Mount Gahinga Lodge

Comfortable accommodation close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Eight guest bandas, all with en-suite facilities
Open-plan lounge and dining area, sun room, two massage rooms, sauna, gift shop, and terrace
Gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, birding, volcano climbing, and cultural experiences

Overview

Mount Gahinga Lodge is a luxurious safari lodge set at the edge of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is one of the best places to stay if you want comfort, nature, and easy access to unforgettable wildlife experiences. The lodge sits in a peaceful rural setting with beautiful views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

From here, you are very close to gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and scenic hikes. The atmosphere is relaxed and personal. Guests often feel at home from the moment they arrive. Children are welcome at Mount Gahinga Lodge. However, only guests aged 15 years and older are allowed to join gorilla treks, as required by park regulations.

Even so, the lodge offers many other activities. This makes it a good choice for couples, families with older children, and small groups. Mount Gahinga Lodge combines comfort with authenticity. It blends well into the landscape and respects the local culture. After a long day of trekking or hiking, it is the perfect place to rest, enjoy good food, and warm up by the fire.

aerial-mount-gahinga-mgahinga-gorilla-np-uganda

Access & Location

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies in the far southwest of Uganda. It is part of the Virunga conservation area, which also stretches into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This region is known for its volcanoes, forests, and rare wildlife. Mount Gahinga Lodge is located very close to the park entrance. This means short travel times in the early morning, which is ideal for gorilla trekking and other activities. You can reach the lodge in several ways. The fastest option is a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip.

The flight takes about one hour. From Kisoro, it is a short drive of around 15 kilometres to the lodge. If you are travelling by road, the journey is longer but very scenic. From Queen Elizabeth National Park, the drive takes about 3 to 4 hours. From Lake Mburo National Park, expect a drive of around 5 to 7 hours. Along the way, you will pass rolling hills, farmland, and small villages.

Accommodation & Facilities at Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mount Gahinga Lodge has eight guest bandas, each built with natural materials. The bandas have solid stone walls and traditional papyrus roofs. Each one is named after a volcano in the Virunga range, adding a special local touch.

There are different room types. Two bandas are deluxe rooms. Four bandas have double beds, and two bandas have twin beds. This makes the lodge suitable for couples, friends, and families. Inside the bandas, the rooms are cosy and well designed. You will find bedside tables with lamps, a strong wooden storage chest, and a stone fireplace. The fireplace is especially welcome in the cool evenings.

Each banda has a private en-suite bathroom. The bathrooms include a flush toilet, twin washbasins, and a shower with hot and cold running water. The design is simple but comfortable.

Every banda also has a private veranda. From here, you can relax, read a book, or enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside. Birds are often seen and heard from the veranda.

A special highlight of Mount Gahinga Lodge is the personal butler service. Each guest is looked after by a dedicated staff member. This adds a personal and caring touch to your stay.

The bandas are linked to the main lodge by neat stone pathways. The main lodge building is also made of stone and thatch. Inside, there is an open-plan lounge and dining area.

The lounge has comfortable wicker sofas and armchairs with soft cushions. A large fireplace sits at the centre of the room. It is a popular place to gather in the evening.

Meals are served at a long communal dining table. This creates a friendly atmosphere where guests can share stories from the day. The food is fresh, tasty, and well prepared.

Next to the lounge is a bright sun room. From here, you can enjoy wide views of the volcanoes and the surrounding landscape. There is also an outdoor terrace, perfect for relaxing during the day.

Wi-Fi is available in the lodge, including in the main areas. However, the connection can be slow or unreliable due to the remote location. Many guests see this as a chance to truly disconnect.

In a separate building, there is a small gift shop. Here, you can buy local crafts and souvenirs. The lodge also has massage rooms and a sauna. Every guest receives one free massage, which is a wonderful way to relax after a trek.