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Mahogany Springs Lodge
mahogany springs Lodge
Mahogany Springs Lodge was built and opened in 2011. The owner, Barrie Gotch, visited the area and fell deeply in love with the beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. He wanted to help protect this incredible part of the world and decided to build a lodge that supported conservation, local communities, and responsible travel. He still manages the lodge today, making sure guests feel welcome and well cared for.
The lodge is warm, friendly, and comfortable. It sits just 2 kilometres from the Bwindi Forest gate, the entrance to the home of the great mountain gorillas. The rooms are well furnished, and some offer wonderful views of the misty forest treetops. The food at Mahogany Springs is excellent. The chef has many years of experience working in high-end lodges and keeps improving his skills. Guests can expect delicious meals every day.
Bwindi is home to almost half of the world’s remaining wild mountain gorillas, so the chance of seeing them while trekking is very high. Trekking can take a few hours, or it can take most of the day. A certain level of fitness is needed, but the reward of seeing a gorilla family in the wild is unforgettable.
Mahogany Springs is not the most luxurious lodge in the area, but it is extremely comfortable, peaceful, and well located. It is an ideal base for travellers who want to explore the wild, see the mountain gorillas, and enjoy the atmosphere of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Access & Location
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not only home to gorillas but also one of the most diverse natural environments on the planet. The forest is full of beautiful birds, colourful butterflies, and many types of plants. It feels like a living garden that has been growing quietly for thousands of years. Many visitors say they feel a deep connection to the forest, as if they have returned to nature in a very pure way.
Reaching Mahogany Springs is quite easy. Most guests fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi airstrip, a flight of about one hour. From Kihihi, a staff member from Mahogany Springs will pick you up, and the drive to the lodge takes about 1.5 hours. This is the most comfortable and recommended way to arrive.
It is also possible to travel to Bwindi by road from Entebbe, but this drive is very long, usually between 8 and 10 hours. For this reason, most people choose to fly. Gorilla trekking and hiking can be physically demanding, so arriving fresh and rested is important.
Accommodation & Facilities
The main building of Mahogany Springs is beautifully designed using timber, stone, and thatch, giving it a classic safari feel. The inside has an open-plan layout with a lounge, restaurant, and bar. The lounge has comfortable sofas, soft cushions, and a double-sided fireplace that creates a warm and cosy atmosphere. It is a wonderful place to relax in the evening, enjoy a drink, or chat with other guests.
The restaurant has separate tables and smart wooden chairs decorated with local fabrics and flowers. Meals are served with care, and the staff take pride in creating a welcoming dining experience. The bar is well stocked, offering a good choice of drinks. All these areas open out onto a terrace, where guests can eat outdoors while enjoying the stunning views of the mountains and forest.
There is also a small shop where you can buy handmade crafts, clothing, and souvenirs made by local communities. The gardens around the lodge are beautiful, full of flowers and greenery, and they include a firepit area where guests can sit together in the mornings or evenings, share stories, and enjoy the fresh forest air.
Mahogany Springs offers three categories of guest rooms:
1. Superior Suites
These rooms can be arranged as twin, double, or triple. Each suite has a mosquito net, power sockets, a dressing table or desk, and a private terrace. The en-suite bathroom includes a terracotta walk-in shower. These rooms are very spacious and comfortable.
2. Honeymoon Suites
These suites are similar to the Superior Suites but have a larger bed and include a bathtub in addition to the shower. They are perfect for couples who want privacy and a little extra comfort.
3. Family / Presidential Suites
These large suites can sleep up to four people. They include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate lounge area, and a wide terrace with lovely views of the river and forest. They are ideal for families or groups who want more space.
ACTIVITIES AT MAHOGANY SPRINGS
Most travellers come to Bwindi for one main reason: gorilla trekking. However, there are many other rewarding activities available in the area.
1. Gorilla Trekking
From Mahogany Springs, it is only a short distance to the meeting point inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here, you join your group and an expert guide who will lead you into the forest to look for a gorilla family. The time needed to find the gorillas can be anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. The trek can be steep, muddy, or challenging in some areas. But once you find the gorillas, you are allowed one full hour to watch them. You may see them eating, grooming one another, playing, or resting. Seeing a gorilla family up close in their natural home is an experience that stays with people forever. Along the way, you may also spot other wildlife, such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and many colourful birds.
2. Hiking and Nature Walks
The lodge offers a variety of hikes suitable for different fitness levels. Some walks are short and close to the lodge, while others, such as the Ivy Trail or the Kashasha River Trail, are longer and more adventurous. Bird watchers will love this area because it has hundreds of bird species, including warblers, honeyguides, and many others.
3. Batwa Experience
This is a highly recommended cultural activity. The Batwa are the original forest people of this region. During this visit, they will show you their traditional way of life, how they used to hunt, gather food, and live in harmony with the forest. You can also visit local homes, meet a traditional healer, and learn how beer is made from banana leaves. It is a wonderful way to learn about local culture and support the community.
