8 Best Luxury Bwindi Lodges And Camps

Find out the best luxury Bwindi Lodges and camps. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the crown in jewel of Uganda safaris. Not only is it home to half of the worldÔÇÖs population of endangered mountain gorillas, but also offers the best forest birding in Africa.

With a wide array of lodges and camps spread throughout the region, there is no need to compromise on comfort while exploring one of the oldest jungles on African continent.

Listed below are our recommendations for best luxury Bwindi Lodges. Contact us for more details of what’s where, and what’s likely to suit your need!

1. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

From USD $ 540

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp combines the feel of an exclusive safari camp with a gorgeous rainforest setting in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This camp is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Uganda.

The camp is owned and operated by Sanctuary Retreats, a name synonymous with fabulous locations and luxurious accommodation.

It is perfect for travellers who like the idea of basing themselves within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking, rather than outside the parkÔÇÖs borders.

Location

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is located in Buhoma Sector within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The property is surrounded by trees and has an adventurous feel!

The trees host a variety of unique forest birds of Uganda including the dazzling great blue turaco and plenty of monkeys pass through on a daily basis.

Also, gorillas are known to wander across the campÔÇÖs lawn!

Facilities

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest CampÔÇÖs communal buildings are set in well-kept grounds and constructed from timber, stone, and thatch.

TheyÔÇÖre open sided, so guests can enjoy the forestÔÇÖs superb views.

The largest structure features a comfortable lounge with several wood-framed cushioned seating around coffee tables. This area connects both the smart dining room, featuring wildlife prints on the walls, and the well-stocked bar!

The camp also has mini-spa that offers massages, facials, and maniÔÇôpedis.

There is a gift shop with various local artefacts as well as essential items.

On the grounds, there is a fire-pit area and private dining spaces. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp also offers complimentary Wi-Fi in all communal areas!

Guest Accommodation

Gorilla Forest Camp has 8 large and stylish standing tents. The tents are spaced around the grounds. They are also connected to the communal buildings along neat stone paths.

All tents are made out of timber, stone, and thatch, with a veranda at the front boasting forest views. Inside each tent, there are two queen-size beds, bedside tables and lighting.

The tents also feature a pleasant lounge area.

And they have en-suite facilities including flush toilet, washbasin, shower, and a bathtub with views straight into the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable Forest canopy!

Also, a hairdryer is provided. And every tent is served by a personal attendant, who will happily bring you drinks to enjoy on your veranda or run you a bath.

Please note that all tents may be converted to triple rooms.

Child Policy

• Children aged 6 years and over are welcome at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.
• Children aged 15 years and younger pay the child rate when sharing with 2 full paying adults – please enquire for more details.
• In all other circumstances children pay the applicable adult fare.
• Children aged 15 and younger are required to share with their parents.
• The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years

2. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

From USD $ 805

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is owned and operated by Wild Places.

The lodge is situated in Nkuringo Sector and is an excellent option for keen mountain gorilla trekkers and other exciting activities. It has a wonderful location on a hilltop, on the south-western side of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Please note: gorilla trekking tours from Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge are some of the most physically demanding in the whole of Bwindi.

Location

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the highest lodge in Uganda.

The lodge is perched at an altitude of around 2,100 meters/6,889 feet on a forested ridge close to Nkuringo Gate of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

The lodge is located just a short distance from where the gorilla-trekking trail begins.

Facilities

Underneath tall ceilings with large exposed wooden beams, there are lounges with comfy sofas and coffee tables, a stylish dining room with separate tables, and a well-stocked bar.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge also offers a dining terrace. The terrace is perfect for tucking into a scrumptious meal while marvelling at the lovely scenery!

The lodge also has a spa, for those in need of a little pampering time.

Guest Accommodation

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge features 10 cozy cottages, including two for families.

The cottages are constructed from local volcanic stone. They all boast views of the Virunga volcanoes themselves and the gorgeous forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The family option is effectively a double cottage, featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 en-suite bathrooms. Both options have comfortable beds and bedding. They also feature a large lounge area that contains armchairs and a handwoven carpet.

There is also a cozy fireplace and very well appointed en-suite facilities including flush toilet, walk-in shower and twin washbasins.

The walls of each cottage are adorned by artworks of UgandaÔÇÖs most highly acclaimed artists.

Finally, each cottage has a lovely private veranda, where you can relax in between activities here.

Child Policy

• Children below 5 years stay at the lodge free of charge
• If one adult is sharing a room with 1 or more children, the adult pays the single rate and each child pays the child rate
• If 2 or more children are sharing one room, one child will pay the adult sharing rate and the other child will pay the child rate

3. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

From $460

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge won the 2022 World Travel Award as the Leading Safari Lodge in Uganda. So, its reputation speaks for itself!

Please note that gorilla treks from Nkuringo are some of the most physically demanding in the whole of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You should be prepared for a physical adventure.

Location

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is located at the southern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Nkuringo is situated high up in the hills at 2,161 metres above sea level. It can get chilly at this height, but there are lovely fireplaces dotted around the property to keep you warm.

And with altitude also come breath-taking views out over Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Volcanoes.

Facilities

The walls of the lodgeÔÇÖs main buildings feature interesting local artwork that hangs on the walls. And there are plenty of artifacts to admire.

The restaurant and bar area contains variously sized tables flanked by wooden chairs. Some chairs are positioned to give amazing views across verdant Bwindi Forest.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge has a coffee shop too if you need a pick-me-up between activities. There are also beautiful, tranquil gardens and a spa – perfect for relaxation after long treks!

Guest Accommodation

Nkuringo has 5 standard garden cottages, 6 deluxe garden cottages, 3 villas, and 4 forest suites. The villa option is fabulous for families or groups.

The 2-bedroom villas are separate. But it is possible to interconnect them if you prefer.

ItÔÇÖs also possible to add an extra bed to each room, making a maximum of six people per villa.

Highlights of the Nkuringo villa include a seating area with cozy fireplace and a spacious veranda with outstanding forest views.

Each garden cottage room has a veranda too, with views of the Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

All rooms have comfortable beds, snug rugs, and well-appointed en-suite facilities including flush toilet, washbasin, and shower.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge uses solar energy and harvested rainwater and is proud to operate as a carbon-neutral lodge.

Child Policy

• Children below 4 years of age are accommodated free of charge.
• Children aged 15 and over will be charged at adult rates.
• Babysitting services are available at the lodge at no extra cost.

4. Buhoma Lodge

From $US 310

Buhoma Lodge is perfectly placed for visitors to go gorilla trekking and enjoy lots of other activities. And the property offers very comfy accommodation and communal spaces too!

The accommodation includes a family chalet, but there is an age restriction on tracking gorillas. Buhoma Lodge is one of just two properties situated inside Bwindi National Park!

Facilities

BuhomaÔÇÖs communal areas are found in a two-storey sustainable timber, stone, and thatch structure, which merges seamlessly with the surrounding forest.

The lounge contains sofas and stools around coffee tables, in addition to a cozy fireplace, with the bar set up along the back wall.

The bar provides free Wi-Fi and recharging facilities! Adjoining the lounge/bar is the dining space, which provides tables of various sizes and sturdy wooden chairs. Most of the furniture in the communal lodge is made of wood, so you really feel part of the forest!

And as the lodge is open sided, you can enjoy amazing views over the park while you relax, have a drink, and enjoy a delicious meal. There is also a spa treatment room, where all overnight lodge guests receive a complimentary massage!

Guest Accommodation

Buhoma Lodge has 10 chalets, also constructed using sustainable materials.

Nine are standard chalets, designed to sleep two adults but with sufficient space for an extra bed to fit a child aged under 5 years.

The remaining chalet is provided for a family or for honeymooners. Both options benefit from eco-friendly solar lighting, insect-proof window screens, and a safe.

The beds are very comfy and en-suite facilities comprise flush toilet and spacious washbasin, with walk-in hot-water rain shower and/or bathtub.

As per the communal lodge, there are a lot of wood furnishings!

And at the front of each chalet there is a lovely veranda, where you can take time in between activities to marvel at the gorgeous forest scenery.

Child Policy

• Special discounted rates are available for children between ages 5-12 years
• Children under 5 years, sharing with adults, are free of charge.

5. Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge

From $665

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge is situated just outside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Buhoma Area. It is situated only 500m from the start of the gorilla trail!

The lodge is owned and operated by Volcanoes Safaris, a leading luxury lodge company in both Uganda and Rwanda. Accommodation here suits most types of travellers.

Facilities

The lodgeÔÇÖs communal spaces occupy a timber, stone, and thatch building.

The lounge contains plenty of comfortable seating around coffee tables, as well as a cozy fireplace where guests can gather in the evening to talk about their gorilla adventures!

The dining area is elegantly furnished and adjoins the homely bar.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge, although not entirely reliable!

Outside, there is a terrace that makes a fantastic viewing deck. A gift shop and a massage room are located a short stroll away within the grounds.

Take a slightly longer walk, into the nearest village, and you reach Bwindi Bar.

Run by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, this bar offers opportunities for local young people to train in hospitality.

It provides a wide selection of food and drink, and is well worth a visit!

Guest Accommodation

Bwindi Lodge has 10 bandas; all constructed using the same materials as the communal building. Each is named after a Bwindi gorilla!

Every Banda is charmingly furnished, with a double bed or twin beds, bedside lighting (240v), a lounge area, and en-suite facilities comprising flush toilet, twin washbasins, and solar-heated shower providing hot and cold running water.

At the front, there is a spacious balcony set with a small table and a couple of chairs.

Here, you can take time in the morning or between activities to relax with a drink and admire beautiful views of Bwindi. You might spot some of the areaÔÇÖs colourful birdlife, a monkey, or even a gorilla, staring straight back at you!

Child Policy

• Children of 16 years and under staying in the same room as their parents pay US $100 per child per night.
• Children under 5 years stay for free.

6. Mahogany Springs Lodge

From $290

Mahogany Springs Lodge has the feel of a classic safari lodge, with one of the finest locations of all the properties in the Bwindi area.

The lodge offers a peaceful base from which to enjoy gorilla trekking.

Facilities

The communal building at Mahogany Springs Lodge is a classic timber, stone, and thatch structure, containing an open-plan lounge, restaurant, and bar.

The lounge area contains plenty of comfortable seating around coffee tables, as well as a super-cozy double-sided fireplace.

In the restaurant, separate tables are flanked by smart upright chairs and pleasantly decorated with local fabrics and flowers.

The bar is well stocked, and all areas flow out on to a terrace for al fresco dining and marvelling at the spectacular scenery!

There is also a shop where you can buy craft items, clothing, and souvenirs.

And the gorgeous gardens include a fire-pit area, perfect for morning and evening gatherings when guests enjoy drinks and share stories of the dayÔÇÖs activities!

Guest Accommodation

Mahogany Springs has three categories ÔÇô Superior Suite, Honeymoon Suite, and Family Suite (also known as Presidential Suite!).

All suites benefit from mosquito nets, power sockets, a dressing table or desk, well-appointed en-suite facilities, and a private terrace.

The Superior Suite option can be a twin, a double, or a triple. All suites are spacious, and a highlight is the open terracotta shower!

The Honeymoon Suite is similar in style to the Superior Suite, but newlyweds enjoy use of a bigger bed and a bathtub as well as the shower.

And the Family or Presidential Suite is large enough to sleep a maximum of 4 people, boasting 2 bedrooms, 2 en-suite bathrooms, a separate lounge area, and a terrace with breathtaking river and forest views.

7. Mutanda Lake Resort

From $195 

Mutanda Lake Resort is located on a peninsula of the spectacular Lake Mutanda, between the town of Kisoro and the national parks of Mgahinga and Bwindi.

This comfortable property boasts amazing views over the lake as far as the Virunga Mountains and is perfectly located for gorilla trekkingas well as having a great mix of other activities, including the golden monkeys.

Location:

Mutanda is nestled among trees on a spur of land overlooking a pristine lake of the same name; itÔÇÖs a breathtakingly beautiful location! ItÔÇÖs within striking distance of gorillas at Nkuringo, Rushaga and Mgahinga.

Facilities

Mutanda Lake ResortÔÇÖs restaurant and bar have a homely ambience, with lovely views across the water.

There is also a deck where you can get even closer to the scenery – 3 pontoons lead out into the water, complete with sun loungers, so you can jump straight off these decks into the (slightly chilly) water!

They also have a rather special ÔÇ£dining boatÔÇØ thatÔÇÖs perfect for meals out on the lake, or even just sundowners.

Guest Accommodation

The resort has 18 guest cottages with superb views.

These are positioned on wooden platforms, offering panoramic views from their private verandas. There is good flexibility with room configurations: single, double, twin, triple, or family rooms all possible.

The beds are very comfortable and additional features include bedside tables and lighting, ample storage space, mosquito nets, and en-suite bathroom.

The d├®cor throughout the lodge incorporates African artifacts, such as sculptures and hand-made coloured bowls.

8. Engagi Lodge

Situated in Buhoma Sector, Engagi Lodge is set in a beautiful location, between the park headquarters and the Munyaga River.

The lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a location that is both fabulous and convenient for starting out to track the gorillas!

Guests at Engagi are accompanied on gorilla treks by very knowledgeable guides, who ensure you have a memorable time in the forests of Bwindi.

Location:

Engagi Lodge is situated on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, just over 1 kilometre from the starting point for gorilla treks! This is a beautiful location, between the park headquarters and the Munyaga river.

Facilities

Engagi LodgeÔÇÖs communal building is constructed from timber and thatch, as well as carefully laid local stone.  In fact, all of these materials have been sourced locally, so the lodge blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Inside the lodge, there is a pleasant lounge/bar, with sumptuous seating, elegant little coffee tables, a line of padded stools along the bar area, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The dining room adjoins this space and has smartly presented tables and flows out on to a dining deck. Here, you can relax and marvel at views of the forest!

Guest Accommodation

Engagi Lodge has 8 en-suite cottages with amazing forest views. The cottages are dotted around the grounds. A private veranda entices guests to gaze out over the canopy!

The interior of each cottage is spacious and comfortable, featuring a double bed or twin beds, bedside tables and lighting, a writing desk and chair. And en-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, washbasin, and walk-in shower.

The cottages have been built using the same materials as the communal building ÔÇô eucalyptus trees, rocks found in the area, and banana-fibre thatch. Wood-burning boilers provide hot running water. Electricity comes from solar power.

Stay in luxury lodges on these Uganda Gorilla Safaris

The safari packages below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch with us, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.