Background and Camp Mission

Nshongi Camp was established to serve the growing demand for gorilla trekking in the Rushaga sector, with a focus on affordability, reliable service, and low-impact operations. The camp emphasizes local employment and sourcing, ensuring tourism revenue supports surrounding communities.

Its mission centers on delivering comfortable stays for gorilla trekkers while reinforcing conservation through community benefit and responsible tourism practices.

Location and Access to Gorilla Trekking

The camp sits near the Rushaga gorilla trekking briefing point, making early-morning logistics straightforward. Rushaga is known for hosting multiple habituated gorilla families, offering greater permit availability and the option to choose between standard trekking and the gorilla habituation experience.

Staying at Nshongi Camp minimizes transfer times and allows guests to return quickly after demanding treks through Bwindi’s steep terrain.

Accommodation Style and Comfort

Accommodation at Nshongi Camp includes well-spaced cottages and tented units designed for comfort and privacy. Built with natural materials, the structures blend into the forested landscape and provide a quiet retreat after trekking.

Rooms feature comfortable beds with mosquito nets, ensuite bathrooms with hot showers, and private verandas overlooking gardens or forest edges. Interiors are simple and warm, prioritizing space, cleanliness, and rest rather than luxury finishes. The comfort level fits squarely within the mid-range category.

Dining Experience

Dining at the camp is relaxed and nourishing, with meals prepared to suit physically active travelers. The restaurant serves a mix of Ugandan cuisine and familiar international dishes using fresh ingredients sourced locally where possible.

Breakfasts are served early to match trekking schedules, packed lunches are arranged for forest days, and dinners are calm, social affairs enjoyed in the camp’s dining area.

Activities at the Camp

Beyond gorilla trekking, Nshongi Camp provides access to cultural and nature-based activities around Rushaga that enrich the overall Bwindi experience.

Activities commonly arranged from the camp include:

Gorilla trekking in the Rushaga sector

Gorilla habituation experience (permit-dependent)

Guided community village walks

Cultural encounters and storytelling

Forest-edge nature walks and birdwatching

These activities offer insight into both the forest ecosystem and local life.

Services Offered

The camp provides essential services tailored to gorilla trekkers. Staff assist with early wake-up calls, gorilla trekking coordination, packed lunches, porter arrangements, and transport logistics. Laundry services and drinking water are available.

Service is friendly, efficient, and focused on smooth trekking operations.

Conservation and Social Impact

Nshongi Camp supports conservation by employing local residents and linking tourism income to community livelihoods. By creating alternatives to forest dependence, the camp helps strengthen local support for gorilla protection.

Its operations reflect how mid-range camps can balance guest comfort with conservation responsibility.

Who Should Stay at Nshongi Camp?

This camp suits mid-range travelers, small groups, and first-time gorilla trekkers who want flexibility in permit availability and straightforward access to trekking points. It appeals to guests who value practicality, location, and friendly service over luxury styling.

Travelers seeking high-end amenities may prefer luxury lodges, while strict budget travelers may look for simpler camps.

Planning Your Stay

Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak gorilla trekking seasons, as Rushaga permits are popular. Pairing your stay with a Rushaga sector gorilla permit or a habituation permit ensures efficient logistics and relaxed trekking mornings.

For travelers seeking a reliable, comfortable, and well-located base in southern Bwindi, Nshongi Camp (Nshongi Lodge) remains a trusted and practical accommodation choice in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.