Bwindi Lodge | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest One Of Uganda’s Best Safari Lodges

As we arrive at Bwindi Lodge, the mist is lifting from the trees, and we feel the fatigue of the journey lifting from our limbs in the same way. There’s both stillness – a calm sense of belonging – and also perpetual movement. The forest is never still: streamers of cloud wave in the breeze, leaves rustle, and water rushes all around us. The forest begins on the threshold of this safari lodge – indeed, we learn that gorilla sometimes emerge from the trees to relax in the bush around the guest bandas! Although many of the trees around the lodge tower over the buildings, there’s a light, airy feel to this place that we both immediately find refreshing. We notice that our eyes are constantly drawn upwards, as the dense forest ascends the slopes to the cloud-wrapped haunts of the mountain gorilla. We really couldn’t be closer to the starting point of our next adventure. The gorilla are at home here, and so now are we.

Our banda is artfully constructed from plaster and timber, so that it doesn’t at all seem out of place. The entire front wall – facing into the forest – is made of glass, giving us unimpeded views into the shadowy coolness beyond. Walking here from the main area, we’ve already passed the newly opened Humula Forest Spa, where I know I’ll be relaxing after each excursion into the forest. For now, though, there is much in the room to keep us occupied. My partner is already gazing out through the floor-to-ceiling windows, leaving me to discover the many little luxuries. I also learn – from our personal butler, who appears as if by magic to enquire if we might be hungry or thirsty at all – that our banda is named after a specific Bwindi gorilla. The call of a bird reminds me where I am, and I join my partner in peering beyond the green veil to see what other mysteries might be revealed. After just a few moments, I know I’m going to be extremely happy here: comfort is always high on my agenda, and so too is pristine wilderness.

What sets this Uganda safari lodge apart is the very fact that it isn’t set apart – in other words, it couldn’t be closer to the fringes of the forest where we’ll be spending our time trekking mountain gorilla. To be ensconced in luxury so close to an untouched wildlife habitat is a wonderful juxtaposition – and yet it’s one we very soon make our peace with. Being able to walk to the park headquarters (from where each gorilla trek begins) helps us feel more grounded, and means that we won’t need to get in a vehicle again for the whole time that we’re here. We’re becoming accustomed to the warmth of Ugandan hospitality, but here at Bwindi Lodge, it’s clearly taken to another level. We have the luxury of the forest and all our creature comforts in the same place.

• Bwindi Lodge has eight thatched, glass-fronted bandas (two with fireplaces) facing into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an immersive sylvan experience, and a comfortable, rustic-styled main area with Wi-Fi signal and open fireplaces. There’s also the Humula Forest Spa.
• One 30-minute complimentary massage per guest per stay, private dining and activity options (other than mountain gorilla trekking, which is organised on a permit basis), personal butler service and flexible schedules (other than gorilla trekking).
• Mountain-gorilla trekking, birding, tea tours and tasting, Bwindi Bar, spa treatments (additional cost) and school, orphanage and community hospital visits.
• Children of all ages are welcome, but those under 15 years not permitted to track the gorillas.

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.