Ruhondeza Lodge is a midrange lodge offering perfect accommodation to travelers looking to gorilla tracking in the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi National Park. The lodge offers accommodation in exclusive bandas and each banda offers great view of the Bwindi Forest.
Description
This lodge is located around Buhoma village.The Lush vegetation and an emphasis on being ecologically aware it is an ideal place to spend a night or more because it’s close to the start of the gorilla trekking and Buhoma village but nestled in a quiet location where the only noise you will hear is the river and the local wildlife, it is an ideal place to rest and unwind.
With a view to die for and set next to the river, Ruhondeza Lodge & Camp Site looks directly at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; so close that sometimes you can see gorillas from the grounds on the mountainside opposite.
As well as being less than 5 minutes (by car) from gorilla trekking there are a number of other trips you can arrange through Ruhondeza Lodge & Camp Site such as visiting the Batwa (pygmy) village or a forest walk to the waterfall. Gad has years of experience in organizing these treks and knows the forest like his own back garden. Or you might choose to sit under a tree near the river to while away a few hours.
There is a café on site serving breakfast, simple lunch packed to go with if you prefer it that way and evening meals.
Toilets are all western style with water flush and there are cold water showers. And most importantly – it’s the best value in Buhoma!
The bandas have en-suite facilities and magnificent views from your bedroom and balcony. One banda has twin beds, and the other has two double beds.
Camping
The quiet peaceful campsite is with magnificent views over the mountains and towards the rain forest. Bring your own two man tent or hire one from us.
Tourist activities
Ruhondeza Lodge & Camp Site has its own nature trail from the site down to the river .You can;
1) Walk through native trees and plants in our woodland walk and emerge next to one of Uganda’s major crops – tea
(2). A short walk through the tea plants takes you to the river
(3). Sit near the waterfall and be at one with nature – you may even see the famous Mountain Gorillas on the slope on the opposite bank. Further along the river you can sometimes see animals come to graze.
3) Gorilla Trekking
This is the reason most people come to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and it is certainly an awesome experience to get close up and personal to these magnificent animals. There are three families of gorillas habituated to human visitors – Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura .Whilst you are here linger a little longer and enjoy one of the other fantastic cultural and natural wonders that the forest has to offer.
4)Community Walk
This interesting guided activity supports the local community in and around Buhoma. You will visit a local school, see how local beer is made, meet a traditional healer and be entertained by traditional dancing organized by the Batwa (pygmy) tribe. A 2.5-3 hour walk with stops along the way in the knowledge your money is helping support local people.
5) Nature Walk
Be guided in a three hour walk through the rain forest to see the 33 meter high waterfall, exotic birds and the diverse flora and fauna. Among the things you might see are primates including L’Hoest’s monkeys, duikers and beautiful flowers and butterflies.
6) Bird watching
If you are a bird lover then this is paradise. A half or whole day guided trek through the rain forest with a local expert to spot the birds native to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. There are over 358 species of birds recorded in the area including blue and black billed turacos, grey-throated barbet, Petit’s cuckoo-shrike, Elliot’s woodpecker, bar-tailed trogon, dusky and barred long tail cuckoos, blue kingfisher` – to name just a few!
7)Rushura Hill Hike
This guided hike starts in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and crosses land owned by the local community before heading up Rushura Hill, the highest in the park at 1850 meters. From the top on a clear day you can see the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lakes Edward and George and the Rwenzori Mountains as well as the conical peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes. Well worth the effort for this three hour trek.
8) Self Guided Walk
The Muyanga River Trail is a interesting beautiful three and a half hour walk following the Bizenga River to the confluence with the Muyanga River just on the park boundary.