Gorilla CloseUp Lodge
Gorilla closeUp Lodge is strategically situated in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where visitors can easily go trek the great mountain gorillas from Rushaga and Nkuringo gate. More so, the lodge was built on a 40-acre piece of land that shares the boundary with the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which is the inhabitant for mountain gorillas, and tourists who stay at this lodge can go for gorilla trekking to the nearby gorilla regions in the park, especially the Nkuringo gorilla groups. Most visitors visit the lodge in search of eucalyptus tree backs, fans, and many more indigenous shrubs that gorilla-like feed on.
The lodge is ecologically built in a peaceful environment with nature using local materials and it is owned by a local Ugandan named Seith Byarugaba whose grandfather was born in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Later on, had to leave his family to the boundary of the forest home to the biodiversity of animals, especially the unique mountain gorillas. More then, the lodge was built by the local communities while using local materials to be in harmony with beautiful nature. It is well-developed accommodation because it is also managed by experienced local community staff members which are reformed park poachers.
Gorilla closes up lodge is comprised of 6 excellent and comfortable different types of cottages including; the Diana Fossey cottage, George Schaller cottage, Silverback Luxury cottage, Jungle Luxury Family Cottage, Royal Luxury Cottage, and Royal Crafted cottage, and each room with a perfect design and setup and affordable rate. The lodge offers a spacious restaurant with professional chefs who serve English breakfast, 3-course meals, packed lunches, complimentary tea and organic coffee in rooms, free Wi-Fi internet, and free room services.
All the rooms and cottages were built and fully designed differently with different prices and views. All rooms are rewarded with an interrupted view of the famous Bwindi Impenetrable forest park. They are described according to their size and views, having the capacity to accommodate up to 70 people.
They also offer a special price to tour operators, a family tour, a special discount for long stays, researchers, and volunteers as well as 0ffering 10% discount for advance payments.
The Gorilla close-up lodge also offers airport pickups and drop off to Kigali and Entebbe on request.
The lodge offers health and safety to the guests to ensure their life of them through special guidance on hygiene and cleaning.
They provide training for the staff members by briefing them about the nature and severity of dangerous viruses to ensure their safety of themselves plus the guests.
They offer laundry services to the guests in houses to ensure efficient disinfecting of bedding.
They offer vehicles and shuttles to ease guest transfers
The lodge offers food and dining services well prepared and served cleanly and safely.
They have a check-in procedure through having their temperature taken and sanitizing of hands.
They accept payment by card payment for free
They hire vehicles for self-drive activities and the types of vehicles owned include; 4×4 Toyota land cruisers, Toyota Rav,4×4 air-conditioned Vans with the following accessories; comfortable seats, private chefs, camping solar lanterns, fridge, gas cookers, 4x4wheel drive for rough roads and good roads among others.
Activities offered at Gorilla CloseUp lodge –Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
They include Batwa cultural experience, a private romantic dinner, a Batwa hunting experience, a Visit Batwa Community homestead visit, and Birding among others.
Visit the Batwa Community of Nyabaremura; From the lodge, you can go visit the Batwa where you will have a chance to meet up with central Africa’s most ancient ethnic group. This is a community of Batwa who left the forest and had to be relocated into an area of about 13 hectares and today they too learn about the sustainable lifestyle of these gentle giants.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the most done activity at the lodge which can be conducted in the Nkuringo gorilla group one of the four gorilla sectors in Bwindi National Park where gorilla trekking takes place. The Nkuringo sector is home to habituated gorilla groups of Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza, and Busingye. The activity starts in the morning with a briefing and can take from 30 minutes walk to 9 hours walk depending on their movements. Once you allocate them one hour is given to you to observe them as they play, feed, hunt, and nest as well as the photo shoot.
Gorilla CloseUp lodge can be reached from Kampala or Entebbe within 9 to 10 hours. Alternatively, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi Airstrip by a domestic Aerolink Uganda which takes 1:30 hours to land.