Virunga

Bukima Tented Camp

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Bukima Tented Camp?

Stays at Bukima Tented Camp start from around US$530 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

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Bukima Tented Camp

About Bukima Tented Camp

A lovely tented camp offering adventure, excitement and comfort in the heart of Virunga.

There aren’t many camps that have a location as wonderful as Bukima. Meaning ‘The place where there are monkeys’, the camp certainly lives up to its name and in fact, goes one better with its proximity to the utterly magnificent mountain gorillas of Virunga National Park. Situated right on the edge of the forest in the rolling foothills of the Virunga Massif, the camp is the starting point for all gorilla treks in the area (not that there are many). Views are phenomenal with Mount Mikeno and Nyiragongo taking centre position and even though it’s not glamping, we think everything about Bukima Tented Camp is pretty much perfect.

Virunga , Democratic Republic of Congo

From $530 per person/per night

Retreat

6 Rooms

Open Map

Property details

The property

Originally built as a base camp for the researchers of Virunga, Bukima is modest and simple, yet full of charm, warmth and everything you would expect from a traditional tented camp. A cosy mess tent is the main meeting point and comes complete with safari chairs, an incredibly well-stocked bar and large dining table where hearty three-course feasts appear like clockwork for lunch and dinner. Outside, guests gather by the campfire for morning tea and eggs and in the evening to share epic gorilla-trekking tales.

The rooms

Sleeping quarters are large, meru-style tents on raised platforms, dotted around the bush and looking out over the majestic landscape. Of the six, four have king-size beds and two come with twins. All are extremely comfy and often to be found with a hot water bottle in the evening – bliss. Bathrooms are ensuite and surprisingly luxurious with hot showers, flushing loos and running water. You might be in the middle of nowhere, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it!

Activities

Without doubt, the main activity here is gorilla trekking and you really couldn’t pick a better location; you’re so close to the forest, the rangers will literally come and collect you from the mess tent in the morning! There are other activities available in the area (visits to the Sekwekwe Gorilla Orphanage and Chimpanzee Habituation Centre, the park HQ and treks to the top of Nyiragongo) but most are more easily accessible from neighbouring Mikeno Lodge, so we would probably only recommend one or two nights here, depending on how many treks you are signed up for.

Why we love it

Much to the disapproval of the wardens, the gorillas have sometimes been known to come straight into camp. Brilliant, thrilling and totally nerve-shattering all at the same time.

Insiders Tip

Bukima is the closest lodge to the starting point for gorilla trekking, so it’s a good first stop on a Virunga trip.

Something to think about

It probably goes without saying, but a reminder that this a simple camp with simple facilities so don’t expect wifi or Nespresso machines.

Plan your stay

How to book Bukima Tented Camp

How do I book Bukima Tented Camp?

Bukima Tented Camp can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Democratic Republic of Congo trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Democratic Republic of Congo trips featuring Bukima Tented Camp or get advice and suggestions from one of our Democratic Republic of Congo specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Bukima Tented Camp?

Stays at Bukima Tented Camp start from around $530 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Virunga National Park

The bewitching home of mountain gorilla, dramatic volcanoes and experiences you’ll remember forever.