10 Ugandan lodges that will make your gorilla trekking an #UnforgettableExperience

#3: Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Gorilla Safari Lodge is found at the edge of the thick, lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Southwest Uganda. This national park is home to wild gorillas, forest elephants and 23 species of bird endemic to the area. It is a 5-minute walk from the briefing point for trekking and makes it a much sought-after lodge for gorilla tracking safaris. There are plenty of activities on offer, including a visit to the Batwa pygmies, mountain biking and guided forest walks to the Bayenda Falls.

The rooms have solar-powered lighting, an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold water and flush toilets. Each unit is designed to look like a stand-alone log cabin and blends in with the rainforest, ensuring that the lodge does not look out of place in its wild surroundings. Cobbled paths with wooden bannisters join the rooms, each named after gorillas or gorilla tribes. This remote lodge comprises 18 individual units (sleeping 45 in total) each with private wooden balconies overlooking the wilderness. 3 of these units are inter-leading rooms, making them ideal for families. 

#5: Four Gorillas Lodge, Bwindi

The Four Gorillas Lodge in Bwindi Forest offers contemporary luxury while satisfying the human craving to become one with nature and fellow apes. The cottages are surrounded by dense forest and feature upscale elegance within a cosy homesteading. In this oasis of privacy, serenity and rejuvenation, there are no crowds, just Mountain Gorillas as well as the soothing sound of birds, and breathtaking views. Four Gorillas Lodge is close to the headquarters of the National Park, only 10 minutes away from the Gorilla tracking and briefing centre.

#7: Chameleon Hill Lodge

Ah, the Chameleon Hill Lodge, this list would be incomplete without some mention of the colourful and eclectic lodge which is tucked away in the lush hills surrounding Lake Mutanda in Uganda. Lake Mutanda is located between Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the Virunga Mountains and is a region of forested mountain slopes and wetland ecosystems.

The Chameleon Hill Lodge comprises ten chalets, all with sweeping views of the lake, each with the lodge’s signature unique color scheme and furnished with handmade Euro-African style items. Common areas include a wooden deck, modern lounge with fireplace, and a library.

During your stay, you can track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, take to the water for boating excursions or get to know local families and communities with immersive cultural activities. Plenty of hiking is available outside of gorilla treks, too, for the active traveller. 

#9: Mahogany Springs Lodge

Mahogany Springs is located in the northern part of Bwindi National Park in the southwest of Uganda. The park is famed for its 11 habituated gorilla groups that you can trek to. Like other properties in the vicinity of Bwindi, Mahogany Springs is just up the road from both the park headquarters (where you go before your gorilla trek) and the small town of Bwindi.

The main area of Mahogany Springs is cosy yet spacious. It is all built of wood and the main area combines a dining area, a large veranda, a bar and a curio shop. The décor is warm and colourful. The rooms are located off a stoned pathway, through beautiful gardens and the forest in the background. The property is quiet and spacious, offering a very relaxing stay.

There are a couple of different room categories at Mahogany Springs. The superior suites can be twin, double or triple and offer ensuite bathrooms with a private terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding forest. There is also a presidential suite which is good for families. The two bedrooms interconnect and a lounge area are provided. The final room type is the honeymoon suite which is similar to the superior suite but has a few extras, such as a larger bed and a bathtub.