Best Lodges for Gorilla Trekking — jungle resorts in Uganda & Rwanda

One only gorilla’s nest Rwanda – best lodges for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda

Attracting safari lodges for gorilla trekking — top jungle resorts for the best adventure experiences in Uganda and Rwanda

Planning an adventure safari in Uganda or Rwanda? Then you’re probably interested in the range of lodges for gorilla trekking available on your journey, safari vacations and travel services has you covered, you can select from the ones we have in this article.

There’s nothing quite relaxing as waking up in a rain forest, the sounds, sensations, and sheer size of these primate infested jungles are a magical reminder of the magnificence of nature. Forest resorts in these destinations are pristine and often with dramatic views of jungle canopies and rugged landscapes, transporting guests to the beautiful attractions.

From luxury escapes with glamorous unending pools to sleeping above tree canopies, these are the top jungle resorts that promise the best gorilla trekking adventure experience in Uganda and Rwanda.

Best Lodges for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda stands out as travelers’ favorite gorilla trekking destination with more affordable accommodation properties than its rival neighbor, Rwanda. Uganda also has an edge in the number of gorillas protected within its borders, more than half of the total mountain gorilla population in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks.

Head to any of the five visitor centers in both national parks, and you’ll be showered with more safari lodge choices than you can count. Most of the great lodges for gorilla trekking in Uganda are nestled at the park entrances, giving their guests easy access to park activities.

From upscale camps built inside the park to idyllic chalets hanging above the canopy and from private cottages tucked into a rainforest tangle to wistful cabins facing dreamy vistas, here are the best safari lodges for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge;

Perched high on a ridge with views over the rolling hills and the Virungas

Perched on a ridge 7,000 ft high, the multi-award-winning Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is a jungle-clutched designer lodge for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Its exotic forest chalets hag above the Bwindi Impenetrable canopy, offering guests enchanted vistas across the rugged rift valley and the entire Virunga mountains range.

Situated in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forests, a 5-minute walk to Nkuringo gorilla trekking centre and a 25-minute drive to Rushaga gorilla trekking office.

It offers three family villas, six garden cottages, and two private executive suites with butler services and full amenities. Each cabin features a spacious bedroom, living area, unsuited bathroom, fireplace, and a garden porch facing the Bwindi misty treetops or the Virunga Mountains. Come to eye level with birds and observe the rich diversity of Enesco’s World Heritage jungle from your porch.

Built with sustainable engineering, Nkuringo Lodge boastfully displays its picturesque landscape views. All garden villas soar above the neatly lined Virunga Volcanoes breathing with ceaseless weather fuse over the rugged rift valley and beyond. Walk the rickety walkways through the garden and fade into its boutique elegance of dramatic black volcano rock finishes and persistent natural freshness.

The newly finished main area sits on the property’s highest point, giving 360-degree vistas of what makes it an example. High ceilings, pale canvas furnishings, large wooden beams, and columns maximize the sense of magnificence in the main lodge area, perfectly fitting the excellent location. The chef serves four-course meals here.

Clouds – best lodges and forest resorts for gorilla trekking

Clouds mountain Bwindi lodge

Straddled in a community pocket forest outside Bwindi, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is an intimate forest retreat perfect for high-end luxury gorilla trekking travelers. The lodge offers high-end access to gorilla adventures in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Guests can literally walk to the gorilla trekking briefing point in less than 5 minutes and join the 8:00 am daily excursions.

The multi-award-winning remote lodge sits on a ridge 2,100 meters above the clouds. Its cottage ambience focuses on the primordial impenetrable forest canopy that adorns the forest cottage walls. Inside are spacious living rooms installed with fireplaces, overstuffed armchairs, and fireplaces. The cottages blend into a jungle ambience, cutting off guests from the destructive life outside nature.

Bwindi Lodge by Volcanoes in Buhoma

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge – best forest resorts in Uganda for gorilla trekking

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge

Overlooking the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Lodge offers a stylish forest ambience perfect for luxury gorilla experiences in Uganda. Bwindi Lodge is undoubtedly the top echelon of luxury lodges for gorilla trekking in Uganda with its classic safari charm and excellent service quality.

This forest resort has eight 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; surprise gorilla visits, chimpanzees, monkeys jumping on treetops over yonder.

Bwindi Lodge’s superb location at the entrance to the northern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, its subtle charm and classy 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 and the eight o’clock trekking excursion.

Buhoma Lodge, Accommodation in Bwindi Uganda

Best Lodges For Gorilla Trekking – Buhoma Lodge, Accommodation in Bwindi Uganda

Best Lodges For Gorilla Trekking – Buhoma Lodge, Accommodation in Bwindi Uganda

Buhoma Lodge

Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted adventure experiences inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s one of the two lodges for gorilla trekking built inside the park.

Designed entirely with sustainable forest material, Buhoma lodge blends into the magical expanses of wild Bwindi’s ancient woodland with a warm cabin charm. Each chalet hanging above the jungle has a private verandah and large windows, giving spectacular views of the forest canopy over the cottage verandas.

Spend those quiet afternoons on the veranda, gazing out at that wall of trees rising to the sky and feeling the quiet loudness of the jungle as if it were a soft melody. Awaken to chirping forest bird-song and the occasional monkey screech. Sometimes, mountain gorillas come into the compound to pay homage to their evolutionary cousins.

The open-air lounge and bar area offers uninterrupted jungle views with an eerie forest mist occasionally washing over the lodge. The chef’s freshly prepared multi-course meals are served here, and the aroma of fresh meals brings back memories of grandma’s cooking.

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’ve ever wanted to vacation in a jungle at the bottom of a volcano, there’s no better jungle retreat than Mount Gahinga Lodge.

The lodge features eight local Bufumbira-styled bandas with papyrus roofs. The spacious bandas feature unsuited, 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 cosy fireplace for relaxing evenings. The leafy, colorful gardens are perfect for walking or a good book in the shade.

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 Gisozi 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.

Best Lodges For Gorilla Trekking – Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, High-end upmarket luxury lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge is one of the only two safari camps located inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Buhoma Lodge is the other. If you want to experience authentic niceties in the wilderness of Northern Bwindi (Buhoma Sector), there’s no better choice than Gorilla Forest Lodge.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp blends in perfectly with the dramatic jungle aura. The lodge’s levered lounge looms over the rainforest with a raised viewing platform built for open-air dining. If you’re lucky, a gorilla family may visit the camp’s lawn and leave you delighted.

The chef serves a full English and continental breakfast served before your morning activity, complemented with delicious packed lunch including fresh fruit sweet and savory delights for your daypack snack.

Once back at the camp from your jungle trek, enjoy drinks under the stars by the roaring campfire as a seasoned local tells of ancient jungle adventure fantasies.

Best Lodges For Gorilla Trekking – Mahogany Springs Lodge

Mahogany Springs Lodge

Mahogany Springs is one of the highest-rated lodges for gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Northern section. It’s less luxurious than its neighbors Bwindi Lodge and Gorilla Forest. Still, it claims a position on Uganda’s top tier vacation resorts. It’s 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 exotic 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 eight spacious, cosy cottage suites with unsuited bathrooms and verandas overlooking the ancient jungle.

Chameleon Hill lodge restaurant, accommodation for gorilla trekking in southern bwindi

Chameleon Hill Lodge 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 ten 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.

Cons: 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 early to make the 7:30 am brief at the park office. Bedroom at Mutanda lake resort accommodation in Bwindi impenetrable national park for gorilla trekking

Mutanda lake resort for gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda

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’s 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. You can have your delicious meals here or in the comfort of your room.

Cons: Mutanda Lake Resort is quite a distance from the Nkuringo, Rushaga and Mgahinga gorilla trekking start points; guests have to take a very early morning drive for about an hour to make it for the 7:30 am briefing.

Get quote from best tour company for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda like safari vacations and travel services

Top Lodges for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

One only gorillas nest Rwanda

Awake your wild adventure spirit in One&Only Gorilla Nest’s enchanting escapes when you go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Relish creature comforts of the sparkling infinity pool, fresh cuisine crafted inspired by local seasonal produce, and stimulating spa.

The lodge’s pompous wooden design incorporates local volcanic stone in the decor, mixing a palette of browns with traditional Rwandan black and white Imigongo prints (geometric patterns initially created from cow dung).

The rooms are designed to draw the outside in; some rooms have bathtubs or showers on their wooden decks; others have baths looking onto the vegetation so close that it makes guests feel part of the jungle surroundings. There’s a cosy gas fire in each room too.

The resort has an intimate collection of 14 free-standing forest hideaways and four spacious suites mushrooming over the sprawling, fragrant gardens with enchanting amenities. The rooms are designed to draw the outside, featuring viewing decks, inviting fireplaces, alfresco showers, and standalone baths.

Become one with the natural world from your own private sanctuary with swaying eucalyptus trees bounded by dramatic volcanic vistas – you will find that the One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is more than just a safari lodge but one of Africa’s fanciest forest resorts.

Bisate

Bisate Lodge

Bisate Lodge is the latest addition to luxury lodges for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Its uber-funky design portrays a touch of glamour with stylish conical chalets, and replicas of ancient Rwandese king’s palaces. The lodge sits 8 km (16-minute drive) from the gorilla trekking starting point.

Six conically shaped thatched forest villas are beautifully tucked into the lush forest setting, with spacious porches opening out onto magnificent views of Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Mikeno volcano peaks. The customary shapes of the suites are a nod to Rwandan culture, and the exquisite interior decor maximizes comfort and warmth while making the most of the rainforest atmosphere.

The villa consists of a generously spacious bedroom, living space and bathroom, kept warm by a central fireplace. Spectacular views across the private decks are glamorous for calm vacation days.

The lodge’s culinary menu fuses local Rwandan flavors with contemporary cross-border cuisines and wholesome farm-to-table dishes. Bisate’s wine cellar has a spectacular collection, and it’s an awesome hangout for a romantic evening after the gorilla safari adventure.

Virunga Lodge Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Virunga Gorilla Lodge

Enchanting safari lodges for gorilla trekking — top jungle resorts for the best adventure experiences in Uganda and Rwanda

Virunga Lodge Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Set on stunning hillside farmland overlooking Musanze Valley, the glorious Virunga Lodge boasts panoramic vistas of the Virunga Massif and the beautiful lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera.

The iconic safari lodge has defined Rwandese Afro-chic since 2004, setting the tone for Africa’s finest bush resorts. It has ten lavish bandas that feature spacious bedrooms with cosy fireplaces and private verandahs. The interior is a fusion of timeless, hand-made style with contemporary interior design to give the guest familiar but unique comforts in a jungle far, far away.

You can find relaxing in the main boutique lounge quite restorative. Spend some study time in the Dian Fossey Map Room and catch up on some gorilla conservation milestones. Also, every guest gets a complimentary massage, which they’ll find pretty relaxing after the gorilla trekking experience.

Fantastic food and exceptional personalized service make Virunga Lodge one of the top lodges for gorilla trekking adventures in Rwanda.

Best Lodges For Gorilla Trekking – Singita Kwitonda

Singita Kwitonda Lodge’s unrivalled position, a 10-minutes’ drive from the park office, puts transformative gorilla trekking experiences within easy reach. The lodge has eight elegant suites featuring a wellness treatment area, private heated plunge pool, fireplaces and large timber-framed windows that welcome spectacular scenery and volcano views inside.

Created in response to the surrounding dramatic landscapes, Kwitonda lodge includes unique elements like woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brickwork designed by local artisans. The on-site vegetable garden provides fresh produce for Kwitonda farm-to-table culinary experience. At Kwitonda, guests have nurturing space within which to contemplate their encounters with the remarkable “gentle giants of the forest”, the lodge envelopes them in a sanctuary of warmth, stillness & solitude.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge Rwanda

Enchanting safari lodges for gorilla trekking — top jungle resorts for the best adventure experiences in Uganda and Rwanda

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge by Governors Camp is a classic vacation resort hidden in the foothill jungles of the Virunga Mountains, close to Virunga National Park headquarters. From here, guests can quickly walk to the briefing point to start their gorilla trekking adventures.

The Sabyinyo charm of warm, super-cosy, terracotta chalets surrounded by tropical green in the forefront of the imposing Virungas makes this lodge a top choice for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Cottages are masterfully constructed with solid, rustic stone and fitted with large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish unsuited bathrooms and private porches. The suites are private, featuring traditional terracotta tile roofs and polished wooden floors. The house chef serves meals in the cosy dining room or al fresco on the outside deck for the breathtaking Virunga views.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge in Rwanda

Nestled at the foothills of Mount Karisimbi, a 10-minute drive to the entrance to Volcanoes National Park, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is a superb base for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and nature hiking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

The lodge has 30 private forest cabins, constructed from local material and fitted with a spacious living area, fireplace, en suite bathroom, and outside sitting area. The lodge’s chef serves local gourmet cuisine with fresh ingredients from fresh farm produce.

If you’re looking for decent, relaxed and affordable gorilla trekking accommodation around Volcanoes National Park, then Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is the best choice. It is not as flashy as the earlier mentioned lodges but offers competitive services for a room price that won’t break your bank account.

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For inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation, get in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after you have arrived for the safari.