Suites are very spacious and can be used as a twin, double or triple, each of the beds swathed in mosquito netting. These suites have beautifully designed en-suite bathrooms with an open terracotta shower. The Presidential Suite has two bedrooms, both en-suite, with a spacious living room and huge private terrace overlooking the river and the forest. This is for the utmost in exclusivity, privacy and space.

In the main area of the lodge you will find a glorious wrap-around terrace that offers panoramic views alongside the sounds of the river. You are free to dine here and watching the mist rise through the trees over breakfast is unbeatable. There is also a relaxing living room with a double sided fireplace, book/DVD library and board games, as well as a nice shop where you can pick up crafts, clothes or souvenirs. The restaurant is also in the main building with a well-stocked bar.

Dining.

The a la carte menus change daily, with flavors from all over the world, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. A barbecue night is held at least once a week and the chef bakes fresh cakes and biscuits daily. Mahogany Springs also offers private bush breakfasts by the river.

Bwindi Guest House

It has Monkey house and gorilla house. The main guest house, located close to Bwindi Community Hospital. It has a sitting room/library, dining area, kitchen, porch, and outdoor gazebo where one can easily see Red tailed monkeys. It is shared by hospital interns and other guests. Hot/cold running water, indoor shower, and toilet. Three bedrooms, each with two sets of bunk beds, sleep up to 4 each. All beds have mosquito nets. Meals are served in the shared dining area. Internet access is available via Wi-Fi and electricity available for most of the day.

Bwindi View Bandas

Stay here for stunning views of virgin forest whilst nestled away on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park a mere 100 meters from the National Park gate. Bwindi View Bandas is one of the countries budget traveler offers on Uganda gorilla safaris. One can expect a warm friendly welcome by attentive staff. Accommodation is provided in simple banda units. The dining room is a traveler favorite with good wholesome home cooking with a cozy lantern lit ambience at night.

Facilities and services

Self-contained rooms and Non – self-contained rooms.

• Single Banda
• Twin/Double Banda
• Triple Banda
• Camping
• All accommodation on bed only basis

Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort.

This is a State of the Art Resort located just adjacent to the Magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in South Western Uganda. The Resort has a panoramic view of the breathtaking ranges of the Impenetrable forest and the congruence to the Local Communities around the Park. The Resort is the only accommodation facility in Bwindi where you have a chance of tracking the endangered Mountain Gorillas with ease. From the Gorilla Country Resort, visitors can access Oruzogo and Habinyanja Gorilla Groups which are the most popular for gorilla tracking due to their composition and numbers. One has an opportunity to see a gentle giant in the jungles of Bwindi without having to drive kilometers. At the Resort, numerous bird calls welcome the guest and it’s undoubtedly a birders den in Bwindi Area.

Facilities

The Resort offers Plush Cottages, Luxury Tented Bandas and an accomplished Campsite for the fans of camping, a fully furnished kitchen and an Intercontinental Restaurant. The lush rooms come as Deluxe Singles, Doubles and Family Happiness. The guest is served with a breakfast of choice. All our guests are offered FREE mobile internet and a guided community walk for those who wish to do so. Their unbeaten professional services are given at competitive prices that are pocket friendly to High end, Middle end and Budget Tourists alike.

Nkuringo Area.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Location: Nkuringo, bordering Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is one of Bwindi’s most exclusive and luxurious place to stay while on your gorilla safari, with gorgeous architecture; indulgent three-course meals; roaring fires; Volcano panoramas; and attentive personal staff to ensure your stay at the Lodge is as memorable and enjoyable as your encounters with Bwindi’s mountain gorillas. Spacious villas nestled in the cloud forest have full-length windows to make the most of the spectacular scenery, and are serviced by your own personal staff member. Delicious meals include hearty breakfasts to prepare you for a day in the forest, and the well-stocked bar has enormous armchairs, cozy fires and free Wi-Fi so you can share your adventures with friends back home.

Lodge Amenities

• Restaurant and bar
• Wireless internet access
• Large lounge with fireplaces and sofas
• Massage spa
• Curio shop

Nkuringo Gorilla Camp

The Nkuringo Gorilla Camp is located at 2161m above sea level on the Nteko ridge, overlooking a beautiful swath of the world-renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The ridge provides a superb vantage across the Kashasha river valley to the breathtaking, conical peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes, and the surrounding canopy of the Bwindi Forest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas which have been habituated for gorilla tracking. Accommodation includes en-suite cottages, bandas, rooms, tents and a campsite for those who travel with their own tents. They also have a small restaurant serving locally sourced food, and self-catering facilities, so they can welcome guests of all budgets and tastes. This section of forest is home to the Nkuringo group of gorillas and the camp is ideally located to see them close up.

Lodge Amenities

• Restaurant and bar
• Travel desk
• Laundry service
• Lounge area
• Craft shop
• On-site wildlife viewing

Room Description

The camp has two beautifully hand-crafted en-suite cottages as well as budget rooms and safari tents. Paraffin lanterns provide light and the shared bathroom facility includes two bush showers and two eco toilets. Hot water is prepared for bathing on request

There are several camping terraces for those with their own camping equipment.

Available rooms:

• 2 en-suite Cottages
• 5 twin rooms with shared bathroom
• 1 twin banda with shared bathroom
• Safari tents
• Camping with own equipment

Nshongi Camp.

Nshongi Camp is just a few minutes’ walk to the Ugandan Wildlife Service hut of Rushaga, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the starting point of the Gorilla tracking. It is the ideal base from which to trek the Nshongi group of Gorillas the (the largest group of gorillas) and the Nkuringo group which is a few minutes’ drive away. The camp has just 3 traditional bandas and is the perfect place for be connected to the nature or for a romantic stay. They serve 3 meals course, and a lunch box for your tracking. Hot coffee, tea, and drinks are always available

Chameleon Hill Lodge

Situated between Mgahinga and Bwindi National parks and Kisoro, on the shores of Lake Mutanda – one will find a place full of inspiration and enjoyment called Chameleon Hill. Located on the shores of one of East Africa’s most beautiful lakes – Lake Mutanda, one will enjoy spectacular views across the lake with its islands and surrounding hills.

Facilities

• Restaurant with seating for a maximum of 20 guests. Serving International cuisine with some African touches.
• 10 Chalets in total: 5 twin bed rooms (which can be converted into a queen room) & 5 permanent queen bed rooms. All with unobstructed views across the lake.
• All Chalets are individually furnished with different colors and other essential features (e.g. mosquito nets), which will make your stay at Chameleon Hill unforgettable and unique.
• Wooden deck with picturesque views across the lake with its islands and Virunga Volcanoes in the distance
• Cozy yet modern lounge with fireplace and book exchange

Included & Excluded

• Rates are fully inclusive of all meals, afternoon tea/ coffee, levies & taxes but exclude drinks consumed in the restaurant or bar.
• The water at the lodge is being tapped at a nearby fountain. It has been tested in a laboratory in Cape Town and was labelled as “spring water”. However, we do provide free bottled water in the rooms to drink and brush teeth.
• Optional activities available.
• Shoe cleaning service included.
• Laundry service on request and optional.

Nyundo Area.

Nyundo Valley Hill Bandas. Located in Nyundo Village, 6km from the Buhoma entrance to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Experience life in this beautiful rural region of south western Uganda: sleep in a cozy, traditional banda; wake up to the mists swirling over the dark hillsides of the Impenetrable Forest; and enjoy delicious meals freshly prepared by the village women using local ingredients. The residents of Nyundo welcome you into their village, and your stay here supports local livelihoods and forest conservation

Lodge Amenities

• Private bandas in secluded gardens
• Dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Room Description

Five bandas, constructed in traditional style using natural materials, are designed to represent the traditional African family homestead. All bandas have sheets and mosquito nets. Latrines and showers are shared between the bandas. The showers have cold running water, with hot water provided on request.

Ruhija Area;

Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Being a luxurious accommodation, the lodge has carefully designed rooms to blend the natural environment which provides luxury and hospitality. Each of the eight en-suite cottages faces the Forest and allows views of the forest canopy, with breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountain ranges. Each Room is fitted with twin beds with en-suite bathroom, flush toilets, overhead shower that supplies hot and cold water, an extra blanket and a hot water bottle for those cold nights; all rooms are serviced daily by housekeeping.

Facilities:

• Four (4) superior cabins with the capacity of 8 (Eight in twin sharing).
• Four (4) deluxe cabins with the capacity of 8 (Eight in twin sharing).
• Six (6) Standard rooms with capacity of 12 (Twelve in twin sharing).
• Bar and Restaurant facility
• Winery
• Car parking space
• Laundry facility
• Hot water heaters
• We offer fine dining
• A mini library with magazines and books about the beautiful continent of Africa
• A well-stocked bar, Wine cellar, Hair dryer and a Gift Shop with the Best Unique Gift

Room amenities:

• Toilet and private shower bathrooms
• Side bed lamp stands
• Extra blankets
• Hot water bottles
• Luggage storage cabins in both the superior and deluxe cabins
• Trash cans
• A fire place for each superior cabin
• Comfortable chairs to relax on in both the superior and deluxe cabins
• Reading chair and table in the superior cabins
• Two pairs of slippers

Services:

• Daily house keeping
• 24/7 security services
• Free Wi-Fi Internet Connection
• DSTV
• Traditional entertainment
• Abundance of indoor and outdoor activities
• Credit cards are accepted

Note: Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge is working on the complement of our Sauna & Steam bath though it is still under construction.

Gorilla Friends Lodge

Ruhija Gorilla friends resort is an ideal budget accommodation during one’s gorilla safari-tour and birds’ watch in Bwindi Impenetrable National park. Staying with Ruhija Gorilla Friends will be easy for one to track Bitukura and Oruzongo Gorilla Groups, the briefing point is about 500m from the campsite (Ruhija Gate). The campsite has furnished safari tents, a restaurant and bar. The tents and restaurant overlooks the deep valleys and the gorilla forest as he/she relaxes on the balcony of the safari tent. It is located in Ruhija Village, adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and less than 1 km from the gorillas’ natural habitat.

Lodge Amenities

• Restaurant
• Tour desk
• Laundry
• Bar
• Gift shop
• Onsite wildlife viewing

Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp.

This is a small camp with 4 thatched roof cottages with balconies overlooking the valley, forest and volcanoes. Located about 5 minutes from Bwindi/ Ruhija park offices from where gorilla tracking for either of the three families Oruzogo, Bitukula, and Kyaguliro starts.

Accommodation at the Gorilla Mist Camp is provided in clean well maintained rooms. All the accommodation has electric lighting installed. There are several leveled terraces for those with their own equipment to camp. Cold beers and sodas are available with local produce used to provide visitors meals.

Facilities.

• Cocktail Bar
• Room Service
• Free WiFi
• Restaurant.
• Airport Transfer
• Meeting rooms
• Laundry
• Customer Care
• Entertainment

Trekkers Tavern cottages

Trekker’s tavern Cottages is located at the hill top in Ruhija overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park Ruhija side, one of the most famous parks and home to more than half of the world population of mountain gorillas. The lodge is very eco-friendly and has a lovely cozy atmosphere with 5 spacious cottages all with en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets.

Gift of Nature Lodge.

This is located in Kabale Ruhija Sub County- Mburameizi. The lodge has a very good and conducive atmosphere with a beautiful garden, restaurant that prepares local and exotic dishes. Rooms range from Single, Double to Twin.

Special Offers

• FREE wide-screen TV
• 1 Free soft drink
• 10% Discount for early booking
• Wedding Package

Ruhija Community Rest Camp.

Ruhija Community Rest Camp (RCRC) is a community based enterprise, initiated and managed by some community members living in the park boundary parishes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). It is adjacent to the Institute of Tropical Forests Conservation near the UWA Ruhija Bwindi park office.

Facilities

• 4 Cottages, self-contained with double beds.
• 2 Cottages twin Beds.
• 2 general Campsites for self-Camping.

Rubugiri Area.

Wagtail Eco-safari camp.

Guests will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, sociable common areas, leafy gardens and views of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – well known for gorilla tracking. Private bandas are constructed in harmony with the surrounding nature, and are comfortable and secluded. Guests on a tighter budget can stay in a single room, or at the pretty campsite. The affordable restaurant serves international or local breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Lodge Amenities; the bandas are beautifully crafted from natural materials and contain handmade wooden beds. The bandas and safari tents have electricity and private bathrooms with flush toilets and hot water.

Room Description

The single rooms have electricity and shared bathroom facilities.

Available rooms include:

• Two self-contained bandas with double beds.
• Self-contained banda with two twin rooms.
• Two self-contained tents with double beds.
• Four single rooms with shared bathrooms.
• Campsite (can provide tents if needed)

Rushaga Area.

Gorilla Safari Lodge

It is the ideal base from which to trek the Nshongi group of Gorillas, the biggest group ever habituated. The lodge offers accommodation in eight, en suite spacious luxurious units with individual verandahs allowing excellent views towards the pristine tropical rain forest. All bathrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets. The camp is composed of a main lodge which includes a Restaurant, Bar, lounge and campfire overlooking the tropical Rain Forest. Gorilla Safari Lodge comprises of 8 cottages with two of these being double-roomed family units for people traveling together. The discreetly serviced and superbly appointed cottages have a wonderful setting to relax and unwind and each room has its own en suite bathroom, with hot and cold water, as well as solar lights and a cozy fireplace. The lodge is owner managed where the focus is on quality service, good food and comfort.