Exuberance at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Kisoro

Tranquility at Bunyonyi Overland Reso... The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya

Exuberance at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Kisoro

Kisoro is such a charming town. It welcomes its guests with rolling hills, mountain scenery and views of beautiful Lake Mutanda. Rushaga Gorilla Camp in Kisoro is located on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to about half the world’s population of the rare Mountain Gorillas including several habituated groups, which can be tracked.

I talk about my Gorilla Tracking experience here.

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First impressions of Rushaga Gorilla Camp

For starters, it’s not just a camp but rather an exquisite luxury lodge consisting of 12 luxury tents, 2 family cottages and 12 standard rooms. I stayed in one of the luxury tents called Bweza, which is so thoughtfully designed with a mix of tent canvas, timber, volcanic stones as well as concrete. The luxury tent also comes with a private deck and the most exquisite view, overlooking the dense forest.

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The food and the Batwa

I loved the restaurant. Again, for the thoughtfulness that went into its design and the unique ambiance it delivers. The chef outdid himself too, providing delicious, well-presented 3 course meals as well as a breathtaking breakfast on my private deck! I arrived in the evening and as we waited for dinner, we were entertained by a group of traditional dancers. The next day, we had another group of dancers that came to sing and dance for us. This time, from the Batwa community.

The story of the Batwa is very moving. They are one of the last groups of short-statured also known as ‘pygmy’ people. When Bwindi Rainforest was gazetted as a National Park in 1992, the Batwa, who lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle in the forest, were forced to leave and create new homes. Today, most are landless and live in poverty and while they have adapted to the changes in their environment by adopting new economic activities and thus traditions and identities, they continue to face challenges to their survival.

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Other facilities and activities

In addition to the above, Rushaga Gorilla Camp has attractive
conference room facilities, a relaxing massage parlor and several activities
provided by the lodge. Some of these activities include:

Art and craft makingBird watching on the edge of the forestNature and forest walksBoat rides at Lake MutandaExcursion to Muhaginga National Park for Golden Monkey trackingFishing excursions

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp and the lodge manager (with a very unique name – Powerman), was extremely helpful and gave me a tour round the entire property, allowing me to have a look at some of the other exquisite room options.

Find out more about Rushaga Gorilla Camp, their rates and activities here.

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