A new luxury lodge Mahogany Springs has opened near to Bwindi Inpenetrable Forest in Uganda. Set in lovely grounds on a hill side, the Lodge offers wonderful views down over a river and into the reserve itself. each of the luxurious rooms, all with en suite, have private verandas and seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the views and wonderful birdlife.


Food is a la carte, and includes the option of private meals taken somewhere in the beautiful gardens. Afternoon tea includes freshly made cakes and pastries, ideal for the hungry walker freshly returned from Gorilla trekking in Bwindi itself.



It may be modern and luxurious, but the lodge has been built to compliment the local architecture and certainly hasn't forgotten those small touches like hot water bottles in your bed at night.



As well as the Gorilla trekking, for which permits must be obtained in advance, there are a host of walking trails around the park and its borders which can be enjoyed using mahogany springs as a base. It is also possible to take bird watching safaris, or just wander through the gardens down to the river where you can be served a drink at the tables situated on its bank.



The main building is completely open plan, with a large lounge and bar centred on a roaring log fire. A large terrace offers superb views out over the Bwindi Forest. The restaurant also offers this view, and has glass doors than can be opened up on summers nights to allow the noises of the forest in. Cuisine is a la carte and proper fine dining, while breakfast is a large buffet from breaks to Fried breakfast.



A firepit is found in the grounds to sit beside on nice evenings and enjoy the African sky.



Bwindi Inpenetrable Forest is home to many of the remaining mountain Gorillas in the world. Living in several family groups, pernits must be booked well in advance as they are strictly limited to a set number per group per day. The permits cost betweem US$ 500 and US$ 750 per person per day. The treks to see them can vary from between one hour and five hours, with one hour spent with the family group from the moment of first contact. There is no guarantee of seeing the Gorillas as they roam freely throughout Bwindi. To watch out video of Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, click here.