Perched high on a hill overlooking the dense canopy of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Silverback Lodge is one of Buhoma’s most popular midrange-to-upper lodges, offering sweeping views and close proximity to gorilla trekking start points. Owned and operated by Marasa Africa, part of the renowned Madhvani Group, Silverback combines rustic charm with warm Ugandan hospitality, making it a favorite among travelers seeking comfort without the ultra-high price tags of luxury lodges.
The lodge features 12 rooms — a mix of cottages and standard rooms — all designed using local materials like forest stone and eucalyptus wood. Each room comes with a private veranda facing the emerald swathes of the national park, where guests often spot monkeys and exotic birds flitting through the treetops. Evenings at Silverback are cozy affairs, with guests gathering around the stone fireplace to exchange stories of their gorilla adventures.
For travelers seeking a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with superb views and easy access to Bwindi’s famed gorillas, Silverback Lodge strikes the perfect balance.
Location
Silverback Lodge enjoys an enviable position just a 5-minute drive (or 15-minute walk) from the Buhoma gorilla trekking headquarters, making it an excellent base for early morning treks. Sitting atop a ridge, the lodge offers uninterrupted vistas over the mist-cloaked rainforest valleys — views that many travelers cite as a highlight of their stay.
Getting to the lodge is straightforward. By air, scheduled flights from Entebbe land at Kihihi Airstrip, from where the lodge organizes transfers (about 1.5 hours by road). Overland, the lodge is accessible via a full day’s drive from Entebbe or Kampala (8-9 hours), or a scenic 5-6 hour drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector. The final stretch to Buhoma is along gravel roads, adding to the sense of adventure.
Once at Silverback Lodge, guests can enjoy easy access not only to gorilla treks but also to community visits, forest walks, and birdwatching outings.
Rooms & Amenities
The lodge’s 12 rooms are spacious yet simple, designed to reflect the natural beauty of the surroundings. Guests can choose between 7 standard rooms and 5 slightly larger cottages. All rooms are en-suite, with flush toilets, hot showers, and solar-powered lighting. Handmade furniture and local crafts add a warm, rustic touch, while the private verandas invite guests to relax with binoculars in hand as they scan the treetops for colobus monkeys and turacos.
The main lodge area features an open-plan lounge and dining room, where panoramic windows frame breathtaking forest views. Meals are hearty and home-cooked, blending Ugandan and international flavors, with set menus that cater to dietary preferences if informed in advance. Packed breakfasts and lunches are provided for trekkers.
Silverback Lodge also has a massage room for post-trek relaxation and a small gift shop featuring crafts made by local artisans. Wi-Fi is available in the main area, though often limited due to the remote location.
Price Range
Silverback Lodge falls into the midrange-to-upmarket price category, offering good value considering its location and views. Rates typically range from $250 to $350 per person per night (sharing), depending on the season. This price includes accommodation, all meals, and laundry service, but excludes drinks, activities, and permits.
For those looking to balance comfort and budget, Silverback Lodge provides an appealing middle ground — not as expensive as the luxury lodges but offering a step above basic guesthouses in terms of comfort and service.
The lodge frequently offers discounted packages for longer stays and group bookings, making it attractive for families and small groups traveling together.
Who Should Stay at Silverback Lodge?
Silverback Lodge appeals to a wide range of travelers. It’s ideal for couples, families, and solo trekkers looking for comfortable accommodation with beautiful views at a reasonable price. Its proximity to the Buhoma gorilla trekking start point makes it especially convenient for those wanting to minimize morning travel before their treks.
Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers will also appreciate the lodge’s elevated position, which provides front-row seats to Bwindi’s avian wonders. Travelers seeking a friendly, communal atmosphere — where you can mingle with fellow guests after a day in the forest — will find Silverback’s vibe welcoming and down-to-earth.
While not ultra-luxurious, Silverback Lodge delivers exactly what many travelers to Bwindi desire: comfort, stunning scenery, good food, and genuine Ugandan hospitality, all in a prime location close to the gorillas.