Mountain Gorilla viewing is the major tourism activity offered in the pearl of Africa this once life time experience involves hiking through the stunning dense forests in search for the mountain gorillas. It is conducted with in two national parks in this country namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park as analyzed below.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This hidden gem is place of safety to over 400 mountain gorillas’ almost half of the worlds remaining mountain gorilla population the parks bio diversity is dominated with lush rain forest, steep ridges, thick vegetation species hence it creates ideal conditions for the wellbeing of these primates.
Gorilla trekking activity at this tourism destination focuses on four separated sectors namely Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija each sector has family members.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Just like Bwindi this park is also ranked as the home to the stunning mountain gorillas situated in the Virunga Mountain in the southwestern part of Uganda. The gorilla family at this destination is known as the Nyakagezi group.
Going for gorilla trekking in Uganda does not require one to sleep in the wilderness, these national parks own a collection of lodgings where you are to have cozy overnight stays. Their accommodation facilities range from luxurious to budget standards as analyzed below
Here are some of the facilities situated near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Luxurious Lodge.
Gorilla Heights Lodge
With the mountain views gorilla heights lodge is set in Kisoro such a perfect spot for one to spend a cozy stay when is in for the gorilla trekking adventure. The lodge comprises of wide range of amenities including onsite restaurant, free shuttle service, bar, garden, outdoor swimming pool, internet connections, private parking free of charge, setting area with flat screen tv and private bathroom with room service, shower plus fridge and car hire services are available hence a good stay at the hotel.
Buhoma Haven Lodge
This spacious lodge lies above Buhoma Village a five-minute drive from the main road, the elevated location guarantees best views the lodge has almost six beautifully designed twin/ double cottages self-contained en- suites tents, 3 self-contained cottages and 2 noon- self-contained twin cottages and 1family cottage.
Bandas are built with local materials and are of the African architecture design the lodge has restaurant well stocked bar internet connections, free parking among other amenities hence offering quality services to visitors.
Four Gorilla Lodge
Four Gorilla Lodge is ranked among the best luxury accommodation facility with in this park its situated on its margins so close to the Rushaga Sector it only takes almost ten minutes’ drive to the parks trekking starting point, the strategic location of this facility rewards guests with clear breathtaking views of the park. Four Gorilla Lodge comprises of adorable cottages each fixed with ensuite bathrooms, cozy fire place, and balconies.
Amenities at this place are a well-stocked bar and lounge fitted with both soft and hard drinks like sodas, water, juice, wines, spirits, beers among others, complimentary wifi in common areas, secure parking yards, gift shop with artisan crafts, laundry service, in room massage treatment on request, on site restaurant that serves delicious meals among others.
Gorilla Leisure Lodge
This accommodation facility is located in Kisoro approximately 47kilometers from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the strategic location of this lodge offers mountain views to clients while at this place guests can have access to the bar and barbecue facilities, gardens free private parking, playing grounds for children, onsite restaurant always serves delicious meals.
At the hotel the rooms are equipped with desk, bed linen, and the balcony with the garden view, private bathroom fitted with shower free toiletries.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
In the mist of giant’s luxury meets at clouds mountain gorilla lodge this luxury accommodation facility is nestled in the southern part of the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable National Park positioned in the Nkuringo Sector.
The facility is set on a mountain ridge almost 200 meters above the sea level the location rewards guests with the radiant clear views of the stunning Virunga Volcanoes and the great rift valley.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge features nice looking cottages that are well built using volcanic stones depicting the local craftsman ship equipped with spacious living room with hand woven carpets wood burning fire place, overstuffed armchairs, ensuite bathrooms, and expansive balconies.
Amenities offered at this place include a well-stocked bar and lounge, internet connections, secure parking yards, laundry service, in room massage treatment on request, on site restaurant to mention but a few.
Mid- Range Facilities
Bakiga Lodge
This mid-range safari lodge is situated in the Ruhija Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park just a few minutes’ drive from the gorilla trekking meeting point. Bakinga Lodge is built on the top of a beautiful valley overlooking the park.
This lodge is such a wonderful place for people looking for the real African experience offering warm African service and fantastic food. offering almost six family cabins and 2 twin tents all self-contained with ensuite bathrooms and spectacular view.
Agandi Lodge
This eco- friendly lodge at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Ruhija located just a few minutes to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) briefing point reaching there you will be welcomed by a wonderful team fully available to make your stay an unforgettable.
Budget Facilities
Pack Packers Lodge
This lodge is located on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in this place is travelers’ paradise comprising of furnished rooms to give you great stay with room service, free internet, free parking, restaurant, lounge and they do give free breakfast to visitors.
Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Buhoma community rest camp offers budget accommodation to visitors with a restaurant and a bar the accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free Wi-Fi hence a cozy stay.
Here are some of the accommodation facilities nestled near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Leisure Lodge
This accommodation is located in Kisoro approximately 47kilometers from Mgahinga gorilla national park it offers accommodation with a garden free private parking a shared lounge and a terrace. Each guest room has mountain view and guests can have access to the bar and to barbecue facilities.
Their rooms are equipped with desk, bed linen, and the balcony with the garden view, private bathroom fitted with shower free toiletries their breakfast is always a buffet plus the restaurant that offers all kinds of meals and playing ground for children.
Mount Gahinga Lodge
This kind of lodge is categorized as an up-market facility situated on the muhavura Mountain in the southwestern part of Uganda it comprises of almost eight guest rooms built in the direction that overlooks the stunning Virunga Mountains.
These are examples of the rooms available single, double, family suites and twin rooms all their rooms have ensuite bathrooms toilets, shower television chair hence a reward of a comfortable stays, the lodge amenities include room service, laundry service, laundry service, on site restaurant, dining area, security, parking yard, camping fire area, spa gardens to mention but a few.
Chahafi Safari Resort
This exclusive safari resort is nestled near Kisoro Town just close to the shores of Lake Chahafi on a stay to this resort it rewards guests with the clear views of the Virunga Mountain.
Their guest rooms are well organized self-contained fitted with showers, beds with treated mosquito nets adorable bed sheets, chair, tables. This resort has on site restaurant, stocked bar, camp fire, free Wi-Fi connections, laundry service among other amenities and security is provided to clients.
Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge.
This mid-range accommodation facility is situated close to Mountain Muhavura in Kisoro District the lodge is surrounded with the lush vegetation species and its location rewards guests with clear views of the three mountain ranges namely Mountain Sabinyo, Mountain Gahinga and Mountain Sabinyo.
The facility comprises of almost ten beautiful cottages with bathrooms, showers, television veranda and balcony amenities enjoyed include free internet connection, well stocked bar, restaurant free parking area among others.
Imbogo Safari Lodge
This upmarket lodge is located at Nyarusiza in Kisoro District situated on Mufumbiro ranges its location rewards guests with clear views of the Virunga Mountains. Imbogo Safari Lodge comprises of nice-looking guest rooms well designed with luxurious beds; balcony fitted with ensuite bathrooms toilets with free toiletries shower.
These are some of the amenities offered namely on-site restaurant that serves both local and international cuisines, a well-stocked bar, free internet connections, room services, free parking yard, laundry service and their staff is so welcoming.
Travelers Rest Hotel
This nature lodge is located at the turn off of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park it owns almost 11 rooms that are attractively decorated in ethnic style, their meals are served indoors or on the courtyard terrace. Amenities offered here include free private parking, security, onsite restaurant, electricity, and their service providers are so welcoming.
Kisoro Tourist Hotel
This hotel is located at Kisoro has almost 16 nice looking guest rooms fitted with nice beddings mosquito nets, ensuite hot shower large and airy rooms its floor is tiled free from dust.
The hotel has a well-built restaurant that serves delicious meals and a stocked bar with both soft and hard drinks, offer free parking yard, security among others.
Mount Gahinga Rest Camp
This rest camp is positioned on the rim of Mgahinga National Park bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo it comprises of the adorable cottages that are built in the African architecture style inside them they have hot and warm water and they are self-contained fitted with nice beds, mosquito nets chairs among others.
Amenities available at this rest camp include free parking yard, security, restaurant, bar, laundry service staying at this facility it is unavoidable.
Virunga Hotel and Camp Site
This accommodation facility has comfortable spacious 26 rooms and 1 dormitory. It’s a budgeted hotel its services are at relatively affordable prices, beds are fitted with nets visitors enjoy watching television free inter internet connections and ensuite hot shower and many more.
Mutanda Eco Community Centre
This is also another budget friendly facility situated close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park almost six kilometers from Kisoro Metropolis in the south western part of Uganda it is set on the shores of Lake Mutanda with enough space for camping feel free to carry our camping gears.
Another option is having an overnight stay at the Banda’s and the dormitory center. This facility has restaurant, toilets, bathroom, bar and clients are secured with security come for comfort in the wilderness.
In conclusion your stays during gorilla safaris experience in Uganda are being made easier the gorilla trekking lodges offer elegant comfort blended with an eco- conscious design and immersive wildlife experience so staying at these facilities it is really un avoidable.