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Chameleon Hill Lodge
Chameleon Hill Lodge
Chameleon Hill Lodge is one of the most colourful and eye-catching lodges in Uganda. It sits high on a hill overlooking the calm and beautiful Lake Mutanda.
The lodge is perfectly placed between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which makes it a great base for gorilla tracking and golden monkey tracking. Both activities are led by skilled guides who know the forests very well and help you have a safe and enjoyable experience. But there is much more to do here than just tracking. You can go hiking, boating, cycling, or learn about local culture.
There is something for everyone. Chameleon Hill Lodge is famous for its bright, colourful design. Every building is painted a different colour, making the lodge look cheerful and welcoming. Because the lodge sits high on a ridge, you can enjoy beautiful views from almost everywhere.
You can see the blue lake below, the green hills around it, and the tall Virunga Volcanoes far in the distance. The atmosphere at Chameleon Hill is warm and comfortable. The staff are very kind and helpful, and they make sure you feel at home from the moment you arrive. Many guests say the lodge feels friendly and relaxing.
Access & Location
Chameleon Hill Lodge is located on the edge of Lake Mutanda in south-western Uganda. It lies between Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, and it is not far from the town of Kisoro. Because of its good location, it is easy to visit different parks and enjoy different activities.
You can reach the lodge in two main ways:
By Air: You can fly from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro airstrip. From Kisoro, the lodge is about a 40–45 minute drive. This is the fastest and easiest way to get to the lodge.
By Road: You can also travel by road from Kampala, Kabale, Kisoro, or even from Rwanda. The drives are long but very scenic. You will see mountains, forests, farms, lakes, and small villages along the way. As you get closer to the lodge, you drive up the hill and see the lake shining below. The air becomes fresh and cool, and the views become wider and more beautiful. When you reach the lodge, the colourful buildings and calm surroundings make you feel happy and relaxed.
Accommodation & Facilities
Chameleon Hill Lodge looks like a bright and colourful little castle on a high hill above Lake Mutanda. The buildings are painted in many colours, and the round towers make the lodge look fun and unique. The lodge offers five types of accommodation.
One option is the VW T2 Oldtimer Kombi from 1978, made in Germany and turned into a glamping room. It is suitable for one or two guests and has a double bed, a small bedside table, and its own private bathroom. It does not have a mosquito net, but insect repellent is provided. There is also a luggage rack on wheels to keep bags organised.
The Classic Chalets are simple and comfortable rooms. They are 18 square metres in size and come with either twin beds or a king-size bed. Each has a 6-square-metre bathroom with a modern glass shower. These rooms are good for single travellers or guests who want a comfortable stay at a lower price.
The Deluxe Chalets are larger and offer more space. Each is 30 square metres and has a bedroom, a small chill area, and a built-in daybed that can be used for relaxing or for an extra guest. The bathrooms are 9 square metres and have a walk-in shower. These chalets are great for couples or small groups who want extra comfort.
Chameleon Hill Lodge also has two large villas, which give more privacy and space. These villas can be rented as two separate rooms or as one big unit for families or friends traveling together.
The Sunshine Villa has two connected rooms separated by a rustic sliding door with soundproofing. The first room is 45 square metres and has a king-size bed and a wooden daybed on wheels, so it can sleep up to three people. It also has a 15-square-metre bathroom with a walk-in shower and two basins.
The second room is 36 square metres, with twin beds that can change into a king-size bed and a 12-square-metre bathroom. Together, the villa can host up to five guests. Guests staying here also get butler service through a walkie-talkie.
The Rainbow Villa, built in 2024, is the newest villa and has a playful eco-chic design. It has two 27-square-metre bedrooms connected by a 10-square-metre corridor that is used as a massage room. Each bedroom has a king-size double bed, a built-in daybed, and a small chill area. The bathroom is 8 square metres and has a walk-in shower. The ceilings are very high, which makes the rooms feel open and bright.
The Rainbow Villa has some of the best views on the whole property and can host up to six guests. It also includes butler service through a walkie-talkie.
All room types at Chameleon Hill Lodge have a private bathroom with a shower that offers beautiful views of the lake. The lodge uses organic and biodegradable shampoo and body wash from Cinnabar Green, which are safe for the environment and not tested on animals. Every room has a private stone terrace and a small flower garden, giving guests a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature.
All rooms offer wonderful views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Lake Mutanda with its many small islands. Guests will also find a mini safe for valuables, high-quality mattresses, soft bed sheets, and thick towels. Hot water is always available thanks to a modern eco-friendly heating system backed by solar power. Almost all rooms have mosquito nets, except the Kombi, which comes with insect repellent instead.
The Deluxe Chalets and the two villas have extra chill areas with daybeds where guests can rest, relax, or enjoy the scenery. These rooms also come with butler service, which makes the stay even more comfortable.
Activities at Chameleon Hill Lodge
Chameleon Hill offers many exciting and relaxing activities. Guests can enjoy wildlife adventures, cultural experiences, time on the water, and peaceful walks in nature. There is something for every kind of traveler.
1. Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is one of the most special experiences in Africa. You walk through the rainforest to meet the endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural home. Seeing them up close is emotional and unforgettable. Chameleon Hill is perfectly positioned between Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, making it a great base for this activity.
2. Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkeys are beautiful primates with bright golden fur and curious faces. They live only in the Virunga region and are considered highly endangered. During this activity, you walk through bamboo forests on the slopes of the volcanoes while watching the monkeys jump, play, and feed in the trees above you.
3. Mountain Biking around Lake Mutanda
From the lodge, you can cycle around Lake Mutanda, one of Africa’s most stunning lakes. The trail takes you through villages, farms, and banana fields. You can greet local families and enjoy amazing views all day long. The lodge provides high-quality mountain bikes and helmets so your ride is safe and comfortable.
4. Exclusive Experience
This special activity starts with a guided bike ride along the lake, past homesteads and green farmland. When you reach Kisoro town, you leave the bikes and hop onto a Boda-Boda motorbike. The driver takes you to a coffee farm where you learn how coffee is grown, processed, and made. Afterwards, the driver brings you to the shores of Lake Mutanda where the lodge boat awaits. While enjoying snacks and drinks, you travel to Mutanda Island for a memorable community visit. The last stop is mysterious Skeleton Island, a place full of history and stories.
5. Nature Walks
You can begin a nature walk right from the lodge with the help of the in-house naturalist. The walk takes you through forest paths and down to a stream. Your guide explains plants that have been used for medicine for many generations. Later, you follow a clear path along the lake on your own until you reach the Chameleon peninsula, a peaceful area full of untouched beauty. Here, you can also visit the Crystal Path and collect quartz stones if you wish. When you return to the lodge, a tea ceremony awaits you.
6. Boat Cruise
The lodge’s comfortable pontoon boat carries up to twenty guests and is perfect for exploring Lake Mutanda. During the cruise, you can enjoy drinks and snacks while learning about the islands and the people who live there. A visit to Skeleton Island is always a highlight. The boat has a roof for sun or rain, making the trip enjoyable in any weather.
7. Canoeing
A canoe ride on Lake Mutanda is calm and peaceful. You travel in a traditional dugout canoe while a guide or community member paddles. This is a wonderful way to watch birds and listen to nature. The canoe moves quietly through wetlands and along forested shores, giving you a true feeling of the wild.
8. Kayaking
The lodge provides top-quality kayaks that allow you to explore the lake at your own pace. You can paddle along the shoreline, look for birds, and enjoy views of the volcanoes. Many guests also spot the playful otters that live in Chameleon Bay.
9. Cultural Tours
One popular full-day cultural tour begins with a canoe ride to a local farm. Here, the host family welcomes you into their home. You join them in harvesting vegetables and cooking a traditional meal over an open fire. After eating together, you visit the village, learn a few local phrases, and stop by the school to deliver supplies. The day ends with a short Boda-Boda ride back to the lodge. It is a warm and personal way to understand rural life in Uganda.
10. Brick Burning Experience
Guests often wonder how bricks are made in this region, so the lodge created a special half-day tour. You start with a beautiful forest walk down to the lake, then continue by canoe through quiet waterways. After reaching the shore again, you walk to a brick-making site. Here, you see how clay is cut, shaped, dried, and finally burned in a large kiln. The process is long and impressive, and the visit helps you understand how local homes are built.
11. Local Neighborhood Walk
A simple walk starting from the lodge gives you a close look at daily life. You may see children fetching water, farmers tending animals, or families drying harvests. If the walk happens on a Sunday and you are interested, you may even join a lively local church service. Each guide has many stories to share, making the walk both fun and meaningful.
12. Boda-Boda Tour
A Boda-Boda ride is a fun and flexible way to explore the Lake Mutanda area. With no windows around you, you can smell the fresh air, see the landscape clearly, and feel fully connected to the environment. The drivers are skilled, friendly, and careful, and they take you to places you want to see while explaining local life. It may be a little bumpy at times, but it is always enjoyable.
13. Traditional Weaving
Guests who enjoy crafts can join a weaving session led by a local expert. You learn how baskets are made and try the techniques yourself. At the end, you take home a small handmade item as a memory of your experience.
14. Batwa Trail in Mgahinga National Park
This walk introduces you to the ancient forest culture of the Batwa people. Batwa guides show you hunting techniques, traditional medicines, and ways of living in the forest. The trail ends in the sacred Ngarama Cave, once home to the Batwa King. Part of your fee supports Batwa community projects.
15. Batwa Trail in Buniga Forest / Nkuringo
This experience takes you through Buniga Forest, where the Batwa once lived before the area became a national park. Your guides share their traditional skills, stories, and knowledge of forest plants used for healing. The forest is also rich in birds and small mammals. Most of the fee supports community conservation programs.
16. Volcano Climbing
Chameleon Hill is a great starting point for climbing the Virunga volcanoes. You can choose from several peaks with different difficulty levels, including Sabinyo, Muhabura, and Gahinga. Each climb offers incredible views of valleys, forests, and distant mountains. The lodge helps you select the best option based on your fitness and interests.
