Bwindi Lodge

Bwindi Lodge sits on the doorstep of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - close enough for the gorillas to pop by to say hello!

The lodge has eight traditional stone and thatch bandas, plus one deluxe banda, which are spacious, light and airy - and they are each named after the gorillas of Bwindi. In keeping with the wild and wonderful surroundings, there’s a real eco-feel about the rooms. They use natural wood and tiles, and have four-poster beds and private bathrooms with bush showers, with solar power to heat your water and light the bandas. There's no stinting on luxury in the heart of the wilderness, including personal butler service. 

You’re right by the trees, so you can enjoy panoramic views over the forest, and at night you can snuggle up under your blanket with a hot water bottle and listen to its sounds.

Meals (particularly dinner) are often eaten communally, so guests can share exhilarating gorilla trekking tales. Food is warming and substantial, befitting the chilly mountain nights and the exercise undertaken on your trek.

In the common areas there are fires lit for you to relax by each night, and beautiful views of the forest and the monkeys and birds in the trees from the terrace by day (which you’ll appreciate all the more once you’ve trekked on them!). You can also unwind after a busy day outdoors in the forest spa - each guest can enjoy one complimentary massage during their stay. 

Guests come to stay at Bwindi Lodge for the gorilla tracking, which almost everyone does, unsurprisingly. It usually requires between three and eight hours on the mountain, including one hour spent with the gorillas. There’s no denying it can be quite a hike, but if you see the glowing smiles of returned trekkers, and hear their rave reviews, you’ll see it’s absolutely worth it to see these gentle giants! A mountain gorilla can weigh up to 180 kilograms (400 pounds), with an arm span of about two metres (seven feet). 

If you have a longer stay in the area, explore further on other walks, including to the river below the lodge, to waterfalls, and around the nearby village. You can also take a tour around the tea plantations.