Overview
Local luxury
In the rural village of Buhoma, located right on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Lodge is a wonderful luxury lodge perfectly located for gorilla treks that also feels like part of the community.
Ten thatched bandas, each beautifully handcrafted by artisans, look out across the river valley to the ancient canopy where colourful birds flit and monkeys swing.
The lodge also features a dining room, library, cosy lounge and spa, while the convivial Bwindi Bar, a community project supported by the lodge, can be found a short stroll away in town. The entrance to the park and the start of gorilla treks is also a five minute walk.
Facts
At a glance
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Ten bandas
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Personal butler service for all guests
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Restaurant, Bwindi Bar and Tea Project
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Humula Forest Spa
Experiences
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![Bwindi lodge gorilla trek]()
Gorilla trekking
There are three gorilla families that can be easily tracked from Bwindi Lodge at the Buhoma Sector of the forest, the entrance to which is a five-minute walk from the lodge, with families in the Ruhija Sector a two-hour drive away. An hour with these incredible animals is a life-changing experience.
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![Bwindi lodge gorilla hand]()
Gorilla Doctors
For an in-depth understanding of the behaviour and conservation of gorillas, you can be accompanied by a veterinary doctor from the Gorillas Doctors or by a researcher from the Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) on your trek.
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![Bwindi bar]()
Village tour
Explore the village for an insight into local life and visit projects supported by the lodge such as the Bwindi Community Hospital and award-winning Bwindi Bar for some local tapas and drinks served in the wonderful garden overlooking the forest.
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![Bwindi waterfall]()
Hikes
There are a handful of routes from the lodges, such as a walk along the river to spot birds, butterflies and plant life before a dip in a natural pool, or longer escorted walks into the park to see waterfalls in the rainforest.
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![Bwindi lodge tea tour]()
Tea tasting
See how tea is grown, picked and traditionally processed in Uganda. The tour also shows how ‘black’, ‘green’ and ‘white’ teas are produced and differentiated with tastings.
Community & Culture
The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT), established in 2009, is a non-profit organisation that connects Volcanoes’ Rwanda and Uganda luxury lodges to the neighbouring communities and conservation activities. The VSPT receives funding through Volcanoes Safaris, which contributes $100 from safari bookings, as well as private donations by our guests and others.
The VSPT aims to create long-term, self-sustaining projects that enrich the livelihoods of local communities, promote the conservation of the great apes, restore natural habitats and work with communities and institutions to reduce human-wildlife conflict. As part of their stay at Volcanoes Lodges, guests get an opportunity to visit VSPT projects and to share the lives of the local communities. At Bwindi Lodge, these include tea processing in partnership with the local communities and the wonderful Bwindi Bar which practical hospitality training for local disadvantaged youths living near the Bwindi National Park in Buhoma.
Volcanoes employ over 150 staff from the Great Lakes region – Rwanda, Uganda, DRC and Burundi – many of whose families have lived through conflict, mostly based at their lodges and ecotourism projects. Empowering local staff at all levels of management is a key aspect of Volcanoes’ philosophy. The overwhelming majority of our management staff are from the region and over 50% are women; 85% of the staff at lodges come from the neighbouring communities. Staff benefit from extensive training programs and manage guest experience from beginning to end and take pride in sharing the cultures of the Great Lakes region.
Conservation
Volcanoes Safaris have been at the forefront of reviving gorilla and chimpanzee tourism in the region since 1997, setting up some of the very first camps and lodges around the park, and today they are recognised as the leader in great ape tourism with numerous conservation awards for their work.
Footprint
The lodge is sensitive to local culture and aesthetics and was built to use resources responsibly. The environmental impact of the lodge is minimised by using solar power, harvesting rainwater and recycling water whenever possible. The lodges avoid using any unnecessary single-use plastics.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
