Updated
Most lodges around Bwindi offer Wi-Fi, but it is often slow, may only work in the main lodge area and can drop out in bad weather. Mobile coverage from MTN and Airtel reaches most villages and lodges near the park entrances, but signal is weak or absent in deep valleys and inside the forest. For reliable data, buy a local SIM at Entebbe airport or in Kampala and expect to be offline during the trek.
Mobile networks and SIM cards
MTN and Airtel are the main networks, with the widest coverage in the south-west. You can buy a SIM card at the airport or in town with your passport, and data bundles are inexpensive. Coverage is usually best on ridges, such as around Ruhija and parts of Rushaga, and patchier in valley lodges. Some travellers use international eSIMs, which use the same local networks.
Wi-Fi at lodges
Upmarket lodges often have satellite or fibre connections that handle messaging and email; video calls and uploads may struggle in the evenings when many guests are online. Budget lodges may have limited Wi-Fi or none. Power cuts can also take Wi-Fi down, though most lodges have backup power.
Tips for staying connected
Download maps, entertainment and travel documents before you go, tell family when you will be out of contact, and let the lack of signal on trek day be part of the experience. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to SIM cards and data plans, lodges near Bwindi, power and batteries and Bwindi.
Frequently asked questions
Most have it, but it is often slow and limited to common areas.
Near the park entrances and on ridges, yes; inside the forest, rarely.
MTN or Airtel, which both cover the area.
Sometimes, but connections are often too slow in the evenings.
