Nshongi Forest Camp

From the terrace, it felt like watching a little safari unfold. The lodge borders Bwindi NP, where animals come to cool off in an open, swampy area, and most rooms also face that way. Over a few hours across two days, I spotted Colobus monkeys twice, a sitatunga, a civet at night, and lots of birds, including turacos, ibis, and hamerkop. It’s also just a short walk from the Rushaga sector park gate, and the staff were friendly. Pablo, a knowledgeable Spanish guy, made sure everything was sorted.

We really appreciated being offered rooms at no extra charge after booking for a rooftop tent and ground tent. The camp isn’t suitable for self camping right now, especially with a rooftop tent, though the new development should bring a proper camping area. Nshongi Camp is in a hard-to-beat spot, right by Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and about a five-minute walk from Rushaga gate. Our room was spacious and comfortable, with lovely forest views. The food was okay, and service could be slow, though Marie-Joy would get things back on track. There are lots of stairs, and they can be slippery in rainy weather. The photos are from inside the camp area, see if you can spot the bush buck.

The room and bathroom were nice, but the service could be much better. The girls try to help, but they don’t always follow through on their work. We spent ages at the entrance, then found there was no towel in the room 😅. There’s a lot they could improve.

You’re only minutes from the gorilla trekking trailhead, which makes Nshongi Camp a handy place to stay in Rushaga. It feels intimate and authentic, simple and cozy, like a home tucked into the wild. The camp is named for the famous Nshongi gorilla family, and there’s a warm spirit to the place. The staff treat you like family, while the quiet forest gives you a chance to clear your head. Knowing mountain gorillas may be moving through nearby trees adds to the excitement. The forest is all around, with green slopes, tall trees, and the steady sounds of the jungle. Mornings bring birdsong drifting through the mist, and evenings are lit by lanterns under a starry sky. I liked the little moments: tea while mist rolls over the hills, the forest sounds, and a campfire after a day of trekking. Nshongi Camp is a connection to nature that stays with you after you leave.