Safari Lodge Facts
Park: Bwindi Forest National Park
Accommodation type: Stone & tile bandas
Number of Rooms: 8
Charging facilities: In public area
Power type: Solar in bandas & public areas
Type of toilets: Low Flushing eco-toilet
Type of shower: Ensuite, regular
Gorilla Facts
Park: Bwindi Forest National Park
Number of Gorillas Families: 9
Number of Permits per day: 72
Average tracking time: 3-8 hours
Time Spent with Gorillas: 1 hour
Cost of extra Gorilla Permits: $500
Bwindi Lodge overlooks the primeval Bwindi forest, home to gorillas, monkeys, chimpanzees and birds. If you are lucky the gorillas will come and welcome you at the finest property in Bwindi!
The lodge has recently been completely refurbished and now offers unequalled comfort and style. Eight bandas overlook the forest canopy, each with a private terrace from which guests can watch birds and monkeys in the tree tops. Each ensuite stone bathroom consists of double sinks, hot running showers, low flushing toilets and the same unique, stylish décor.
The main lodge building also maximises on the beautiful views of the forest canopy, with both open and covered terraces providing optimum viewing platforms facing the forest. A cosy fireside bar and lounge area enables guests to enjoy a drink while swapping stories of their gorilla tracking experiences.
As part of the Lodge grounds Volcanoes have created a 50 acre buffer zone around the lodge and facing the forest.
The food, service and hospitality are first class and regularly commented on by guests. Many famous guests have stayed here, including Rahm Emmanuel, former Chief of Staff to President Obama and now Mayor of Chicago.
Go gorilla tracking, visit nearby community projects or discover the ancient traditions of the Batwa Pygmies. The walk to the river through regenerated bush we have carefully nurtured as a buffer zone is magical. It is a favourite haunt for the gorillas and they often sleep at the lodge! The lodge is an hour's flight from Entebbe, a long drive day's drive from Kampala or six hours' drive from Kigali.
Driving Directions
Kampala to Bwindi Lodge
Take the Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway (approx 280km). Drive through the main street of Mbarara for about 3km, then turn right and take the Kasese road (Bushenyi and Rubirizi districts).
Continue on to Katunguru - Ishasha junction at the park headquarters (about 10km) where you will turn left on the Murram road (Note the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge signpost is at the turn to Ishasha road). Drive 81km within the park to the Kihihi turning. From the junction in Ishasha to Kihihi town is about 10km.
From Kihihi take Kanungu road up to Kanyantorogo. Take Butogota road for about 33km then turn right (there is a Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge signpost). Drive for 17km to Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Buhoma.
This drive will take approximately 10 hours.
Kigali to Bwindi Lodge
Take the Kigali - Katuna road (95km) onto the Rwanda/Uganda border post (Katuna border). After clearing with immigration for both countries continue to Kabale town (22km).
Drive for 30km on Kabale – Kisoro road, turn right and take the Ruhinja road (there is a big signpost detailing which it is). Continue on the Ruhinja road until you get to the edge of the forest where you will find a signpost to Buhoma.
Along the way there are signposts for Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. Please follow the signposts.
This drive should take approximately 7 hours.
More driving directions can be found on our FAQs page.
