Overview
A base for Bwindi
Mahogany Springs is a charming, simple, independently owned lodge on the northern fringe of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the village of Buhoma, set in a green valley where tea plantations turn to ancient trees.
All 12 luxurious suites have their own private terrace with panoramic views over the grounds, river and surrounding areas. There’s also an airy lounge and dining area and a convivial cocktail bar.
On the edge of the national park, the starting point for treks into the forest to meet Bwindi’s gorillas is just a short walk away and there are also some fascinating cultural experiences in the village itself.
Facts
At a glance
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12 rooms
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Restaurant and bar
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Gardens
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Close to the trekking start point
Experiences
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Gorilla trekking
One of the most incredible wildlife experiences anywhere. The starting point on the edge of the national park is just moments from the lodge. This experience will remain in your memories forever and can not be put into words.
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Bird watching
Located on an open piece of land with a river running through. it is the ideal lodge for any keen bird watchers. Mahogany Springs also offers complimentary tours around their extensive gardens with their resident bird watching expert.
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Community projects
The lodge supports various community projects and a local school that our clients can visit in the village.
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Batwa experience
The Batwa experience was created by the displaced Batwa pygmies to educate their children and to share their amazing heritage and traditions with the world. This cultural site is a project of the Batwa Development Program, a community organization that supports the Batwa at becoming self-sufficient.
It offers an incredible day hike in the rain forest with Batwa guides, see how the Batwa lived and hunted, learn about medicinal plants, and watch for animals and birds. You will share a traditional meal with the Batwa, hear ancient legends and traditional songs, and join in on a mock hunting party.
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Waterfall hike
This escorted walk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park traces the river up into the park, where three beautiful waterfalls and fascinating wildlife can be found along the way.
Community & Culture
Mahogany Springs supports Ride4aWoman, a local project set up to provide local widows with the ability to provide for their family. They are taught skills and provided with sewing machines plus other facilities to assist them in earning an income. Much of their work can be seen in the lodge. The headquarters for this project is very local to Mahogany Springs and guests can visit if they wish.
The lodge also donates clothes, stationery and other items to an orphanage in Kampala called Sascu, and sponsors their football teams by buying footballs, kits and donating money for tournaments.
Other local projects include installing a tap in for the local community to fetch clean drinking water and backing a local hydro-power project which will be providing electricity to the local area and hospital.
Footprint
Mahogany Springs runs a tree planting scheme within the grounds to offer guests the chance to offset some of the carbon from their trip for those that would like to. Most of the produce used at Mahogany Springs is grown on site to provide the freshest ingredients.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.