What to pack for gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Fully Furnished Apartments for Short and Longer Stays in Kampala
Mahogany Springs Lodge is located in the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, it is just 5-10 minute walk or 2 minute drive of the gorilla trekking starting point of Buhoma Gate. Mahogany Springs Lodge is found in exotic gardens overlooking the Munyanga River, this is the perfect place to relax and discover the beauty of the plants and birds that make Bwindi such a remarkable place.
Facilities and services
- The comfortable chalets have been individually designed and carefully built using locally sourced materials wherever possible, without compromising levels of comfort.
- Each of your own private verandas allows wonderful views and vistas of the forest canopy of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
- Inside the spacious chalets you will find large, comfortable beds and everything you need to make yourself at home.
- The well-appointed and roomy en-suite bathroom with flush toilet contains a rain shower with a copious supply of hot water and equipped with locally produced natural ranges of complementary bathroom amenities.
- Some chalets also offer a bath-tub for relaxation and enjoyment after the day’s activities.
- Each Chalet is fitted with insect proof window screens, eco-friendly solar lighting, and a secure safe. Our family / honeymoon chalet, in addition to all of the above, also features a separate lounge room with open fire place.
Restaurant and Bar;
- The open-air lounge and bar area offer uninterrupted views, and whether the eerie mists of the forest envelope you, or your views are crisp and bright, Buhoma offers its own special magic.
- After a hard day tracking gorillas, relax around the open fireside, or enjoy a few drinks at the bar. The four-course meals are freshly prepared from local produce, ensuring you take away warm homely memories of your time with us.
- Hot beverages are available throughout the day on a self-service basis, but, are delivered to your chalet with early morning wake up calls as required, allowing you to awake gently and savor the early morning sounds of the forest.
Other Services include;
- The spa treatment room is available to all overnight lodge guests whom are entitled to a complimentary massage by our trained in-house masseuse.
- A complimentary laundry and hiking-boot cleaning service, all invaluable after a day of gorilla trekking is also available.
Things to do while you stay at Mahogany Springs Lodge in Bwindi
Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Buhoma sector was the first sector to be habituated in 1993 just after the park was declared a UNESCO Heritage. Buhoma is the most famous and most visited part of the park, with the oldest Gorilla family Mubare and three other families of Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe Gorilla families. The main activity in this sector is gorilla trekking which is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, however, there are other various Things to do in Buhoma after gorilla trekking and these include;
Batwa Cultural Experience
On Batwa cultural experience tour you will be guided by one of the Batwa guides giving you an opportunity to learn about the traditional forest life of the Batwa in Bwindi Forest which is historically the home of the Batwa, you will also enjoy the traditional dances of the Batwa and Stone Age including making traditional fire among others.
Taking part in Gorilla Health and Research
This is done at Gorilla Conservation Camp which managed by Conservation through Public Health. This trains Bwindi forest park staff and community volunteers as Human-Gorilla conflict resolution teams in gorilla health monitoring. This has helped boost the gorilla conservation programs in Bwindi hence providing a safer habitat of the mountain gorillas. There is also an opportunity to dine with gorilla doctors where you will have an opportunity to learn about their work towards saving the only remaining mountain gorillas in the wild.
Visiting Ride 4 a Woman for cultural experiences
While you stay at Ride 4 a Woman you can learn how to cook the traditional dishes of the Bakiga tribe and enjoy the local fruits with the community on the open deck of the dining hall, among the misty hills of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You will have a chance to take part in preparing a local meal which you will as well enjoy as your lunch or dinner.
Nature walk
The Nature walk is done in Bwindi forest it is a very exciting activity to do apart from gorilla habituation which gives you an opportunity to learn more about tree species as well other wildlife species in the forest. In Nkuringo you will visit the River Ivi-Nkuringo trail where you will also have a sight of the falls plummeting 33 meters.
Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park Ishasha and Mweya
Mahogany Springs Lodge Buhoma sector is located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with this your stay here during your gorilla trek you are able to visit both sections of Mweya and Ishasha for wildlife viewing and game safari.
Birding
Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park is one the best birding spots in Uganda home to an impressive 350 species. Birding takes place along the main trail, the Buhoma Waterfall Trail and along the bamboo zone. We recommend you carry your birding book in case you have limited safari time and you will identify some birds that visit the gardens of your Lodge.
Local community visits through local villages which provide insights into the lives of the Bakiga and Batwa pygmy people living beside the Bwindi Forest. Other activities include yoga at the Lodge, Mountain bicycle ride, volunteering which is done in the local community schools and projects and Butterfly watching which is done at night among others. Contact us here for booking the above activities that you can do after your gorilla trek in Buhoma
How to get Mahogany Springs Lodge in Buhoma Bwindi
By Air: You can get to the Buhoma by air which is faster and less tiresome. Aero link is a domestic airline offering both schedule and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip from where you connect to Buhoma. There is no direct flight to Buhoma but you can be dropped off to Kihihi where you will be picked up by our professional guide and dropped at your lodge. The drive time from Kihihi to a nearby lodge is approximately 1 hour. Passengers are always required to check in 90minutes before the scheduled departure time on you flight. It is also important to note that aero links baggage is 15kilograms per person and an excess is charged at 3usd per kilo. There also private charters available for client’s that have different timing requirements and different routings too. You might also want to travel with your kids which are free for an infant below 2years old. Children above 12years are carried at 70% of the adults fare.
By Road: Buhoma can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which is approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Buhoma. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours drive.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Buhoma
Buhoma located in Bwindi impenetrable forest is open for trekking all year round but it is also important to note that the forest is a tropical rain forest and can receive rain at any time. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.
Why book you stay at Mahogany Springs Lodge Through Eco Adventure Safaris
Eco Adventure Safaris is a local tour operator in Uganda, we take pride in customizing tailor-made Uganda gorilla safaris. It has a very diligent and trustworthy team. Your queries are answered by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences. There some Mountain Gorilla Safari Package tours to Mahogany Springs Lodge and these include; the 2-day Gorilla Fly in safari, the 3 day Gorilla Fly in safari, 4 Day Gorilla fly in safari, it all depends on your preference.