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UK: 01473 890499US: 1-800-608-4651
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UK: 01473 890499Rating: Mid-range
Mahogany Springs is a small lodge with spacious suites which makes a comfortable base when trekking for gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While here you can also take guided bird watching trips, go for nature walks through the forest and to local beauty spots such as waterfalls, and visit the Batwa tribe (pygmies).
The 8 guest suites have large windows, double doors and high ceilings and feel light and airy. Each bathroom has full hot and cold water, flush toilet, and basin and large walk-in shower. the bedroom's doors open on to a private balcony. The Presidential Suite caters for up to 4 guests with 2 en-suite bedrooms, a sitting room and expansive terrace with views of the river.
The central building includes a lounge with an attractive open fire, and a selection of board games, books and DVDs and DVD player to help you relax between activities. The adjacent dining room leads out to a wide terrace for al fresco meals which combine culinary influences from around the world. Afternoon tea, with freshly baked cakes and biscuits, is not to be missed. The bar is a good place to socialise with other guests and enjoy the drink of your choice.
Open: Mahogany Springs Lodge is open all year.
Location: The lodge is by the Munyanga River and overlooks Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in south west Uganda. The nearest airstrip is Kihihi (an hours' flight from Entebbe), about a 90 minute drive from the lodge.
Rooms: There are 8 guest suites built of stone and wood, made up of 7 superior suites and the larger presidential suite. Superior suites can be configured as twin, double or triple rooms, and all beds have mosquito nets. Rooms are large and have a writing desk and chair, and French doors that lead out to a terrace. There are power points where you can charge batteries. Bathrooms are generously proportioned and each features a large shower, wash basin and flush toilet. The presidential suite sleeps up to 4 with 2 bedrooms, both with private bathroom, a lounge and terrace.
Activities: The main activity is trekking for gorillas, but you can also go on guided nature walks and hikes in the forest, and take special bird watching tours. The lodge operates a tree planting scheme in their grounds as a means of off-setting the carbon use of their guests and you can take part in helping plant a tree. If you have an intereste in food, the chef will be happy to show you around the fruit and vegetable garden, where a range of produce is grown. Staff can organise a tour to meet the Batwa pygmy tribe. All activities need to be booked and paid for in advance.
Facilities: The main lodge houses the lounge and dining room, each with open fires that can be lit on chilly days. There are games, books and DVDs and a portable DVD player for you to borrow. The large terrace which extends the width of the building, is used for outdoor dining and relaxing. There is a separate bar. The shop stocks clothes and handicrafts. The lodge offers a massage service.
Dining: Meals are served at separate tables in the dining room and on the terrace, and feature African, Asian, Middle Eastern and European dishes.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome. The presidential suite makes good family accommodation. Board games and DVDs are provided. Please note, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is free Wi-Fi internet access in the lounge and bar.
Spend a magical hour with the gorillas in Bwindi, go for nature and bird watching walks in the forest and stay at a small, homely lodge, all in just 4 days.
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0"What excelled here was the staff. All were genuinely interested in how our treks had gone, and they even clean your boots after you have done your best to bring the mountain home. Food was great, packed lunches a treat (especially veg samosas). Gorilla treks were great, porters an absolute must! One minor criticism, after ordering breakfast for 7am the night before, knowing we had to eat the park for 8am, it didn't arrive until after 7:30. Finally, a walk around the village is recommended especially a visit to the ride 4 a woman charity."
Tribes Travel, The Old Dairy, Wood Farm, Ipswich Road, Otley, Suffolk, IP6 9JW. Office hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 5.30pm Telephone: 01473 890499
