Mahogany Springs Lodge
distinctive Camp | Bwindi National Park, Uganda
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Mahogany Springs Lodge enjoys one of the finest locations in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Nine large thatched cottages, all suites, overlook the clear waters of the Munyanga River and face the dense jungles of the national park that’s home to half the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. The lodge combines privacy, serenity, scenery and exceptional comfort to create a gorilla and birding safari base that has few peers.
Our Expert Says
Gorilla trekking is one of adventure travel's greatest thrills, so when you return from an afternoon with these magical animals, a celebration is definitely in order. Why not enjoy a champagne toast on a terrace with spectacular views over the pristine rainforest while listening to the sounds of the Munyanga River?
– Ben Bressler
The Camp
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Number of Suites: 11
The nine suites at Mahogany Springs are spacious, standalone cottages, with large double doors and windows that bring the outdoors in. There are also two family suites connected by a shared living space, making a total of 11 rooms. Each suite has a private balcony that overlooks the verdant valley. Suites have hardwood floors, minimalist wood beds with crisp white linens, writing desks and bathrooms with terracotta mosaic-tiled showers. The Presidential Suite features two bedrooms and two bathrooms plus a large living room, ideal for families. The main building features high ceilings under thatch and wrap-around terraces that survey the panorama of river and forest. Enjoy a glass of wine at the impressive wooden bar, or relax in front of the double-sided fireplace with a book or board game from the library. Meals are memorable, with the resident chef preparing a wide range of international flavors, served by the fireplace or out on the terrace. Afternoon tea includes fresh cakes and biscuits baked by the pastry chef. Private bush breakfasts and dinners by the river are also available.
Facilities & Amenities
- En suite bathroom with shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, and soap
- Hair dryer provided on request
- 220v charging outlets in room
- In-room safe
- In-room massage (extra cost)
- Wi-Fi in main area
- Laundry included
- Drinking water, tea, coffee and house drinks included (house wine, beer and spirits)
- Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard and AmEx)
- No air conditioning or telephone
Wildlife Viewing & Activities
Mahogany Springs is an ideal base for gorilla tracking. The lodge overlooks Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, part of the Virunga volcano chain at the nexus of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. One of the most biologically diverse places on earth, the park shelters more than half the world’s surviving population of mountain gorillas. Coming face to face with these peaceful creatures is an indescribable experience. Small groups set out into the forest with trackers to find the habituated groups, which move about daily. Lodge guests may sometimes even view gorillas from the terrace, as they cross the river below. Bwindi is also habitat for 120 mammal species, 220 butterfly species and 350 species of birds—more bird species per square mile than anywhere else on earth! Mahogany Springs’ open setting by the river ensures that many rare bird species visit every day. In additional to gorilla treks and guided birding walks, guests may also visit a local Batwa pygmy tribe.
Bwindi offers some of the best mountain gorilla viewing in Africa. Other primate viewing may include colobus monkeys, chimpanzee, as well as eight other primate species. Rarer sightings may include elephant, giant forest hog and African civet. Exact sightings will depend on seasonality and wildlife movements.
| Country | Park/Reserve |
Chimpanzee
|
Mountain Gorilla
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Bwindi National Park |
| Usually viewed | Frequently viewed | Occasionally viewed | Sporadically viewed | Rarely to never viewed |
Climate
| Month | Max | Min | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 73° F | 64° F | 3.07 in |
| 22° C | 17° C | 78 mm | |
| February | 73° F | 64° F | 3.5 in |
| 22° C | 17° C | 89 mm | |
| March | 73° F | 64° F | 5.55 in |
| 22° C | 17° C | 141 mm | |
| April | 72° F | 64° F | 6.77 in |
| 22° C | 17° C | 172 mm | |
| May | 73° F | 64° F | 4.76 in |
| 22° C | 17° C | 121 mm | |
| June | 75° F | 52° F | 2.05 in |
| 23° C | 11° C | 52 mm | |
| July | 75° F | 64° F | 1.69 in |
| 23° C | 17° C | 43 mm | |
| August | 77° F | 66° F | 3.11 in |
| 25° C | 18° C | 79 mm | |
| September | 77° F | 64° F | 4.8 in |
| 25° C | 17° C | 122 mm | |
| October | 73° F | 64° F | 5.47 in |
| 22° C | 17° C | 139 mm | |
| November | 72° F | 64° F | 6.02 in |
| 22° C | 17° C | 153 mm | |
| December | 73° F | 64° F | 4.02 in |
| 22° C | 17° C | 102 mm |
Conservation
Mahogany Springs is committed to environmental conservation and demonstrates the importance of ‘giving back’ in a variety of ways. A unique tree-planting program offers lodge guests a chance to dig into the dirt, plant a seedling and thereby offset at least some of the carbon footprint from their travels. The lodge manager gives a short talk on CO2 use generated by travel, then invites guests to plant a new tree on the grounds. (Tree planting must be arranged in advance.) If guests are amenable, a photo of themselves with their newly planted tree will be placed in the tree-planting gallery on the lodge website. Mahogany Springs also sponsors an orphanage in Kampala, including its football team, providing clothing, pens, soccer balls and uniforms. Other community projects include putting in a tap for local access to clean drinking water and supporting a local hydro-power project that provides electricity to the local area and hospital.