“Peaceful haven with stunning views! Bob is creating a piece of paradise here, so close to the gorilla viewing at Nkuringo. We are a family of 4 and had our parents join us. We were spread across three chalets, all hand built from eucalyptus wood cut down on the site, all of which had the most incredible views across the valley. The meals were very tasty and every member of staff did their best to look after us and welcome us”
Things To Do Around Orugano Lodge
Seeing gorillas will likely be the highlight of your stay at Orugano Bwindi Lodge, with a trek into the mountains – full-day, challenging, and truly life-changing – forming the heart of your adventure. Yet there’s plenty more to enjoy: gentle guided walks to explore Bwindi’s rich flora and fauna, and cultural visits to meet the Batwa, the forest’s original guardians. You can also go golden monkey tracking in nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, canoe on Lake Mutanda, hike one of the Virunga Volcanoes, and experience many other unforgettable activities.
Activities
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is an amazing and unforgettable adventure. Only eight people a day can visit each gorilla family, making it a truly special experience. The trek starts at 7:30 a.m., as the forest comes alive with sounds and mist. Skilled rangers guide you through the thick jungle, helping you find and safely meet a gentle silverback and his family. You can spend up to one magical hour watching them in their natural home. The hike can be tough, but special sedan chairs are available (at extra cost) for those who need a little help.
Activities
Nkuringo To Buhoma Walk
Uganda is best explored on foot to experience the stunning landscapes and vistas. You’ll venture completely off the beaten track through the impenetrable Bwindi Forest. Along the way, you’ll spot numerous bird species, primates, reptiles, and butterflies lurking in the forest. The hike begins in Nkuringo. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll walk approximately 10 kilometers to the north of the park, Buhoma. Due to the elevation changes, the hike takes an average of 6 to 7 hours.
Activities
Buniga Batwa Forest Trail
Not far from our lodge lies a hidden gem — the Buniga Forest Walk. This is more than just a nature trail; it’s a journey back in time, led by the Batwa, a tribe of hunter-gatherers who have lived in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for centuries. As you walk with them, they’ll share how they once relied on the forest for food, medicine, shelter, and spiritual guidance. This walk is not only fascinating but deeply meaningful — a chance to connect with the Batwa’s rich culture and support their efforts to keep it alive in the modern world.
Activities
Gorilla Habituation
Unlike a standard gorilla trek, this immersive adventure allows you to spend extended time with a gorilla family as they gradually become accustomed to human presence. You’ll witness their behaviors, interactions, and personalities unfold before your eyes, guided by expert trackers and researchers. It’s more than an encounter—it’s a contribution. By taking part, you’re helping to protect these extraordinary creatures and ensure that future generations can experience the same wonder.
Activities
Golden Monkey Tracking
If you are staying at Orugano Bwindi Lodge, we highly recommend adding a golden monkey tracking experience in the nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to your trip. Golden monkeys are among Africa’s rarest and most beautiful primates. They live only in the Virunga Mountains, a chain of tall, mostly dormant volcanoes that stretch across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These monkeys are naturally shy and used to be very hard to find.
Activities
Volcano Climbing
Guests at Orugano Bwindi Lodge enjoy easy access to the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, offering unforgettable hiking adventures and breathtaking panoramic views. The three dormant volcanoes — Mount Muhavura (4,127 m), Mount Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mount Sabinyo (3,645 m) — each present a unique and rewarding challenge for climbers of varying experience levels. Unlike the active peaks across the border in the DRC, these ancient giants rest peacefully, their forested slopes alive with rich biodiversity. Trek through lush vegetation that shelters the iconic mountain gorillas, the playful golden monkeys, and a remarkable variety of endemic bird species.
Activities
Lake Mutanda Canoeing
Lake Mutanda is one of Uganda’s hidden gems — a beautiful, peaceful lake surrounded by the towering Virunga Volcanoes. This lava-dammed lake lies at the foot of Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Gahinga, offering breathtaking views in every direction. Just a short 1½-hour drive from Orugano Bwindi Lodge, Lake Mutanda is the perfect addition to your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You can easily visit the lake either after your gorilla trek. The best way to experience Lake Mutanda is by canoe.
Activities
Nkuringo Village Walk
Step beyond the forest trails and into the heart of Nkuringo village with our guided community walks, offered exclusively to guests of Orugano Bwindi Lodge. Led by experienced local guides, these immersive journeys begin at 9:00 AM (or earlier on request), right from the lodge doorstep. As the village awakens, you’ll wander along scenic paths that wind between hillside homes overlooking the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The sound of morning birdsong mingles with cheerful greetings from local children, offering a genuine glimpse into the warmth and rhythm of village life.
Activities
Birding In Bwindi
A bird-lover’s paradise, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is aflutter with more than 350 species of birds, including some of the rarest avian species on the planet and 23 that are endemic to the region. Our local expert will guide you on a two-to-four-hour walk in search of these feathered forest-dwellers, including the vibrant and elusive African green broadbill, the African emerald cuckoo, and the brightly colored African pitta. Whether you are a seasoned twitcher or a curious beginner, this is an experience not to be missed.
Activities
Mgahinga Batwa Experience
A great excursion from Orugano Bwindi Lodge is a trip to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for the Batwa Forest Trail. The Batwa tribe are known as the ‘Keepers of the Forest’ and was removed from Mgahinga when it was established to protect the gorillas. They are one of the oldest surviving indigenous tribes in Africa and they have a truly unique relationship with the Uganda rainforest. Hunter-gatherers by tradition and were utterly dependent on the forest to survive, they had no skills or means to adapt to modern life.
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