Bukima Tented Camp

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.

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!

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.