Erebero Hills is a new luxury lodge in Buhoma sector, the headquarters of Bwindi impenetrable
national park. The lodge is managed and owned by Asilia Camps & Lodges, which operates a
chain of properties in national parks of Tanzania and Kenya. Erebero means “a place where you
can see far.” The lodge was designed to resemble the surrounding rolling hills of Kanungu
district. Its 8 suites feature an undulating bamboo roof designed by the award-winning Pablo
Luna Studio. Bamboo was used to achieve the curved shape of leaves. All structures are built
on wooden raised platforms to preserve the hillslope and ensure that guests enjoy spectacular
views of the valley from the private viewing deck. In addition to the beautiful design, Erebero
hills lodge is intending to plant over 25,000 indigenous trees to create a natural buffer zone. As
the trees grow in future the lodge will become fully immersed into a natural forest.
Accommodation and amenities at Erebero Hills
The lodge offers 8 glass-fronted suites of which 2 are triples each with en-suit bathrooms, a
stand-alone bathtub, as well as indoor and outdoor showers with running hot and cold water.
The glass allows natural lighting into the rooms and also offers an opportunity to enjoy the night
sky from the room. At the entrance of each suite there’s a boot-room serving as a store for
guest’s luggage and accessories. The lodge has a swimming pool located on the main lounge
area providing a tranquil atmosphere for leisure. Private spa and massage experience. The
lodge’s therapists bring portable massage tables, organic oils, and ambient music to your suite.
Solar energy is used along with a standby generator keeping power supply 24-7. Children of 5
years and above are accommodated at the lodge.
Food and dining
The lodge obtains fresh food from the local gardens and a taste of Ugandan cuisine is
guaranteed. Those with special dietary needs need to inform the lodge prior to arrival.
How to Erebero Hill
Erebero Hills lodge is located in Kanungu district in a strategic position between the Ruhija and
Buhoma gorilla trekking sectors. From the lodge to the respective briefing centers is a 30-min
and 1-hour drive.This offers an opportunity to trek gorillas from one of the sectors depending on
availability of gorilla permits. Kanungu is 450 km (8-hour drive) southwest of Kampala capital
city and Entebbe international airport. The route via Mbarara-Ntungamo-Rukungiri-Kanungu
requires a 4×4 vehicle. The two sectors are served by Kihihi airstrip and the lodge can be
reached by air via charter flights available for booking through providers like Bar Aviation and
Aerolink Uganda. The lodge is 90-minute drive from the airstrip.
Activities at Erebero Hills
Those intending to stay at Erebero Hills lodge there’s a wide range of activities to do from either
Buhoma or Ruhija sector.
Gorilla trekking is the main activity in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Staying at Erebero
offers an opportunity to track the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat with six
and 3 habituated gorilla groups in Buhoma and Ruhija sectors respectively.
Village walks
After the main gorilla trek, visitors can take a village walk in the late afternoons from 3 pm-6pm.
The standard Buhoma village walk is a guided 1-3-hour stroll through the community. Along the
way visitors can engage in interactive experiences explained as follows:-
– Visit the Batwa pygmies empowerment village. Batwa originally lived in the forest as hunter
gatherers before they were evicted in 1991 when Bwindi impenetrable national park was gazetted to conserve gorillas. Here, visitors get to watch the Batwa perform their ancient traditions including the ancient pre-historic fire making the Batwa style, wild honey collection, how to use bow and arrows for hunting and trapping wildlife, tree house building among others.
At the end of the show, the Batwa also perform their traditional music and dance filled with story
telling, high jumping and foot-stomping.
– Ride 4 A Woman Center is another highlight along the Buhoma village walk. The center was
established in 2009 to support vulnerable women through skills such as sewing, weaving and
cooking. Women offer a hands-on-learning experience where guests can witness the art of
weaving baskets among other handicrafts. The sewers can make custom garments/clothing
upon request either from scratch or by measurement. The center has a community kitchen that
offers cooking lessons and traditional Ugandan food.