Background and Lodge Mission

Broadbill Forest Camp was established with a strong emphasis on eco-tourism and conservation awareness, particularly highlighting Bwindi’s exceptional birdlife. The camp takes its name from the rare African Green Broadbill, one of the region’s most sought-after bird species.

The mission of the camp centers on minimizing environmental impact while supporting conservation through responsible tourism. By operating on a small scale and employing local staff, Broadbill Forest Camp helps protect the fragile Ruhija ecosystem while contributing to community livelihoods.

Location and Access to Gorilla Trekking

The camp is located in Ruhija, one of Bwindi’s highest and coolest sectors. This area is less busy than southern Bwindi and is widely considered the park’s top birding zone.

Access to the Ruhija gorilla trekking briefing point is straightforward, with short transfers in the early morning. The surrounding forest is pristine, offering guests immediate immersion in Bwindi’s montane ecosystem from the moment they arrive.

Accommodation Style and Comfort

Accommodation at Broadbill Forest Camp consists of rustic cottages and bandas built with natural materials to blend seamlessly into the forest. The design prioritizes warmth, privacy, and simplicity rather than luxury.

Rooms feature comfortable beds with mosquito nets, ensuite bathrooms with hot showers, and verandas overlooking dense forest vegetation. Interiors are modest but cozy, well suited to Ruhija’s cool climate and ideal for resting after trekking or long birding walks.

Dining Experience

Dining at the camp is intimate and relaxed. Meals are prepared on site using locally sourced ingredients and served in a communal dining area surrounded by forest.

Breakfasts are arranged early for gorilla trekking days, packed lunches are available for forest excursions, and dinners are calm, social affairs often accompanied by forest sounds and evening mist. The focus is on nourishment and warmth rather than elaborate presentation.

Activities at the Camp

Broadbill Forest Camp offers activities that strongly emphasize nature appreciation and low-impact exploration.

Activities commonly arranged from the camp include:

Gorilla trekking in the Ruhija sector

Birdwatching excursions with access to key forest trails

Guided forest walks focusing on flora and ecology

Community village walks

Scenic nature hikes in montane forest

The camp is particularly popular with birders seeking species unique to the Albertine Rift.

Services Offered

The camp provides essential services suited to nature-focused travelers. Staff assist with gorilla trekking coordination, early wake-up calls, packed lunches, and guiding arrangements. Laundry services and drinking water are available on request.

Service is friendly, personal, and unobtrusive, aligning with the camp’s quiet forest setting.

Conservation and Social Impact

Broadbill Forest Camp supports conservation through low-density tourism, local employment, and environmental education. By attracting visitors interested in birding and nature rather than mass tourism, the camp helps diversify Bwindi’s tourism value beyond gorillas alone.

Its operations reinforce the importance of protecting Ruhija’s montane forest and rare bird species.

Who Should Stay at Broadbill Forest Camp?

This camp is ideal for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking a peaceful, authentic forest stay. It also suits gorilla trekkers who prefer cooler temperatures and a quieter sector of Bwindi.

Travelers seeking luxury amenities or lively lodge environments may find it too simple, but for those prioritizing nature and conservation, it is highly rewarding.

Planning Your Stay

Advance booking is recommended due to the camp’s small size and Ruhija’s limited accommodation options. Pairing your stay with a Ruhija sector gorilla permit ensures smooth logistics and a tranquil trekking experience.

For travelers seeking a genuine forest immersion, outstanding birdlife, and responsible tourism, Broadbill Forest Camp remains one of the most distinctive and respected accommodation choices in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.