Choosing where to stay for your gorilla trek is almost as important as the trek itself. Because gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda takes place at high altitudes and in remote areas, your lodge is more than just a place to sleep—it is your base for familiarization, your source of meals for energy, and your sanctuary after a physically demanding day in the jungle. Here is our comprehensive guide to the best luxury and mid-range lodges for your gorilla trekking safari.
Understanding the Sectors of Bwindi Forest (Uganda)
Unlike in Rwanda, where all trekking starts from a single headquarters, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is divided into four different sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Your gorilla permit will be for a specific sector, and you must stay in or near that particular sector to reach the briefing point on time. Each sector has its own briefing point and a range of accommodation options.
Luxury Gorilla Trekking Accommodation in Bwindi
If you are looking for the ultimate luxury and topmost comfort, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in the Nkuringo sector is the best choice. It is situated at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, making it Uganda’s highest lodge, and offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes from the Ugandan side. Each stone cottage at Clouds comes with its own fireplace and a private butler.
In the Buhoma sector, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is the only lodge located inside the national park boundaries, and it is no surprise that gorillas occasionally wander right through the camp! It offers luxury tents with large bathtubs—perfect for soaking tired muscles after a long trek —and a rejuvenating, calm forest ambiance.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is in its own league for those trekking in the Nkuringo sector! It also works fine for Rushaga. Other luxury facilities in Rushaga include Four Gorillas Lodge and Gorilla Heights Lodge.
Mid-Range Options in Bwindi
There is a variety of moderately priced safari lodges and hotels in all the sectors of Bwindi, and you don’t have to break the bank to stay in a beautiful location. Buhoma Haven Lodge is a community-owned lodge that offers fantastic views and comfortable, self-contained cottages at a mid-range price.
Another excellent choice is Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge in the Rushaga sector. It is located just a few minutes’ walk from the park gates and offers clean, spacious rooms and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. These lodges are perfect for travellers who want comfort and good service without the luxury price tag.
Other options include Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge in Ruhija, and Lake Mutanda Resort, among others.
High-End Luxury Lodges in Rwanda
Rwanda has become a world leader in high-end eco-tourism. Bisate Lodge is perhaps the most famous, with its unique pods designed to look like traditional Rwandan grass-thatched palaces. It offers an unparalleled level of service and a strong focus on reforestation and conservation.
If you prefer a more classic ‘safari’ feel, Singita Kwitonda Lodge provides world-class luxury on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, with a focus on sustainable design and farm-to-table dining. You can also consider Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, which is now part of the Wilderness Destinations chain.
Mid-Range Accommodation Near Volcanoes Park
For a more accessible Rwandan gorilla trekking experience, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge is the ideal choice. It was constructed primarily using local bamboo and stone, and it offers a cozy, authentic feel and is located very close to the park headquarters in Kinigi.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is another great mid-range option, offering large stone cottages with fireplaces—a necessity for the cool nights in Kinigi. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge is also another option for mid-range lodging in Kinigi.
Although these facilities do not charge steep prices, they offer everything you need for a comfortable and memorable trek.
Tips for Booking Your Gorilla Trekking Accommodation
The most important tip is to book early. The best lodges, especially those in the mid-range category, often sell out a year in advance during the peak seasons. Secondly, ensure your lodge is located in the same sector as your gorilla permit (we often take care of this)!
A lodge might look close on the map, but the mountain roads can take hours to navigate. Finally, consider staying at least two nights at your trekking lodge. This gives you time to arrive, relax, do your trek, and enjoy the surroundings before moving on to your next destination.
Contact us for more advice and recommended options in each area, and more gorilla trekking tips for a memorable safari.
Experienced webmaster and copywriter with 16 years of experience in the East African tourism industry. Jerome possess excellent knowledge about gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and accommodations across major destinations in East Africa.
