Bakiga Lodge — Hotel in Rubanda

Bakiga Lodge: Where Hospitality Meets Breathtaking Views

We recently had the pleasure of staying at Bakiga Lodge and it was a fantastic experience. Right from the moment we arrived, the hospitality of the representatives, such as Gina and Julius, was impressive. The breathtaking views and the philosophy of Bakiga Lodge were also noteworthy.

We stayed for two nights during March, which is a rather low season, as part of our booked safari. Apart from us, only a handful of other guests were staying during this time. The lodge is built into the mountain, with different parts on several levels, providing an amazing view of the valley. Additionally, it's very close to the entry point for gorilla trekking, making it an ideal location.

Bakiga Lodge is a community project that is very close to the local people. They place a lot of emphasis on sustainability, using solar energy, fire, and rainwater to maintain their property. However, this means that the lodges themselves don't have electricity for charging devices around the clock. The hot water for showers is heated with fire, which comes with an unusual smoky smell that we found cozy. Speaking of showers, our room had a ceiling-to-floor bathroom window with a view of the valley, which made showering an impressive activity.

Our room was clean, cozy, and spacious with a beautiful balcony. The bed was a bit short for my partner (1,84m) and just a fit for me (1,68m). Besides that, it was cozy and soft. Gina and her team provided us with drinkable water regularly, as the tap water in the bathroom is not suitable for brushing teeth. They also provided us with soap and two clean shower towels. I would have loved a second and smaller towel for my hair, but I was too distracted to ask for it at the time. However, I'm sure it wouldn't have been a problem.

During our stay, it got very cold at night, but Gina and her team provided us with hot water bottles upon request. The food at Bakiga Lodge is locally sourced and super delicious with generous portions. Every day, we had three options for soup, a main course, and dessert, and extra requests were not a problem at all.

We experienced extreme hospitality from Gina and her team, and the atmosphere was always warm and welcoming. After our muddy but successful Gorilla Trekking, Julius proactively offered to clean our shoes and returned them to us in the best condition. This was an amazing act of kindness, as we were in the middle of our travels."

Overall, your review provides great insights and highlights the unique features of Bakiga...

I am more than grateful for the excellent service I received during my 2 nights stay in Bakiga Lodge. I organised my booking with Craig, who helped me clarify every question I had prior to my trip.

The staff, especially Edwin, were extremely professional, polite and always ready to please their guests. The food was excellent (to be honest, I wasn't expecting that) and always on time. Price was inclusive of all meals. I was given a very tasty and rich lunch pack for my gorilla trekking. Breakfast and dinner were superb. Coffee was delicious - I hate instant coffee, so I was super happy when I realised I could have freshly brewed Uganda coffee anytime I want. Milk was fresh.

Edwin brought me a hot water bottle every night before bedtime. My lodge was overlooking the forest, it was such a wonderful sight. You know what say : ''happiness is in the small details''.

And it was great to be off grid for a while since electricity (hence Wifi) are only available for 5-6 hours everyday - although I must confess, I had bought an Uganda Airtel SIM card, so I always had internet on my phone. The place has good connectivity and reception even though it is on the mountain.

In addition, Bakiga Lodge supports local communities, so this is also a great way to make an impact on the lives of others.

In conclusion, as a female solo traveler, I felt very safe and comfortable. It can seem a little intimidating to travel all the way to Uganda during Covid times. But don't hold yourself back, you will absolutely love the trip if you love nature and animals! People are very friendly and kind in Uganda. The gorilla experience was mind-blowing. You will not regret this long trip and drive to Bwindi, but make sure you can stay for a couple of...

We stayed here for 2 nights connected with a gorilla trek. The staff at the lodge were very friendly and always had a smile and were very welcoming.

The dining area had wifi that worked pretty well and cell service was also available. There was always tea/coffee available in the dining area, but no snacks or tea time biscuits. Thankfully we had brought some snacks.

The cottages are quaint, but you are basically in the jungle so there may be bugs. There is no heat and it does get chilly at night. You can ask for a hot water bottle when you go to sleep. The beds were comfortable. Cell service was so-so in the cottage.

There is electricity in the cottage but it is only on from 5-10 PM and again at 5 AM. The main light will always work as it is on solar power. There is a flush toilet and a stand-alone shower. The water pressure was very good and the hot water is super super super hot!! They provide soap and towels and bottled water.

The food was good. The boxed lunches were nice to take on your gorilla trek. Breakfast included bacon/sausage, fresh fruits, and made-to-order eggs.

Note: If you have trouble walking distances some of the cottages are up/down a bunch of stairs. Many people were out of breathe walking to the dining area. Then again, it's good practice for the gorilla trek!

overall, I would...