How to cross from Kigali to Bwindi for gorilla trekking
November 20, 2025Is gorilla trekking suitable for older travelers?
November 22, 2025Where to Stay in Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking
Choosing the right place to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most important steps when planning your gorilla trekking safari. Bwindi is vast, mountainous, and divided into four trekking sectors—each with its own gorilla families and collection of lodges.
Your accommodation must match the sector of your gorilla trekking permit, because traveling between sectors can take 2–4 hours on steep mountain roads.
This guide breaks down the best lodges in Bwindi by sector, budget, and travel style—perfect for anyone planning a gorilla tour in Uganda.
1. Buhoma Sector (North Bwindi)
The birthplace of gorilla trekking in Uganda
Buhoma is the oldest and most famous gorilla trekking region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Established in 1993, it offers easier trekking routes because of its lower altitude and remains the most visited sector. Its rich community culture, wide range of accommodation, and stunning forest scenery make it perfect for both first-time trekkers and returning safari lovers.
Why Choose Buhoma
Gentle trekking trails—ideal for beginners, seniors, and families
Home to the first habituated gorilla family (Mubare group)
Wide range of cultural and community experiences (Batwa tours, craft centres, village walks)
Excellent selection of lodges from luxury to budget
Beautiful rainforest canopy views
Easiest access from Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha sector)
Best Lodges in Buhoma
Luxury
Bwindi Lodge (Volcanoes Safaris)
An eco-luxury lodge with stylish bandas, superb service, and breathtaking views of the forest canopy.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Located inside the park with unmatched access to trekking points. Gorillas are known to wander into the camp!
Mid-Range
Mahogany Springs Lodge
Spacious, modern suites with river views. Great for honeymooners, families, or small groups.
Buhoma Haven Lodge
A community-owned lodge with warm hospitality, delicious meals, and panoramic forest views.
Silverback Lodge
Managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority; offers amazing elevated views over Bwindi Forest and easy access to trek start points.
Engagi Lodge
A charming eco-lodge built using local materials, featuring forest-facing cottages and a peaceful environment.
Bwindi Forest Lodge
A comfortable lodge close to the park entrance, offering cozy rooms and incredible forest views.
Budget
Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Affordable bandas and cottages—perfect for budget trekkers, backpackers, and students.
Gorilla Bluff Lodge
Budget-friendly with clean rooms, forest views, and great proximity to trekking starting points.
Bwindi View Bandas
Simple, affordable accommodation for travelers who want to stay close to the park on a tight budget.
Ride for a Woman Guest House
A community-run project supporting local women; offers clean rooms, cultural experiences, and warm hospitality.
2. Ruhija Sector (East Bwindi)
The quiet, high-altitude, and scenic bird-watching paradise
Ruhija is one of Bwindi’s most peaceful and elevated regions, known for its cool climate, mist-covered hills, and incredible views stretching across forested valleys. It is a favorite among birdwatchers and photographers thanks to its rich Albertine Rift bird species and dramatic landscapes. Treks here can be more challenging due to the altitude, but the experience is beautifully rewarding.
Why Choose Ruhija
Quiet and peaceful with fewer trekkers—perfect for travelers who enjoy solitude
One of the best sectors for birdwatching, including Albertine Rift endemics
Ideal location for travelers coming from Kampala, Lake Bunyonyi, or Kigali
Steep but incredibly scenic trekking trails
Home to some of Bwindi’s most breathtaking ridge-top viewpoints
Best Lodges in Ruhija
Luxury / High-Comfort
Bakiga Lodge
Eco-friendly and community-supported lodge perched on a ridge with wide forest views. Known for exceptional service and warm hospitality.
Chameleon Hill Lodge (Luxury Option – nearby, between Rushaga & Ruhija)
A colorful, iconic lodge overlooking Lake Mutanda. While slightly outside Ruhija, it is a popular high-comfort choice for trekkers heading to the sector.
Mid-Range
Gorilla Mist Camp
A cozy mid-range lodge set on a hillside, offering comfortable cottages and great sunset views.
Ruhija Gorilla Lodge
One of the closest lodges to the trekking starting point. Warm, quiet, and surrounded by thick forest.
Budget
Ruhija Community Rest Camp
Affordable, community-run cottages and bandas overlooking the valley. Perfect for budget travelers and backpackers.
Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort & Campsite
Budget-friendly lodging with cabins, tents, and great views. Excellent choice for social, eco-conscious travelers.
Broadbill Forest Camp
Rustic wooden cabins and tents ideal for birders and nature lovers. Known for being close to great birding spots.
3. Rushaga Sector (South Bwindi)
Home of the Exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience (4 hours with gorillas)
Rushaga is the most activity-rich sector of Bwindi, boasting the highest number of gorilla families and the only place in Uganda where you can take part in the Gorilla Habituation Experience, spending up to 4 unforgettable hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group. The region is scenic, surrounded by terraced hills, dense forests, and easy connections from Rwanda via the Cyanika Border.
Why Choose Rushaga
Largest number of gorilla families—more trekking slots available
Only sector offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience
Very convenient for travelers coming from Kigali (Rwanda)
Wide range of accommodations from luxury to budget
Stunning views of hills, lakes, and thick montane forests
Best Lodges in Rushaga
Luxury
Chameleon Hill Lodge
A colorful and iconic luxury lodge with quirky architecture and unbeatable views over Lake Mutanda. A favorite for guests seeking style and uniqueness.
Four Gorillas Lodge
A premium eco-lodge set deep in the forest, offering luxurious cottages, beautiful architecture, and top-tier hospitality.
Gorilla Safari Lodge
Spacious luxury cottages, private verandas, and beautiful forest scenery—perfect for travelers wanting comfort close to the trekking point.
Mid-Range
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
A guest-favorite for its comfort, modern rooms, and close proximity to the trekking headquarters.
Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Calm, scenic, and budget-friendly mid-range lodge with spacious cottages and warm local hospitality.
Bwindi Jungle Lodge (nearby on Lake Mulehe)
A serene lodge on the lakeside, ideal for guests who want quieter surroundings and scenic lake views before or after trekking.
Budget
Gorilla Valley Lodge
Great-value cottages set on a lush forest slope—perfect for budget travelers who still want comfort and views.
Bweza Gorilla Lodge
Affordable cottages located near the starting point for Bweza gorilla family treks—simple, clean, and close to nature.
Nshongi Camp
Rustic tents and bandas located right at the edge of the forest. Atmospheric and great for adventurous travelers.
Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Budget-friendly rooms and tents with beautiful hillside views; popular among backpackers and budget trekkers.
Gahinza Island Resort (nearby Lake Mutanda)
Low-cost lodging offering peaceful lakeside atmosphere and great sunset views; ideal for budget trekkers combining Rushaga with Lake Mutanda activities.
4. Nkuringo Sector (Southwest Bwindi)
The Most Scenic and Adventurous Gorilla Trekking Region
Nkuringo is often described as the most dramatic and visually stunning sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Perched on a high ridge with sweeping views of the Virunga Volcanoes, rolling green hills, and deep forest valleys, Nkuringo delivers one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in Uganda.
Trekking here tends to be more physically demanding due to the steep terrain, but visitors are rewarded with breathtaking scenery, intimate gorilla encounters, and some of the most beautiful eco-lodges in the region.
Why Choose Nkuringo
Unmatched scenery overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and forested valleys
Perfect for photographers, adventure seekers, and hikers
Home to some of Bwindi’s finest eco-lodges and luxury retreats
Convenient for travelers crossing from Rwanda via Cyanika Border
Excellent cultural experiences including Batwa walks, village visits, and guided nature trails
Quiet, exclusive, and ideal for travelers wanting a remote wilderness feel
Best Lodges in Nkuringo
Luxury
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
An award-winning eco-lodge featuring spacious cottages, top-tier service, gourmet meals, and stunning forest views. A favorite among luxury and eco-travelers.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
One of Uganda’s most elegant safari lodges. Stone cottages, fireplaces, private butler service, and panoramic views of the Virunga chain make it a world-class stay.
Gorilla Heights Lodge
A newer luxury lodge offering modern cottages, a heated swimming pool, incredible volcano views, and premium comfort—perfect for travelers wanting both luxury and scenery.
Mid-Range
Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Located along the tranquil shores of Lake Mulehe, this mid-range gem offers quiet surroundings, delicious meals, and comfortable cottages—perfect for relaxing after your trek.
Nkuringo Guest House
A cozy mid-range option run by the Nkuringo Lodge team. Comfortable rooms, great food, and access to the lodge’s facilities at a friendly price point.
Budget
Nkuringo Bwindi Backpackers Lodge
A budget favorite offering affordable rooms, dorms, and a campsite. Friendly staff and great views make it ideal for backpackers and young travelers.
Virunga Campsite
A simple, peaceful campsite with basic facilities—perfect for travelers seeking a true outdoors adventure near the Nkuringo trailhead.
Albertine Gorilla Campsite
Budget camping and bandas located close to the trekking start point. Rustic, quiet, and affordable for gorilla trekkers on a tight budget.
Which Sector Should You Choose?
• Buhoma – Best for First-Time Trekkers & Luxury Travelers
Buhoma is the most beginner-friendly sector, offering the easiest trekking conditions and the most developed tourism facilities. Because it was the first gorilla trekking area in Uganda, it has well-marked trails, experienced guides, and a wide range of high-quality lodges. Its lower altitude makes hiking more comfortable, and it’s ideal for travelers who want a smooth, relaxed trekking experience with plenty of accommodation options.
• Ruhija – Best for Birdwatchers, Photographers & Nature Lovers
Ruhija is a quiet, high-altitude sector known for its misty hills and incredible scenic views. It attracts travelers who prefer peaceful trekking with less crowds. The steep terrain can be challenging, but it rewards visitors with spectacular lookout points and sightings of rare Albertine Rift birds. Its cooler climate and dramatic forest valleys make it perfect for photographers seeking atmospheric and less commercialized surroundings.
• Rushaga – Best for Gorilla Habituation & Multiple Trekking Options
Rushaga stands out because it has the largest number of gorilla families, giving visitors more permit choices. It is the only sector offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you can spend up to four hours with semi-habituated gorillas. Treks here are moderately challenging but manageable for most travelers. Rushaga is also convenient for people arriving from Kigali and offers a wide range of lodges from budget to luxury.
• Nkuringo – Best for Adventurers, Fit Travelers & Scenic Photography
Nkuringo is the most physically demanding sector due to its very steep terrain, but it also offers some of the most breathtaking views in Bwindi. Positioned on a high ridge facing the Virunga Volcanoes, it delivers dramatic landscapes perfect for photographers and nature lovers. It is especially appealing to adventurous travelers, honeymooners, and those seeking a remote, wild, and unforgettable trekking experience.
Tips for Choosing the Best Lodge (More Detailed)
Before booking accommodation in Bwindi, it’s important to consider a few essential factors:
Your Gorilla Trekking Permit Sector:
Your lodge must be in—or close to—the sector where your permit is issued. Staying far away can result in long, exhausting drives or even missed treks.Your Budget and Comfort Level:
Bwindi offers everything from rustic community camps and backpacker lodges to boutique eco-lodges and five-star forest retreats. Decide whether you prefer simple comfort, mid-range luxury, or a full-service, high-end lodge with premium views and amenities.Your Fitness Level and Trekking Difficulty:
Some sectors—especially Nkuringo and Ruhija—have steep, challenging terrain. If you prefer easier trekking, Buhoma or Rushaga are better options.Travel Time From Kigali, Entebbe, or Lake Bunyonyi:
If you’re arriving from Kigali, Rushaga and Nkuringo are the most convenient. Travelers coming from Entebbe or Kampala often prefer Buhoma or Ruhija.Proximity to the Trekking Start Point:
Certain lodges sit just a few minutes from the briefing point, while others may require a 30–60 minute drive. Being close makes your morning less rushed and more enjoyable.Style of Lodge (Eco-Friendly, Boutique, Rustic, or Luxury):
Some lodges are solar-powered eco-retreats immersed in nature, while others offer modern comforts, gourmet dining, and private cottages. Choose the atmosphere that best suits your travel style.
Booking early is essential, especially for peak seasons between June–September and December–February, when gorilla permits and top lodges sell out quickly.
Final Thoughts
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers one of the most diverse and unforgettable safari experiences in East Africa, with accommodation options that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you choose the historic and comfortable atmosphere of Buhoma, the quiet high-altitude beauty of Ruhija, the activity-rich environment of Rushaga, or the dramatic landscapes of Nkuringo, you will find a lodge that perfectly fits your needs. With thoughtful planning, the right sector, and an accommodation style suited to your preferences, your gorilla trekking adventure will be as magical and memorable as the forest itself
