Bwindi Back Packers Lodge
Experience the heart of Uganda’s wilderness. Our lodge offers comfortable accommodation, exciting activities, and stunning views of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Back Packers Lodge
Bwindi Backpackers lodge is a one spot Gorilla feeding paradise located on the edge of Southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National park (GPS coordinates: LATITUDE S1°-6’-10” S1.10279, LONGTUDE E29°391’1” E29.650405, ALTITUDE 2015.9m above sea level.. The lodge is sometimes visited by Nkuringo Gorilla group and other primates with over 250 species of birds & Three horned chameleons “Come and see Gorillas feeding in their natural habitat in Bwindi Forest“
Bwindi Backpackers lodge helps all its clients by booking and reserving the gorilla tracking permits at no extra fees. Our lodge is near Nkuringo ,Rushaga and Mgahinga Gorilla park gates and you can pay by card and also helps in solo and group travelers on the cheapest ways of traveling around Ugandan national parks,Rwanda,Kenya and Tanzania.
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Services
At Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, we offer a wide range of services to ensure a comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable stay. From diverse accommodation options to unique dining experiences and convenient transportation, we cater to all your needs.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of comfortable lodging options at Bwindi Backpackers Lodge. Choose from self-camping, dormitories, mobile tents, twin/double rooms, single rooms, and cottages, each offering essential amenities to suit different preferences and budgets.
Exciting Tours and Activities
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking relaxation, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge provides unforgettable adventures for all.From the thrilling experience of Mountain Gorilla tracking , our lodge offers a diverse range of activities to suit every adventurer.
Transportation Services
Travel with ease using our lodge shuttle service and complimentary transport offers for guests staying on a full board basis. Airport transfers and customized safaris are also available, ensuring convenient and hassle-free travel.
Special Discount Offers
At Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, we offer exclusive discounts to enhance your stay and provide great value:
- 10% Advance Payment Discount: On accommodation when booked in advance.
- Free Transport: Two-way transport for 4-night full board stays; one-way for 3-night full board or groups of 4 staying 2 nights.
- 5% Discount : On accommodation for all foreign
residents in East Africa(Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya,Tanzania, Burundi, Congo & South sudan, Volunteers,
East African citizens and International students. - Group Discounts: Special rates for groups of 4 or more.
- Tour Operators: 10% discount commission.
- NGOs, Workshops, Honeymooners: Tailored discounts.
- 10% Off Internal Flights: When traveling with Aerolink Uganda.
Activities
Horned Chameleon Tracking
This is a three horned Jackson’s chameleon tracking experience. This type of chameleon lives at an altitude starting from 1600 metres above the sea level. The tracking is normally done near our lodge between 1800 meters above the sea level to 2022 meters above the sea level where our lodge is located. This is a rare specie the chameleons and its endangered and is found around the Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park
Mountain Gorilla tracking
The main attraction in Bwindi National Park is Mountain Gorilla tracking and Gorilla Habituation experience . it’s a maximum of 8 people allowed to track gorillas in a group per day. Mountain gorilla tracking permit costs $800 each gorilla permit for a foreign none resident, $700 for a foreign resident, $500 for rest of Africa citizens and 300,000 uganda shillings for east African Citizens. You will be allowed to be face to face with gorillas
Hiking Top of Heaven Hill
From the lodge you hike on top of a hill normally called top of heaven because it is the highest point where scenery from here is very rewarding. It is on a high altitude that on a clear weather you see the whole of volcano ranges (Mt.Muhabura,Mt Mgahinga.Mt Sabyinyo, Mt Nyiragongo,Mt.Karisimbi and Mt Nyamuragira),Kabale,Rwanda and Western rift Valley and Democratic republic of Congo.
Batwa/pygmie Forest Experience
You walk from the lodge to the Nyamugali impenetrable Forest overlooking Bwindi National park and this is where you will have a chance to interact with Central Africa’s most ancient ethnic Group that will welcome you in their traditional attire,dance and lead you to explore their previous life experience in the forest. The Batwa are the most fascinating of Ethnic groups
Batwa Hunting Experience
Batwa used to enjoy wild game meat from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest but when it was azette in 1942 as a protected area and as a national park in 1992 and it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO because of 3 great apes staying together in harmony. With these developments in the forest Batwa were evicted from the forest including not allowing them to do hunting any more inside the park.
Romantic Bush Lunch/Dinner
This is set up for you in a variety of locations. Enjoy some of our finest wines and a gourmet dinner while our trained butlers ensure you enjoy an evening to remember Cost is free of charge for all on full board basis (pre-booking is appreciated) while those not on full board the cost will depend on what they want prepared for them.
Amenities
Health & Beauty
At Bwindi Packers Lodge, our health and beauty services may help you rejuvenate both your body and mind. Enjoy a range of therapies aimed at reviving and relaxing you.
Swimming Pool
With our gorgeous pool at Bwindi Packers Lodge, you may unwind to the fullest. Our pool provides a tranquil haven where you may relax and regenerate, tucked away within the verdant surroundings of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Professional Meetings and Events
Modern conference spaces are available at Bwindi Packers Lodge to meet all of your business requirements. Our conference facility has all the necessary tools to guarantee a smooth event, whether you're organizing a corporate meeting, seminar, or team-building adventure.
Restaurant and Dining
Enjoy fine eating at Bwindi Packers Lodge, where our restaurant serves a wide selection of dishes made with the finest ingredients available in the area.
Child Care Services
At Bwindi Packers Lodge, you can relax knowing your kids are in capable care. Your children will be in a fun and safe atmosphere with our child care services.
Fitness Center
While enjoying your vacation at Bwindi Packers Lodge, continue with your workout regimen. Everything you require for an effective workout is available in our fully furnished fitness center.
Book Your Adventure Today!
Explore our range of accommodations and services designed to provide you with a memorable and comfortable stay. Whether you’re here for gorilla tracking, nature walks, or cultural tours, we have something for everyone.
Client Reviews
TP932022-01-01Great place to stay near Nkuringo We stayed at Bwindi Backpackers for one night prior to tracking Gorillas in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Upon our arrival we were immediately greeted by Patience who was exceedingly helpful throughout our stay. There were all the trappings of good hospitality, on our arrival we were given cold fruit juice and Patience informed us that our room had been upgraded. The room we were given was palatial in size with wonderful views over the valley and of the forest rising up, almost vertically, on the other side. We had hot water in the room (which worked perfectly though as had been explained to us, we had to wait for a few minutes for the shower to run hot). The food prepared by Moses was delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner as well as the breakfast and packed lunch which were ready for us bright and early before we set off for our Gorilla tracking. Overall, we would highly recommend Bwindi Backpackers as a place to stay prior to or after a gorilla trek and thought that it provided an excellent service at a reasonable price (prices in Bwindi seem to be universally inflated beyond any other location in Uganda). It is also worth noting that Bwindi Backpackers and Gorilla Closeup Lodge are in fact the same place - Bwindi Backpackers is rebranding as Gorilla Closeup Lodge albeit that process appears to be quite slow.magschu912020-09-01Warning! Do not book with Seith! Seith Byarugaba is a thief. After reading so many good reviews, we decided to buy our Gorilla permits from Seith. He was always helpful and quick to respond to all of our questions. Then Covid-19 hit, and we were unable to travel. Over the course of several months, we tried to contact Seith to find a solution that would work for all of us. We did not want him to lose this income during these uncertain times, but obviously we did not want to lose $1400 either. We asked him if he was willing to put it down towards a future booking with him - we even suggested he could just put part of it down! We had originally planned to book another safari and other treks with him; he would have made even more money with us once we'd be able to travel again. Unfortunately, there was no response. We will try to contact the local police, but do not have high hopes. All we can do is warn future travelers that Seith is a scammer who will take your money and run if he gets the chance.Vedran B2020-03-13Best budget option in Bwindi I really liked my stay in this lodge as I liked a lot whatever Silverback gorilla organized for me. It is a well located place, with a lovely quiet atmosphere and a big variety of tasty food. You cant miss with this and how nice they are nothing describes better than how they have given me private room for the price of a dorm, as there was a lot of free space at the time.moi2_20122020-03-03Good, Bad, and the Ugly This is Africa and one needs to judge and rate things accordingly. The good The staff is fantastic and this is the only place I could find online that sells gorilla permits at cost. It is also possibly the cheapest lodge near the south entrance to Bwindi. Breakfast is almost reasonable for the price. The Bad Prices are about double for comparable lodgings in towns “nearby” such as Kabale. Power and poor “dial up” quality internet are only available 2.5 hours at night and about the same in the morning. Closer to an African style hostel than a lodge. Food is very expensive by African standards and my dinner was mediocre at best. I heard lunch is worse. Communication by email was horrible. I never could get clear answers. Once I got the correct WhatsAp number it was quite good, EXCEPT the day of arrival when he couldn’t be reached for hours. Mosquito net had holes. As a suggestion. If gorilla trekking Only stay 1 day. Yes this is very doable, even if told otherwise. For other tours, stay in Kabale or elsewhere.rhiannonmorgan942020-02-28Backpackers Lodge & Gorilla Trek Overall a very good stay at the lodge, they organised my permit for me and the transport to the gorilla trek starting point. I stayed on full board, the food was delicious! My only improvement would be bigger portions because of the amount of physical activity we are doing there. The staff at the lodge couldnt be more helpful, they even cleaned my boots after the gorilla trek! Please note - the generator as well as wifi is only switched on at night and early morning.Ulrich2020-02-24Alles Top, Organisation der Gorilla-Permitts, Zimmer, Freundlichkeit des Personals und Engagement des Managers Die Besuche bei den Gorillas, der Spaziergang bei den Chamäleons aber insbesondere die freundlichen und warmherzigen Menschen bleiben uns in Erinnerung. Die Organisation war top, Permitts wurden im Voraus per E-Mail bestellt und bezahlt, ebenso die Übernachtung, der Transport vor Ort ( zwischen Unterkunft und Startpunkt der Gorilla-Wanderung geht es kaum ohne Auto ) etc. Wir konnten auch eine mehrstündige Wanderung in einer Vierergruppe zu einer noch nicht in das reguläre Besuchsprogramm eingegliederten Gorilla Gruppe buchen "gorilla habituation experience".. Ein tolles Erlebnis! Aber auch alleine das Sitzen auf der Terrasse oder im großen Speisesaal mit Blick über das Tal, bei Sonnenschein oder bei aufsteigendem Nebel war wunderbar. Wie überall ist es, du bekommst was du bezahlt. Wir ( mein sohn und ich ) hatten Double Rooms self contained; alles top sauber, das Personal bemühte sich uns jeden Wunsch (Besuch bei der Ziegelsteinherstllung auf einem Feld gegenüber z.B) zu erfüllen und der Manager kümmerte sich sehr uns bei unserer weiteren Reise nach Lake bunyonyi und Queen Elisabeth NP zu unterstützen. (Wir haben dann vor Ort da noch etwas gebucht). Wenn man dann noch hört, dass 1/3 der Gewinne der lokalen Gemeinde zu fließen sollen, bin ich rundum zufrieden.Miska K2019-12-29lovely views and friendly staff we stayed at the lodge for 2 nights in December 19. we had a booking for a double room wih shared bathroom (80$ I think), but as we were almost the only guests at the time, they immediately upgraded our room to the cottage for free. that was a very nice touch! the cottage we stayed in had a problem wih hot water, the first evening we managed to shower in barely warm and the second night we had to ask for a bucket and a cup. otherwise the mosquito net was too small for the bed so it was useless as it didn t close and we caught some insects on us during the night. the room was reasonably clean, we got towels, the bed was very comfortable and new covers thick enough for the night s cold - there s no heating. the food was ok but nothing special, always on time - I m referring to the neg. review I read here..it was 10$ for lunch or dinner I think there is a magnificent view on the rainforest from the reception/bar terrace. the staff was very helpful and friendly.Bidule052019-11-23Isabelle (France) I spent one night in the Lodge. The location of the lodge is average, being situated at about 4 km of Bwindi forest park headquarters from where the gorillas trekkings begin. At arrival, the manager was absent, and we had to wait for about 30 minutes before knowing which cottage we had! ( the cittage had been booked 6 months before!) The cottages are cold (we had no soaps, no towels and had to ask for that) and we did not have hot water. We had to take showers with cold water.., Regarding the dinner, we had been told that it would begin at 7 pm. Finally, we had to wait for more than one hour for dinner! For breakfast, we had to wait once again! The organization of the staff has to be greatly improved, and thus I do NOT recommend to stay in this Lodge in NKuringoJack2019-10-24Horrific miscommunications with no apologies offered The owner unfortunately spoiled what was otherwise an ok experience at Bwindi backpackers. We had a lengthy email chain where I had some questions, he was very responsive and helpful for the most part and told me that he could arrange for us to be picked up and dropped off in Kabale. Now I must admit he never said it was free but he also never mentioned that it would cost me so I assumed it was part of the package. The lodge then proceeded to charge us 100 US Dollars for the transfers which blew our budget out of the water. We would never have stayed there if we knew that was the case. When I complained instead of being reasonable and perhaps apologising or offering us something the boss started yelling at me and threatened to cancel our gorilla permits, essentially blackmailing me into paying the money. It left me feeling sick. He insisted he sent me a brochure with the prices included (not true) and called me stupid for thinking it would be free. I felt for his poor wife who was serving us in person who apologised profusely. Also the rest of the staff and our driver who we could no longer afford to tip. I hope they are aware their boss essentially took their tips from them. Honestly if i wasn't screamed at and blackmailed I would have forgiven the miscommunication, this is Uganda these things happen. But rudeness and poor treatment I cannot tolerate. Another point, we had a confirmation email saying we had paid in advance for accommodation. I did not know that his systems were down. So you can imagine my shock when they demanded cash from us in advance when we arrived in Kabale for our transfer for accomodation. They insisted there was an atm in town we can use, but atm transfer fees are very high, so i paid with what little cash we had (we didnt want to travel with much as we took night buses to kabale) leaving us to be very stringent the rest of the time. And furthermore they had not reserved our room, we wound up in a better room for no extra charge but still, very unprofessional again. These two instances then brought in to focus the rest of the short comings of the place, I appreciate that it is a backpackers and a budget option but it really does not offer any of the things it says it does. 1) says free wifi, but it is only offered for 10 minutes at night time in the dining area - which is frustrating given that there is no mobile service to organise other things to do especially because 2) the cost of the activities they offer are ridiculously expensive 3) There is no detailed map of the area and the staff insist you need a guide to go anywhere. WHAT A JOKE!! In the end we jumped on a boda and had a brilliant tour of the place including the lake 4)There is hot water in the shower for about 30 seconds only 5) Our mosquito net did not properly fit our bed so we woke up riddled with bites. This was all such a shame because the rest of the staff were kind and attentive and helpful. and the view from the balcony is magnificent. I just think they have a boss that treats customers and probably them as well very poorly.East Africa Amazon Guest House2019-08-12Perfect Lodge with Super Hospitality There's no hesitation to thank the managing Director and the entire staff. Your doing a great work .Thank you! The view here is perfect,food yummy,staff Hospitable and professional. Gorillas easily seen in the windows of your room especially Dianfossey upper room. If your out there looking for a place to stay closely to Bwindi impenetrable National park, here it is!!