Choose your lodge by the sector where your permit is issued, not by how good the lodge looks in a photograph. Some sectors are two to three hours apart by road, and a wrong choice means a long drive before dawn.
Rule oneSame sector as permit
ArriveDay before trek
BookPermit first, then lodge
TypesBudget to luxury
Lodges by sector
| Sector | What to expect | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Buhoma | The widest choice, from community camps to high-end lodges, in and around the village at the forest edge. | First-time visitors, combining with Queen Elizabeth |
| Ruhija | Fewer lodges, cooler and higher, with forest and bird trails on the doorstep. | Birders, quiet stays |
| Rushaga | A growing number of lodges across the hills, close to the Habituation Experience and the Rwanda border. | Flexible dates, travellers from Rwanda |
| Nkuringo | Hilltop lodges with dramatic views across the valley to the volcanoes. | Fit walkers who value scenery |
| Mgahinga | A handful of lodges near the volcano park, cooler and quieter. | Golden monkeys, volcano hikes |
Three kinds of lodge
- Budget and community camps. Simple, clean rooms or tents and local food. Several are run by community groups, so income stays in the villages.
- Midrange lodges. En-suite rooms, hot showers, a restaurant and bar, often with forest or valley views. Most travellers stay here.
- Luxury lodges. Private cottages or suites, fireplaces, fine dining and spa services, usually on ridges with wide views.
What to check before you choose
- Distance to the park office. Briefings start around 7:30, so a lodge within 30 to 60 minutes of the trailhead makes the morning easier.
- Road access. Some lodges sit on steep, unpaved roads that are slow after rain. Ask about this in the wet months.
- Power and warmth. Evenings are cold. Check for hot water, blankets or fires, and for charging facilities.
- Local employment. Lodges that hire and buy locally spread the benefit of tourism around the park.
Lodges near the park offices are limited and fill early in the dry seasons, so we hold lodging together with your permit. See how the permit works in our permit guide, and compare the sectors in the Bwindi guide.
Tell us your sector and budget
We suggest lodges that fit your permit, your budget and how you like to travel.
Ask us