Where to stay on your gorilla trek
Booking the right gorilla trekking lodges for your adventure can be difficult, so we’ve compiled some options that make that process a little easier! We select our accommodation based on experience, location, service, uniqueness, environmental impact and value for money. There are often similar accommodation options, but we believe these to stand out from the rest. For those looking to stay at the mid-range or luxury hotels options, here’s our top picks!
Uganda Gorilla trekking Lodges
Mid-Range
Let’s begin in Uganda. At US$195pp/night, settle in at Mutanda Lake Resort. This place is an exceptional stay with breathtaking views and tranquility. Perched on Lake Mutanda Peninsula with the shadow of the Virunga Mountains lining your surroundings, the resort offers luxury accommodation combined with some of the best views in the world. With its close proximity to Uganda’s giant Mountain Gorillas, it’s the perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Lounge out by the lake and keep watch for the locals like many of the vast species of bird life.
Each cottage comes with an en-suite bathroom and its private veranda, giving you your own private spot to gaze into this mystical place in nature. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to make the most out of each day in Africa. Saturated in possible activities at your front door like volcanic hikes, water sports and everything in between.
Luxury
For those wanting to splash out a little more, we highly recommend the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. Nestled deep inside the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this 10-tent camp is one of the most secluded and luxurious in Africa. This amazing location will set you back around USD$440pp/night and will be worth every penny as this is the only concessionaire luxury camp within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. By paying the extra dollar, you have the possibility of gorillas wandering right up to the lodge, giving guests a once in a lifetime, unique opportunity of seeing these amazing creatures up close, right at your doorstep.
Each of the comfortable canvas tents are unbelievably aesthetic, well decorated with indigenous prints and filled with naturally made furniture. The tents are very spacious with a stone walled bathroom containing a freestanding bath to wind down after a day of trekking. Once you’re relaxed, take a glass of red from the well-stocked bar and head over to the central campfire to talk with other guests, or take some time to fill up on local produce over a candle lit dinner in the elegant dining area. With only 10 tents, the location is nicely spaced to allow for an intimate and exclusive experience. This spot is by far a unique and authentic wild African experience, all within the comforts and pleasures of luxury living.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Lodges
Mid-range
Heading over to Rwanda, you’ll discover that there are few good mid-range options that are close to Volcanoes National Park. Given that your Gorilla Permit is USD$1,500pp/day, many of the accommodation options start around USD$500+pp/night. With that said, located about one hour drive from the Volcanoes National Park, located on a hilltop between Ruhondo and Burera Lakes, you’ll find Byiza Lodge. This location offers stunning views over the Virunga Volcanic Range. With a private bathroom, breakfast inclusive and views you’ll want to watch for hours, this is one of the better mid-range options at only USD$150pp/night.
Luxury
For one of the best Luxury living accommodation spots in Rwanda, check out the Bisate Lodge. This option is quite steeper than some we’ve listed before, roughly setting you back USD$1,750pp/night. So, what are you paying for? You’re paying for the chance to experience an intimate atmosphere in Rwanda’s first genuinely luxurious and eco sensitive safari camp, situated right in the heart of Africa. The spot sits you right in a natural amphitheater inside an extinct volcanic cone. Offering 6 luxurious villas with stunning views, health-conscious dining and exuberant hospitality with meals prepared with fresh and local ingredients.
Each of the villas are rich with Rwandan culture, with the location priding itself on offering a cultural interaction, reforestation and rehabilitating nature. Within this Unique and opulent experience, you’ll get the opportunity to contribute to community initiatives simply by staying at the lodge as well as helping to plant trees! Bisate Lodge is a highly regarded location on our list and one we thoroughly recommend to anyone looking for an experience of a lifetime.
