Nshongi Camp is situated in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, specifically in Rushaga.
This makes it very accessible for clients who book Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking tours.
It is located close to the starting point for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
The lodge features bandas constructed with traditional local materials, such as mud bricks and grass-thatched roofs.
Lighting is provided by paraffin lamps, and there is also a campsite available.
The camp offers accommodation in six traditional African bandas, complete with hot showers and views overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
It’s important to note that there is no electricity at the camp, providing guests with an authentic jungle experience, with the sounds of the wilderness heard from a nearby swamp at night.
Nshongi Camp is regarded as one of the best budget accommodation options in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi.
It is a good choice for clients who opt for budget gorilla trekking.
Guests are greeted by the early morning songs of birds, and it’s not uncommon to receive visits from monkeys during your stay at the lodge.
For those with their own tents, camping at Nshongi Camp is available at a cost ranging from $4 to $27, depending on factors like occupancy, meal plans, and other considerations.
The camp provides various amenities, including airstrip pickups, internet access, security, laundry services, a bar, lounge, and more.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Nshongi Camp offers tourists a range of activities, such as tea plantation tours, bird watching, and entertainment from a local group known as the Rushaga Young Stars.
This group performs traditional dances and music for visitors, adding to the cultural experience of your stay.
Gorilla Trekking
For most tourists staying at Nshongi Camp, gorilla trekking is the primary activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The duration of gorilla trekking typically ranges from 3 to 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family and the pace of the trekkers.
Once you locate a gorilla family, you are allowed one hour for observation, bonding, and photography before returning to the starting point.
Gorilla Habituation
Gorilla habituation can be best described as the process of acclimating mountain gorillas to human presence.
This process usually spans a period of 2-3 years before gorillas undergo a mock exercise, which they must pass before being made available for gorilla trekking.
Gorilla habituation offers tourists the opportunity to spend four hours in the presence of mountain gorillas, in contrast to the regular gorilla trekking experience, which allows only 1 hour.
Gorilla Permits
Uganda gorilla permits cost $700 per person for normal gorilla trekking and $1500 for gorilla habituation.
It is advisable to book permits in advance, especially during the peak season, to avoid disappointment, as they are issued on a first-come-first-serve basis.
