What's so special about Bwindi Lodge?

What's so special about Bwindi Lodge?

• It's the closest lodge to the start of the gorilla tracking in Buhoma 
• Significant recent refurbishment 
• Spectacular location
• Africa’s number one destination for birdwatching, according to the African Bird Club
• Committed to the community / great apes conservation 
• A fantastic base for hiking
• Consistently excellent reviews on TripAdvisor

It's the closest lodge to the start of the gorilla tracking in Buhoma Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to almost half of the world's mountain gorillas (approximately 400 individuals according to the census of 2012). A visit to Bwindi gives the best chance of seeing these critically endangered great apes. Three groups, or families, of habituated gorillas can be tracked by tourists from near Buhoma (location of Bwindi Lodge). These are; Mubare, Habiyanja, Rushegura. More habituated gorilla families can be found in other areas of the park. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read on to find out why. Significant recent refurbishment “Originally opened in 1999 as a basic tented camp, Bwindi Lodge today is the most luxurious and stylish lodge in the northern part of Bwindi, near Buhoma. Guests find the spectacular setting overlooking the forest, warm service, quiet elegance and extensive trails delightful”. Praveen Moman, Founder of Volcanoes Safaris. 

Volcanoes Safaris has recently created two new deluxe bandas at Bwindi Lodge. Two of the lodge’s eight bandas have been extended, redesigned and refurbished to offer an unparalleled experience for honeymoon couples and families alike. The generously proportioned 52 square-metre private living space comprises a luxury bedroom, ensuite bathroom and sitting room, complete with cosy fireplace for cool nights in the rainforest. The window seating area has been extended to guarantee maximum enjoyment of the lodge’s most striking feature: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. PHOTOS – latest interior shots The organic design of the deluxe bandas reflects the local building style, carefully crafted by skilled artisans. Neutral colours reflect the surrounding natural environment. Locally sourced materials minimise the lodge’s environmental footprint. These are complemented by vibrant kitenge materials that combine contemporary design with an African twist. High quality, locally-inspired accessories are sourced from Good Glass and Banana Boat in Kampala. Each of the eight bandas is named after a famous Bwindi gorilla: if you want to stay in one of the new deluxe bandas, just ask for Kahara (meaning ‘little girl’) or Mama Bwindi (named after a well-known lady inhabitant of the village). Visitors new and old will love the new deluxe bandas, just one element of the Bwindi Lodge refurbishment. Bwindi Lodge’s famous veranda has been extended to give even more space in which to admire the primeval forest. As much as visitors travel to Bwindi Lodge to trek the gorillas and go hiking or birdwatching, quiet contemplation of the forest is a must. The air is clean and pure, filled with nothing but birdsong. It is a heavenly spot to watch birds - and the occasional primate! - or relax with a drink and a book. PHOTOS X 2 MAN AND WOMAN on veranda, MAN WITH DRINKS   Spectacular location Volcanoes’ Bwindi Lodge offers a truly unique jungle safari experience. While many gorilla trekking lodges have lovely settings, only Bwindi Lodge has such a spectacular location. When guests arrive at the lodge, the veranda extension affords a sweeping view across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest’s majestic ancient hardwood trees and giant ferns. Every banda has a balcony directly overlooking the forest. PHOTO – gorillas in gardens The land around the lodge acts as a buffer zone between the expanding village of Nkwenda and the forest, reducing human-wildlife conflict and crop-raiding by the gorillas on local farms. It is a favourite haunt of the Rushegura gorilla group and they often visit the lodge! PHOTO – river Unique to Bwindi Lodge, the trails through the lodge’s grounds allow you to savour the tranquillity of the forest, its wildlife and the stream flowing through it. There is even a small waterhole in the river where you can take a refreshing dip! A walk through the grounds and the tea gardens is magical. Gorillas, birds and other primates can be heard, and often seen, in the forest. Biologically, Bwindi is one of Africa’s richest rainforests, owing to its great age (over 25,000 years) and an altitude range that spans 1,400 metres. Bwindi is home to 310 butterfly, 51 reptile and 88 moth species, and a further 120 species of mammals, including 9 more primate species such as chimpanzees, olive baboons, black & white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, blue, redtailed and L'Hoest monkeys.   Africa’s number one destination for birdwatching, according to the African Bird Club PHOTOS – birds Hiring an expert local bird guide in and around Bwindi is highly recommended, and can be arranged by the lodge. The African Bird Club has named Bwindi Africa’s number one birding destination! “No fewer than 23 of Uganda's 24 Albertine Rift endemic species are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, including globally threatened species such as African Green Broadbill and Shelley's Crimsonwing.” Bwindi is a prime destination for birdwatching and boasts an amazing 350 bird species. Forest flora numbers over 1,000 flowering plant species and approximately 200 tree species (more than 50% of Uganda's tree species).   Committed to the community and Great Apes conservation  How does gorilla tourism support the community? Everyone visiting Bwindi is welcome to sample Bwindi Bar, a cool local hangout on the Main Street of Buhoma village. Here you can enjoy a freshly made ‘Rolex’ a popular Ugandan wrap, a steaming hot cappuccino or a cold beer. Bwindi Bar was opened in 2015 by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT). All profits from Bwindi Bar are reinvested in hospitality training and work experience for local disadvantaged youths. PHOTOS – Bwindi Bar. Front, location, staff, food   Why did we choose to plant tea? In 2013 the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT) began simple tea processing in partnership with the local communities, at Bwindi Lodge. The tea crop is well-suited to the high hilly terrain of Bwindi and is a good buffer crop (unpalatable to animals). PHOTOS – tea being picked, packet On the Tea Processing Tour, the community demonstrate how tea is grown, picked and traditionally processed in Uganda. The tour also shows how ‘black’, ‘green’ and ‘white’ teas are produced and differentiated. Guests are invited to sample the fine teas at the end of the tour. You can even buy some Bwindi tea to take back home. The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT) is a non-profit organization that undertakes specific community and conservation activities in and around Volcanoes Safaris Lodges in Uganda and Rwanda. The work of the VSPT fits with Volcanoes Safaris’ vision for great ape ecotourism, which primarily aims to link conservation and local communities to support the survival of the great apes, primarily gorillas and chimpanzees. Volcanoes Safaris contribute $100 from the cost of every safari to the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust.   Who are the Batwa? The reclassification of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in 1993 had a huge impact on the Batwa pygmies, who were evicted from the forest and are no longer permitted to enter the park or access its resources. Cultivation in this area is intense, and the area has one of the most dense settlements in Uganda (more than 300 people per km²). The Batwa Cultural Experience is an opportunity for this marginalised tribe to share their knowledge and traditional lifestyle with visitors. Watch demonstrations of how the Batwa used to live in the forest, how they used medicinal plants and hunted. You can also try your hand at archery or dancing! This project helps to keep their culture alive and provides a modest income from tourism.  How does the Volcanoes Safaris Eco-Lodge Vision work? We believe ecotourism is essential to the survival of the Great Apes but needs to be carefully controlled. We also understand that local people need to earn a livelihood if they are to appreciate the importance of protecting both our closest primate relatives and their habitats. Volcanoes Safaris believes that ecotourism in remote areas needs to respect the culture of local communities, their modest economic means and the fragility of the environment. Providing western standards of comfort needs to be balanced with the pressure local people face in obtaining food and clean water. We ensure that we harvest as much rainwater as possible, and that water consumption is reduced, waste disposal controlled, and solar power used wherever possible.     A fantastic base for hiking and walking Day long hikes through the forest, river trials and gentle nature walks through the village make Bwindi Lodge a perfect base for all manner of rambles, according to your fitness level and interests. The 2-3 hour Waterfall Walk traces the river up into the rainforest, passing beneath tree ferns and orchids to visit a series of three waterfalls. You may want to go prepared for a swim! Other trails take you to points where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Bwindi Forest, views across the Western Rift Valley floor, the Congo's Parc National de Virunga and even the Rwenzori Mountains. All walks are guided. On the Buhoma Village Walk, stroll takes through a typical Ugandan village and visit a local women’s handicraft center, tea plantations, a banana beer brewing demonstration, a local school and a brewing site for Waragi (local gin). You will also get the chance to visit a traditional healer and watch a dance performance from the Batwa pygmies. The village walk also passes through Bwindi Community Hospital.     Consistently excellent reviews on TripAdvisor Bwindi Lodge proudly displays the TripAdvisor 2015 Certificate of Excellence. A recent review is entitled “Atmospheric Lodge” “There is great attention to detail here from open fire in the lounge area in the evenings, coffee/tea with wake-up call to hot water-bottles placed in the beds at turndown. Gaiters and walking-sticks and an excellent packed lunch were provided for the Gorilla trek (all very much needed!) … Very good food and pleasant complimentary house wine (other drinks too). Laundry (complimentary) was done beautifully. We were the only guests for both nights and felt so welcome and looked after for our entire stay. Jocelyn, the manageress, is a very gracious lady who does a wonderful job and was lovely to chat to. She helps to create a lovely atmosphere in the lodge. Said looked after us very attentively in the restaurant and Bruno and Fred guarded us through the night. The many other staff, all so friendly and courteous, contributed to making our stay very special.”   The 4-Day Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest tour starts from $2,930 per person sharing, in low season. It includes three nights at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge and one gorilla permit. Bwindi Lodge is easily accessible for guests flying into Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) and is just a one-hour flight on an 11 seater chartered flight with Aerolink. More information on Volcanoes Safaris lodges, safari packages, itineraries and pricing can be found at www.volcanoessafaris.com Our sales team can be contacted at salesug@volcanoessafaris.com or +256 772 741 720.