Are you wondering of where to stay while on your gorilla tours in Uganda? There are a number of lodging options inside and around the gorilla parks of Uganda where travelers can stay on their gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
Since gorillas in Uganda are only trekked in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, your accommodation facility should be booked inside or around those two parks though for the case of Bwindi, you should confirm the accommodation after confirming the sector in which you are going to trek.
Below are some of the lodging options you can choose from while on your gorilla tour in Uganda;
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is a luxury base on the north side of Bwindi National Park near the Buhoma trailhead. It’s one of the luxury lodges in the park.
Sanctuary camp is one of the most popular accommodation options for gorilla trekkers looking for a luxury base. It’s situated just 5 minutes from the trailhead headquarters at Buhoma in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The camp is truly a part of the forest so that gorillas often emerge from the surrounding shrubbery and wander the grounds. Apart from its incredible location, the Sanctuary team know what it takes to compete in East African luxury lodging; artful and practical design paired with exceptional service. The rooms are private, tented cottages with queen size beds and a private en-suite bathroom, and the team go above and beyond to look after every guest that comes through.
And then there are the little things; sitting around the campfire at night, the sounds from the surrounding forest a constant reminder that you’re far from civilization. Waking up early to start your days adventuring with freshly cleaned and dried boots and clothes ready and waiting for you, along with a fresh coffee and the crisp jungle air: this is the quintessence of luxury adventure travel.
There are 8 private tented cottages around Sanctuary camp. Each cottage sits on a raised wooden platform. Each cottage as a viewing deck, two queen size beds, and an en-suite bathroom. The main lodge building is a lounge area with dining space and a bar.
The lodge offers spa treatments, including massages. The service is exceptional, there is a daily laundry service and the food never disappoints.
In the evenings, the outdoor campfire is perfect for unwinding in the gathering dusk and enjoying the melody of an African harp. Close by is the spa, where you can get expert massages and other beauty treatments, using organic products made from natural herbs, plant oils, fruits and vegetables e.g. African Potato among others.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. It can be used by visitors who are on Bwindi safari tour. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the highest lodge in Uganda perched at an altitude of around 2,100m/6,889ft on a forested ridge close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Nkuringo Gate.
It offers breathtaking views, luxurious accommodations and personalized gorilla trekking adventures. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is owned and operated by Wild Places, having been built in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and among others. Gorilla treks based from Clouds are some of the most physically demanding in the whole of Bwindi.
Clouds’ guest accommodation consists of ten cottages including two for families. Constructed from local volcanic stone, all boast views of the volcanoes themselves, as well as the gorgeous forest of Bwindi. The family option is effectively a double cottage, containing two bedrooms and two en-suite bathrooms. Both options have comfy beds and bedding and a large lounge area featuring overstuffed armchairs and a handwoven carpet, a cozy fireplace and very well-appointed en-suite facilities including flush toilet, twin washbasins, and walk-in shower and each cottage has a lovely private veranda where you can relax.
Clouds lodge offers an exhilarating range of activities not only the gorilla treks for which Bwindi is famous, but other wildlife and cultural experiences too.
Silverback Lodge. Silverback lodge is where guests find the finest luxury accommodation in Bwindi. It is one of the lodges owned and operated by Marasa. It is located in Buhoma sector and has 12 well-furnished luxurious rooms where you will stay with much comfort. They have room for single occupancy, 4 rooms for double occupancy and 7 rooms for twin occupancy. The lodge offers magnificent views of Bwindi Forest and other beautiful surroundings.
Silverback Lodge offers spacious cottages with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and private balconies overlooking the forest. The lodge is designed to blend with the natural environment and provides a cozy and serene atmosphere. The main lodge features a restaurant serving delicious meals and a bar offering a selection of drinks.
Guests can relax in the lodge’s lounge area or enjoy the outdoor terrace. The lodge organizes gorilla trekking experiences and offers guided nature walks. Cultural visits to nearby communities are also arranged, providing guests with an opportunity to learn about the local culture and traditions.
The restaurant serves a variety of local and international cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Silverback lodge’s bar is well stocked with soft drinks, wines, whisky and other drinks. Other facilities that guests enjoy at the lodge include WIFI, sauna among others.
Buhoma Haven Lodge. Buhoma Haven Lodge is a spacious site lying above Buhoma village, a 5-minute drive from the main road and this elevated location guarantees best views across Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It was opened in December 2014 to cater for clients interested in something more than budget accommodation.
It offers 6 beautifully designed twin and double cottages, self-contained en suite safari tents, 3 self-contained cottages and 2 non-self-contained twin cottage bandas, 1 family cottages, all self-contained en suite and merging simple elegance with local materials.
All the bandas are built with local materials and are of African architectural design. It also offers guests a 6-bed dormitory as well as several camp
They serve Western and African cuisine prepared by Ugandan chefs using locally grown products. The meals would for example, consist of a fresh mushroom soup, pan-seared tilapia fish or vegetable masala, roasted potatoes, saucy mixed vegetables, crepes with honey sauce, tea/coffee and hot chocolate
Your breakfast will be fresh fruits and toast accompanied by your choice of prepared eggs (scrambled, fried, boiled, poached, omelet) along with coffee/tea and juice.
For gorilla trackers, a pack for you is a sandwich (egg, tomato and cheese, peanut butter/jelly, tomato, or cheese), a juice box, and two pieces of fruit, a boiled egg, and biscuits.
Services at the Haven lodge include; artisan craft shop, Back-up power generator, Cigarettes for sale, Complimentary coffee and tea, Cell phone and laptop charging, laundry services, Mosquito nets, Reading materials and games, Restaurant and well-stocked bar, Massage and Shower facilities among others.
Tourist activities at Buhoma haven lodge; gorilla trekking, butterfly watching, bird watching, nature and village walks among others.
Rafiki Lodge. It is located on the cliff 1785 meters above sea level with a view of sipi falls and the valley. This lodge consists of Banda’s, singles, twin and triple rooms, family cottages and basic rooms. Each accommodation is thoughtfully designed with the best perspective of sipi falls and valley in mind to offer guests the most comfort and special experience during their stay at lodge.
Rafiki Safari Lodge Bwindi features a garden, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Kanungu. This 3-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. There is free private parking and the property offers paid airport shuttle service. At the hotel, the rooms include a balcony. At Rafiki Safari Lodge Bwindi every room has a private bathroom with free toiletries and slippers.
During your stay at Rafiki lodge, you have opportunity to explore some amazing caves around sipi area. These caves have a lot of history to tell. In these caves, you can see some marks which are evidence of life in ancient times. There are spots caused by fire and smoke on the walls. The caves were even used to hide cattle from other tribes like Karamojongs. In these caves one can also find some rare stones and quartz stones.
Rushaga Gorilla Camp. The camp is built on 6 acres of land bordering Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and it is a great value safari lodge located within a distance of just 15 minutes’ walk away from the gorilla trekking starting point. This is the ultimate place to stay during your gorilla safari. This mid-range lodge features all the facilities that you need to enjoy an amazing holiday.
It is located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The lodge serves clients looking to staying in Rushaga Sector and Nkuringo Sector.
The driving time from Kampala is about 9-10 hours, while the drive from Kigali (in Rwanda) takes about 5-6 hours. From Kabale it is just one and half hour to reach the lodge.
If you are looking to travel by Air, the nearest airfield is about 35kms -Kisoro Airstrip.
Its location on a mountain slope guarantees visitors a nice view of seeing forest elephants coming down to drink water. It is eco-friendly with luxury tents and double bandas close to the forest. Some of the facilities that the lodge features include; 30 Beds total, 6 self-contained bandas, 6 self-contained luxury tents that cater for mid-range lodges, 2 family bandas, Secure parking among others. There is also an option to pitch your own tent. Therefore, you can go camping with an own tent. There are heaters in every room
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. Ichumbi Lodge is a midrange accommodation that offers accommodation in en- suite spacious luxurious units with individual verandas allowing excellent views towards the pristine tropical rain forest. It is set in the Rushaga Sector. Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge is a lodge featuring free WIFI and guests can enjoy free bikes and a garden. Free private parking is available on site. Fitted with a sun terrace, the units feature a flat-screen TV. A balcony with garden views is offered in each unit. Each room at the accommodation has a private bathroom with free toiletries.
Vegetarian, buffet, continental and American breakfast options are available each morning at the lodge. Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge offers a terrace. For guests’ convenience, the accommodation has a business centre. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area.
Tourist activities at Ichumbi Lodge include: gorilla trekking, forest walk, bird watching, visit the Batwa cultural sites from this spot, visit Lake Bunyonyi for dug-out canoeing among others.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is set on the Neko Ridge, which overlooks Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge was built at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is free from mosquitoes.
Enjoy the cool views of the Ugandan forest hill that is locally called the “Nkuringo,” the Kashasha River Valley, and the magical Virunga chain of volcanoes.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge offers 12 individually handcrafted rooms, each offering the tranquility of the tropical rainforest, the atmosphere of a mountain chalet, and the best hospitality of Ugandans.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge’s main area is comprised of a cozy restaurant offering fantastic homemade dishes and freshly baked bread, a bar that is always fully stocked, and a coffee shop presenting an amazing view of the Virunga Mountains and beyond.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is set in the middle of the Nkuringo local community and provides a fantastic base for mountain gorilla trekking experiences and bird watching in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park, as well as giving its guests the opportunity to experience the rich culture of the Ugandan local communities surrounding it.
Volcanoes Bwindi lodge. Overlooking the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this lodge offers a stylish forest ambience perfect for luxury gorilla experiences in Uganda. This lodge is undoubtedly the top echelon of luxury lodges for gorilla trekking in Uganda with its classic safari charm and excellent service quality.
This lodge has 8 stone and timber glass-fronted chalets facing the luxuriant forest canopy. The lodge’s design and style are inspired by local architecture with an imperial touch. Sit at the open verandah and immerse yourself in Bwindi haven. From the lodge, you can surprisingly see gorilla walking, chimpanzees, monkeys jumping on treetops.
Bwindi Lodge’s superb location at the entrance to the northern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, its subtle charm and cozy accommodation makes it one of the most luxurious lodges for gorillas trekking in Uganda. From here, guests can walk 5 minutes to the starting point of gorilla trekking.
Mahogany Springs. It is one of the highest-rated lodges for gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Northern section. It is less luxurious than its neighbors, Bwindi Lodge and Gorilla Forest. It is about a 10-minute walk from the lodge to the Buhoma trekking entrance.
Mahogany Springs Lodge pledges privacy and serenity blended with optimal niceties in a spectacular natural setting overlooking the jungle on the banks of Muyanja River. The alluring gardens and subtle stone pathways leading to the river invite guests to explore the magical Bwindi wilderness.
This forest lodge provides simple yet stylish accommodation, built using locally sourced natural materials that lift the property high on authenticity and minimalistic flair. It has 8 spacious, cozy cottage suites with ensuite bathrooms and verandas overlooking the ancient jungle.
Chameleon Hill Lodge. It sits on a hilltop in the Virunga Mountains’ shadow, vibrantly glowing over the tranquil Lake Mutanda in bright colors. This charming little forest resort is a popular mid-range accommodation choice for gorilla trekkers in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
The lodge has 10 individually styled private cottages spread out on the hillside towering over the misty tranquil waters of Lake Mutanda with the Virungas in the backdrop. Each room is boldly designed with bright colors and unique African decor.
Jump into the calm Mutanda waters, take a canoe ride to one of the dozen small islands, hike around the villages or just sit on your porch and watch the dreamy landscape. No matter what indulgence you choose, the experience around Chameleon Hill Lodge makes it one of the lodges for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Chameleon Hill has a spacious communal area with a wooden deck offering a bird’s eye view over the lake and beyond. Colorful art, a romantic fireplace, a stylish cement sofa, a soft couch and inviting armchairs bestow a sense of cosines. Chameleon Hill is an authentic mystical forest resort perfect for restorative getaways in Uganda.
Chameleon Hill Lodge is located quite a distance from the gorilla trekking point, about 16 km, an hour’s drive to Nkuringo and Rushaga. Guests have to wake up very to start their journey to the office.
Mutanda Lake Resort. This charming lake resort sits on a Lake Mutanda peninsula, flaunting some of the most spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanos chain and over the misty lake.
Lake Mutanda is an excellent base for trekking gorillas in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and exploring the Nepal-like attractions in southwestern Uganda. It is also perfect for quiet holiday hideaways in the remotest countryside.
Positioned in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains, Mutanda Lake Resort brags of dreamy views, excellent tropical weather and romantic resort activities. Spending sunset evenings at the lakeside and enjoying the unspoiled landscape’s beauty and tranquility are indulgences to look out for.
Accommodation is in 13 beautifully crafted cottages on wooden platforms spread across the beach with extensive views across the lake and Virunga Mountains. The rooms are intelligently decorated with artistic decor and elegant fabric. The swiss-like main area with an African finish and brick-worm fireplace is a guest’s magnet for evening chats.
Mount Gahinga Lodge. Mount Gahinga Lodge is a remote retreat on the edge of Mgahinga National Park at the base of the Virunga Mountains Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo. If you have ever wanted to go for vacation in a jungle at the bottom of a volcano, there is no better jungle retreat than Mount Gahinga Lodge.
The lodge features 8 local Bafumbira-styled bandas with papyrus roofs. The spacious bandas feature ensuite, walk-in bathrooms, fireplaces and private porches overlooking the Virunga mountains.
Private butler service catering to every fancy is standard for all guests. Meals are served al fresco in the rustic dining room, sharing space with the lounge area fitted with a cozy fireplace for relaxing evenings. The leafy, colorful gardens are perfect for walking safari.
Apart from gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga National Park, Gahinga lodge offers access to a stunning array of bucket list adventure experiences around the park. You can visit the Gahinga Batwa Village and discover the fascinating Volcanoes Safaris’ uplifting community projects. Strap on your boots and hike Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo volcanoes, and the Kisozi caldera.
Gahinga lodge is the only decent lodge for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga, and it’s located a 5-minute walk from the park entrance gate, giving the easiest access to Mgahinga National Park adventures.
