Where to stay during gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Top lodges in Bwindi Gorilla National Park.

Accommodation for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Mountain gorillas are only located within the Virunga massif (spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo) and the impenetrable forest of Bwindi National Park. According to the recent gorilla census, there are only 1063 gorillas living in the wild today with Uganda having half of this population. Mountain gorillas can grow up to between 40 and 50 years in the wild and can go up to 60 years in captivity.  They are characterized by a big chest and muscular arms and they normally live in isolated groups.

During gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, here are some of the lodges one can stay at; –

Top lodges in Bwindi Gorilla National Park.

Mahogany Springs Lodge

Mahogany Springs Lodge

The lodge is just a 2-minute drive and a 10-minute walk from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s entrance, in the Buhoma sector. It has accommodated gorilla trackers since 2011. Find it on the top of Munyanga River surrounded by amazing panoramic views of the dark forest and valley.

Just as it was named, the structures were put up using Mahogany wood, the lodge has beautiful and polished wood in all the areas like the 12 luxury suites, dining area, terraces, and even the furniture. It is a woody aesthetic.

The suites can accommodate families, solo travelers, and couples, they also have walk-in showers, private veranda and ensuite bathrooms.

While here, you can see rare birds flying over the lush green environment. The lodge provides well-prepared meals crafted by professional chefs.

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

This is home away from home as described by its name Ichumbi translating as “a cool, comfortable home” from the Rufumbira dialect.

When staying here, you’ll only take a 10-minute walk to the Rushaga sector for either gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experiences.

You can enjoy spectacular views of the park and its impressive forest life and vegetation from the comfort of your room. There are 9 luxury cottages, and each has its own bathroom and private balcony.

Bakiga Lodge

This beautiful lodge eco-lodge is part of the community-based NGO known as the Bakiga Community Project.  It overlooks the incredible valley and is surrounded by the Bwindi Forest trees. It’s perfect for those looking for a real African experience since most of the water used is harvested from the rain.

Located in the Ruhija gorilla sector, it is only 10 minutes away by car from the starting point in this sector. It has 12 self-contained cabins and Wi-Fi and each has a private balcony.

Top lodges in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Travellers Rest Hotel

Travelers Rest Hotel

This hotel is on the outskirts of Kisoro town, about 14 km from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. Established in 1955, it once hosted the renowned primatologist, Diane Fossey and it is popular among travelers visiting Mgahinga National Park.

It offers comfortable rooms with ensuite bathrooms with hot water, a restaurant that serves both Ugandan and continental delicacies and a bar area fully stocked with a wide range of drinks, a beautiful and cozy garden where guests can relax and unwind after the tiring gorilla trek is hard to miss. The environment is serene, hence a perfect escape destination from the rest of the world.

Mucha River Lodge

This eco-lodge is serene and has the Mucha River flowing through it, about 30 minutes away from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It has comfortable rooms designed in red and beige colors with ensuite bathrooms, and a private balcony for each room overlooking the Virunga massif.

Its well-equipped restaurant caters to all kinds of meals professionally prepared by local chefs who use fresh ingredients picked from the in-house garden, the bar offers delicious cocktails that you can enjoy in the lounge area.

Enjoy views of the Kigezi highlands and Mgahinga Mountain while reading some of the best African literature from the library. Visit the craft shop to buy some handcrafted souvenirs.