Gorilla trekking is an activity that involves hiking into the tropical forests of Africa to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is one of the most fascinating wildlife experiences. Uganda. This much-anticipated activity is only possible in 4 national parks; Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda, Mgahinga national park in Uganda, Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and volcanoes National park in Rwanda.
While on a gorilla trekking safari, you will need a comfortable place to stay. The accommodations in these national parks range from luxury to mid-range and budget. These offer guests quality services like comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, restaurants that serve both local and international dishes, WiFi, and other services. The list below has a number of places you can stay during the gorilla safari.
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Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda
The Bwindi impenetrable national park is home to around half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and offers the best gorilla trekking experience. There are 4 different locations for tracking gorillas these are; Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo at Bwindi there have about 18 gorilla families and in all these locations there are different accommodations as the list here elaborates;
RUSHAGA SECTOR FOR GORILLA TREKKING
This is located in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable and protects the Nshonga, Busingye, Bweza, and Mishaya families. This sector has the following accommodations;
Rushaga gorilla camp
Rushaga gorilla camp is one of the best mid-range lodges in Bwindi impenetrable national park that you need to look out for while on a gorilla safari in Bwindi.
Accommodation at Rushaga gorilla camp comes from four luxury tents,12 standard rooms, family cottages, and mobile tents. Each room provides a spectacular view of the garden terrace and Bwindi impenetrable forest.
The dining at Rushaga serves both local and international delicious cuisines while the well-stocked bar has got you covered when it comes to a variety of drinks ranging from wines, spirits, whiskeys, and beer.
The spa and wellness center is the best thing you will experience after a hectic day of gorilla trekking.
ICHUMBI LODGE
Ichumbi is a mid-range and luxurious accommodation facility in Bwindi impenetrable national par and is considered one of the best accommodations there.
Ichumbi lodge offers excellent services and customer care with cottages situated on a quiet forested hill that offers beautiful views of the Bwindi forest and Virunga volcanoes. The wide balconies are where you to relax and watch over the area which frequently has birds. The rooms are self-contained with en-suite bathrooms and flushing toilets.
Delicious dishes where the local dining restaurant serves dishes ranging from local to international menus. The bar is well with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
BWINDI NSHONGI CAMP
Bwindi Nshongi camp is a budget yet simple lodge that will offer you great customer care, great food, and a completely basic but rewarding experience. It’s a five-minute walk to the southern gate of Bwindi which is the starting point where gorilla trekking starts and this makes it of great advantage.
Built with 6 traditional African bands overlooking the astounding canopy of Bwindi impenetrable forest. Hot showers are provided with lateen lamps for every room as there is no electricity hence giving one a real sense of the wilderness.
At Nshongi camp one camps with their own tent if they have one instead of using bandas.
Guests can carry out other activities like bird watching, gorilla dancing, nature walks, and many others while at Nshongi.
NKURINGO SECTOR
This is yet another sector in Bwindi where gorilla trekking takes place and has the following lodges and hotels;
NKURINGO BWINDI GORILLA LODGE
Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge is a luxury multi-award winning Uganda safari lodge, a top accommodation choice in the southern sector of Bwindi forest. Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge is located at Ntebeko ridge overlooking Bwindi. The stunning location and welcoming atmosphere make Nkuringo lodge the ideal base for gorilla tracking in Bwindi.
Nkuringo gorilla lodge has 8 cottages,3 villas, and a family villa. All these cottages were handcrafted with local materials and have en-suite facilities, a sharp fireplace, and provide balcony commanding spectacular views over Bwindi impenetrable and Virunga volcanoes. Each of the cottages is individually designed with local handcrafts and colorful printed fabrics and the main lodge contains a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop overlooking the surrounding forest. There is a luxurious bar, garden, playground, and grill. Both WiFi and private parking are accessible at the lodge free of charge. The spa offers a perfect place for relaxation after a long day of tracking with a massage.
While at Nkuringo guests can indulge in other activities like bird watching, and nature walks among others.
CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE
Clouds mountain gorilla lodge is a luxury accommodation facility located in the southern part of Bwindi known as the Nkuringo sector. It is built from local volcanic stones.
The lodge offers tremendous views far beyond the Bwindi impenetrable forest to the volcanoes of Sabinyo.
Cottages at clouds mountain gorilla lodge are built with local volcanic stones with spacious living rooms, installed with a fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets,comfortable chairs on the outdoor verandas provide the perfect view to admire the unforgettable experience of the forest.
Clouds lodge provides guests with soft drinks and hot drinks and local blended beers available at the bar. The restaurant is available to offer you both local and international food.
Other activities that can be carried out while at clouds mountain gorilla lodge include;
-cultural visits to the pygmy and Batwa communities.
-Guided natural walks
-Bird watching
-hiking trails.
CHAMELEON HILL LODGE
This is a luxury lodge built on a ridge overlooking lake Mutanda. The lodge has a unique style of multiple colors; each building is painted a different color out of the rainbow which makes it colorful and outstanding.
Accommodation at chameleon hill lodge is offered in form of 10 luxury chalets that are 5 bedrooms and 5 twins designed to provide privacy to tourists, each chalet features en- a suite bathroom with modernity touch. Chalets have panorama windows where you get to enjoy scenic views of lakes and volcanoes. Chalets have spacious rooms offered with different bedding styles 2 beds in twin rooms, and one large bed in double rooms.
Each room has its own unique charm and character with its own color scheme and a private garden with a spacious veranda overlooking lake mutanda.
The chameleon lodge offers delicious meals prepared by the lodge’s chefs with local procedures, herbs, and spices.
RUHIJA SECTOR FOR GORILLA TREKKING
This is one of the 4 sectors that make up Bwindi impenetrable national park. It is located in the east of Bwindi impenetrable forest and can easily be accessed from Buhoma and Kabale. This sector has the following accommodations;
AGANDA LODGE
Agandi lodge is a mid-range lodge located in the southern part of Bwindi. It consists of 10 elegant and beautiful comfortable cottages which are built in African traditional style with modern comfort. Well-decorated and furnished rooms that have sitting areas with wooden balconies where you can relax while enjoying the breathtaking view of the canopy forest and Virunga mountains. Rooms have excellent and clean comfortable bedding with a fireplace that provides warmth.
Agandi has a restaurant that serves different food that meets the clients’ appetites.
RUHIJA GORILLA MIST CAMP
Ruhija gorilla mist camp is a mid-range accommodation facility. The camp has breathtaking scenery of the forest. It is a home away from home with a very quiet environment. The atmosphere is very charming and friendly. Ruhija gorilla camp is located 50km from Kabale town. The lodge staff offers great customer care that will make you feel at home.
Gorilla mist camp has 8 great thatched, well-decorated, and furnished bandas that are either single, double or triple beds. All rooms are fitted with flushing toilets, mosquito nets, overhead hot and cold showers, TVs, balconies, and verandas to relax and enjoy breathtaking views of the environment.
Other activities that can be enjoyed while at gorilla mist camp include;
-Birdwatching
-nature walks
BWINDI BAKIGA LODGE
This is a mid-range accommodation situated on the edges of Bwindi impenetrable national park. This is also found in the Ruhija section of the Bwindi forest. It is situated on the west side of Bwindi. Bwindi Bakiga lodge is part of the BAKIGA community project, a registered NGO in Uganda.
Bwindi Bakiga lodge offers very neat cottages with their own bathrooms and an exceptional view over the valley. The friendliness of the staff and eco-friendly sustainable approach to tourism. It offers 8 family cabins, all self-contained with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies with spectacular views of the forest.
The lodge has wonderful accommodations for visitors looking for a real African experience with great views of Bwindi impenetrable forest.
Other activities at Bwindi Bakiga lodge include;
-Guided hikes in the forest
-Bird watching
-community walks
TREKKERS TAVERN
Trekkers tavern is an eco-friendly lodge located in Bwindi impenetrable on top of a hill overlooking Bwindi forest.
Accommodation at the trekkers’ tavern is provided in 5 spacious well-furnished cottages with en-suite bathrooms and flush toilets. Each room has a private veranda commanding spectacular views of Bwindi and a lot of birds to be seen
The dining serves mouth-watering meals prepared by one of the best chefs in Uganda. The staff is very welcoming making your stay memorable.
Other activities to be done while at trekkers tavern include;
-Birdwatching
-nature walks
BUHOMA SECTOR FOR GORILLA TREKKING
This is the most visited gorilla destination located in the Northern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park. The Buhoma sector is home to 4 habituated gorilla families that include; Mubare, Habiyanja, and Rushengura.
A gorilla permit in Buhoma costs 700USD for foreign non-residents and 600USD for foreign residents and UG 250000 for East African citizens.
Buhoma has a wide range of luxury,mid-range, and budget accommodations where you can stay during gorilla trekking safari and they include;
BWINDI SILVERBACK LODGE
This is the largest luxury accommodation facility located in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable that is a five-minute walk to the park headquarters
Bwindi silverback lodge has 12 rooms each having an en-suite bathroom and comfortable chairs on the veranda for viewing the thick green forest and misty valley. The facility is designed using local materials like forest vines, sisal ropes, and purple state stone giving this lodge incredible beauty.
With local dining where delicious meals are served ranging from local to international menus. The bar is well stocked and the gardens are ideal for relation.
A lot of other activities are provided around silverback lodge like;
-bird watching
– mountain hikes
– mountain biking
ENGAGI LODGE
Engagi lodge is a mid-range accommodation found in the Buhoma sector in Bwindi.
Engagi lodge consists of 8 en-suite beautiful cottages that are built in African style. They are well decorated and furnished with wooden balconies where you can relax while enjoying the fantastic view of the park from any angle.
While you are here you can track mountain gorillas from the Buhoma sector and the habituated groups include; Mubare, Rushengura, and Habinyaja
Engagi lodge has a rock bar that is fully stocked alongside a restaurant that serves both local and international menus
Other activities include;
-bird watching
-nature guided walks
-cultural encounters
MAHOGANY SPRINGS
Mahogany springs are strategically located on the Northern side of Bwindi making it a perfect place to track mountain gorillas.
Mahogany springs are built using local materials. The lodge is made up of just eight luxury suites with cottages en-suite bathrooms and private elevated terraces and extraordinary views of the mountains. Accommodation at Mahogany springs is provided in superior suites coming in doubles, twins, and triple rooms. They are spaciously, well furnished with large windows and a private terrace overlooking the forest. The bathrooms are en-suite with hot running water and a terracotta shower
A restaurant that serves different meals both local and international to meet guests’ choice; breakfast, lunch, and dinners both indoors and outdoors dinners, and a well-stocked bar with both soft and hard drinks. You relax and sip while enjoying the fantastic view of Virunga park, a free parking space. Once you are done exploring, it’s the perfect place to simply relax, in wind and take in the beautiful environment.
There is plenty of activities to keep you occupied during your stay at mahogany springs including;
-Birdwatching
-nature walks
BWINDI GUEST HOUSE
This is a budget guest house that comprises 6 guest houses and it’s owned and operated by volunteers. The guest house was mainly built by volunteers who were handed over to maintain the guest house for the benefit of Bwindi community hospital. The Bwindi hospital is nearby to provide health services to the community.
Other activities include;
-mountain biking
-Guided nature walks
-Bird watching
– cultural visits to the Batwa.
MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK
Mgahinga SECTOR FOR GORILLA TREKKING
MOUNT GAHINGA LODGE
This is the best intimate luxury accommodation for visitors to Mgahinga national park. Mount Gahinga is located a few minutes from the entrance of Mgahinga national park.
Mount Gahinga offers accommodation in 6 spacious cottages with hot showers and large beds. Each cottage has a private balcony looking towards lake Mutanda. The lodge was constructed using local materials like stones and it’s a perfect place to stay while on a gorilla trek in Mgahinga.
Mount Gahinga lodge’s main building hosts a bar, a cozy dining room, and a lounge area with an open circular fireplace. A restaurant that serves delicious types of meals including breakfast, lunch, and a 3-course dinner in the dining room served by well-trained staff, a well-stocked bar with both hard and soft drinks, and a swimming pool that cools off the hot afternoon.
Other activities that can be enjoyed while here include;
-tracking golden monkey
-bird watching
– Nature walks
TRAVELLER’S REST HOTEL
This is an ideal location for tourists tracking mountain gorilla groups like Nkuringo, Nshongi, Kahugye, and Mishaya. This was established in 1950 by gorilla enthusiast Walter Baumgartel.
Traveler’s rest hotel offers neat cottages with their own bathrooms and exceptional views over the valley. The friendliness of the staff and eco-friendly sustainable approach to tourism. Traveler’s rest hotel offers 8 family cabins, all self-contained with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies with spectacular views of the forest. Each room offers wonderful views and is furnished with contemporary art. The rooms are equipped with warm showers
The restaurant is filled with a variety of food both local and international and a bar that is filled with both soft and alcoholic drinks.
Other activities that can be done while at the park;
-Guided hikes in the forest
-Bird watching
-community walks.
MUTANDA LAKE RESORT
Mutanda lake resort is situated on a peninsula in lake Mutanda in the shadow of the Virunga mountain range between Kisoro town, Mgahinga, and Bwindi national park, the resort makes a perfect base for gorilla trekking.
Mutanda lake resort is in a superb location, planked directly on the lake, this relaxed Dutch-owned resort has luxury tents raised on the wooden resort has luxury tents raised on a wooden platform with lovely porches and polished wooden floorboards. It is within a striking distance of the gorillas of Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Mgahinga national park.
Mutanda lake resort has 13 rooms with spectacular views from the private balconies and each room is simple but elegantly furnished with polished wooden floors and a splash of Uganda color in each room. The cottages each come with a private veranda and en suite bathrooms.
One of the other popular activities at Mutanda lake resort is swimming in the lake.
MGAHINGA REST CAMP
Mgahinga rest camp is located next to the park headquarters. This offers stunning views of the nearby Kisoro volcano. It is the ultimate destination for visitors to hang about en route or after tracking the rare mountain gorillas.
Mgahinga rest camp has nine thatched bandas, 3 tents with private facilities with most of the cottages facing lake Mutanda, and an en-suite that has private balconies. Staying in this rest camp gives you an opportunity for you to be in 3 countries that are Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Other activities that can be done here include;
-Golden monkey tracking
-bird watching
-nature walks
AMAJAMBERE IWACU COMMUNITY CAMP
AMAJAMBERE Iwacu is a budget accommodation located at the entrance of Mgahinga national park.
Amajambere Iwacu offers a variety of accommodations from bandas and dormitories(self-contained and non-self-contained) The camp offers camping space for visitors who own tents as well as ample parking space.
GORILLA TREKKING IN CONGO
Gorilla trekking takes place in Virunga national park which has over 250 habituated mountain gorillas. The gorilla permits here go for 450USD for foreigners and 200USD for Congolese citizens. Virunga national park has a variety of accommodations that range from budget to midrange and luxury and the list below lists some of them;
MIKENO LODGE
Mikeno lodge is a luxury accommodation in the Democratic Republic of Congo seated on the forested hills of Virunga national park. This is the perfect point to start your Virunga adventure because mountain gorillas are within reach.
Mikeno lodge is made from lava stone, mahogany, and thatch,12 comforts bungalows enjoy the stunning views of the forest. A mixture of traditional Congolese design and modern simplicity with beautiful rooms decorated in colonial and African styles. Each room has a comfortable bed with a mosquito net.
The main building has stunning views of Rift Valley, mountain Nyiragongo and Mikeno volcano with a large fireplace and a fully stocked bar.
Meals are excellent at the main lodge where an enormous terrace allows you to look directly into a forest canopy alive. The food is excellent.
Other activities apart from gorilla trekking include;
-hiking mountain Nyiragongo
-nature walks
-bird watching.
BUKIMA TENTED CAMP
This is the base of the gorilla trekking at Virunga mountain. This has a luxury accommodation facility luxurious tents and en-suite bathrooms, running water, and other luxuries you might need.
Bukima camp also offers beautiful views over Virunga park and beyond from the comfort of your tent and basics everywhere in the camp. At times the gorillas come into the camp which gives guests easy access to them.
BUKIMA tented camp comprises 8 beautiful tents with private and en-suite facilities like flushing toilets and rooms are in different categories that are single, double twins, or triple
The restaurant at the camp serves both local and international meals.
Other activities include;
-hiking
-Bird watching
– nature walks.
TCHEGERA ISLAND TRNTED CAMP
This is situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo on the ridge of a collapsed caldera in the waters of lake Kivu.
Tchegera Island tented camp has 10 tents at the camp that accommodates guests to the islands, self-contained with bathrooms and flushing toilets, and running water.
There is a full restaurant where you can enjoy some of the best dishes and a bar with a lot of drinks alongside a WiFi connection.
Other activities include;
-Bird watching
-snorkeling
-scenic sunset viewing
-paddle boarding
-kayaking.
RWANDA
This is yet an amazing country to have your next gorilla safari. The gorilla trekking permits cost 1500 USD per person. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in volcanoes National park and the park has the following accommodations;
SABINYO SILVERBACK LODGE
This is an accommodation facility located at the entrance of Volcanoes National park making it a perfect location from which to enjoy gorilla trekking in the forest surrounding Virunga forest.
Sabinyo silverback lodge is a luxury lodge run by a community called SACOLA which uses the income from the lodge to finance the socio-economic development and mountain gorilla conservation projects in the area.
Sabinyo silverback lodge comprises 5 double cottages, two suites, and one family cottage with an additional bedroom and bathroom. Each accommodation is constructed of Rwandese terracotta roof tiles and stone foundation and features sheltered verandas with spacious en-suite bathrooms finished with soaking bathtubs. Each room has large doors that provide amazing views of volcanoes National park.
KINIGI GUEST HOUSE
This is a budget accommodation facility. This is a good affordable facility giving access to guests doing gorilla trekking.
Kinigi guest house is a project owned by local women aimed at supporting orphans and victims of the genocide therefore sleeping here does not only benefit you but also the community.
Kinigi is mostly for backpackers’ friendliest lodging in the volcanoes National park. The rooms are spacious and furnished with hot showers, en-suite bathrooms, and mosquito nets.
The restaurant serves a variety of African local and international foods, the bar is well-stocked with a wide selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
BISATE LODGE
This is a luxury accommodation facility located just a short drive from the park headquarters where gorilla treks depart from.
Bisate lodge has striking rounded villas of Rwanda covered in thatch. The 6 forest villas of Bisate are inspired by the architecture of the ancient royal palace of the Rwanda monarchy. The suites at Bisate lodge are dome-shaped and covered in bamboo and thickets. Each villa has a central area, bedroom, and en-suite bathroom.
Other activities at Bisate lodge include;
-Golden monkey tracking.
-Forest walk.
-community walks.
VIRUNGA LODGE
This is a luxury accommodation found in the Northwest part of Rwanda near the volcanoes national park.
Virunga lodge has 10 luxurious and comfortable rooms which are deluxe and 8 standard rooms that reflect traditional building style with modern comfort. Rooms are well furnished and decorated with private en-suite facilities like flushing toilets, and hot and cold showers.
The lodge has a restaurant that serves both local and international meals.
Other activities at the lodge include;
-climbing karisimbi and Visoke volcanoes
-visit lake Kivu
-Golden monkey tracking.
-Dian Fossey hike.