Lodges in and around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a variety of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. This park, though Uganda’s smallest at 33.7 square kilometers, is a major destination for gorilla tracking, golden monkey tracking, and other wildlife activities. Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly options, you’ll find something comfortable and close to nature.

The park’s main lodges and campsites offer great views of the volcanic mountains and the surrounding landscapes. Up-market and budget-friendly stays are available near the park headquarters at Ntebeko, while additional options can be found in Kisoro town (14km away) and at Lake Mutanda (30km away).

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which also includes Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Together, these parks form a transboundary area dedicated to the conservation of mountain gorillas. The park sits on the slopes of three volcanoes – Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo – reaching altitudes between 2,227 and 4,127 meters.

Here are some popular lodges and camps near Mgahinga:

Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mount Gahinga Lodge is a luxury option located right at the park entrance, ideal for gorilla tracking and golden monkey tracking. The lodge offers spacious bandas (cottages) with en-suite bathrooms, fireplaces, flush toilets, and showers. Visitors can enjoy an outdoor terrace with a sunroom, a central fire, and lush gardens. The lodge also offers a restaurant, bar, solar power, and laundry services. Additional activities include the Batwa heritage trail, volcano hiking, bird watching, and nature walks.

Travelers’ Rest Hotel, Kisoro

Travelers’ Rest Hotel is a mid-range option located 14km from the park in Kisoro town. Known as one of Uganda’s oldest hotels, it features 11 well-furnished rooms, including singles, doubles, and suites. Facilities include a restaurant, internet access, garden, and laundry services. This hotel provides a comfortable stay close to the park and is a good base for gorilla trekking.

Mucha Hotel, Kisoro

Mucha Hotel is another mid-range hotel, located just 6km from Kisoro town along the banks of the River Mucha. The hotel offers 10 en-suite bedrooms with twin, double, and single options. Guests enjoy amazing views of the river and surrounding volcanoes. The hotel features a lounge, restaurant, bar, coffee area, private vegetable garden, and banana trees.

Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp

Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp is close to the park entrance and only 12km from Kisoro town. The camp provides simple and affordable accommodations with 2 dormitories and 3 bandas (traditional huts). It offers excellent views of the Virunga Mountain ranges, including Gahinga, Sabinyo, and Muhabura.

Mgahinga Rest Camp

Mgahinga Rest Camp is another option close to the park, offering budget-friendly accommodations. The camp has 9 grass-thatched bandas and 3 tents, each with private facilities. Its strategic location gives travelers easy access to gorilla trekking activities in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kisoro Tourist Hotel

Located in Kisoro town, Kisoro Tourist Hotel is a budget-friendly choice with self-contained rooms at affordable rates. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, lounge, sauna, conference facilities, steam bath, fitness room, internet access, gift shop, and a fireplace. It’s a great option for travelers on a gorilla safari in Mgahinga.

Mutanda Lake Resort

Mutanda Lake Resort, located 14km from Kisoro, offers budget-friendly accommodation with stunning views of Lake Mutanda and its unique islands. The resort has recently changed management and continues to offer comfortable lodging close to nature.

Chameleon Hill Lodge

Another luxury lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, is frequently used by travelers on gorilla safaris in Uganda. This lodge provides a high-end experience with beautiful views and luxurious amenities, perfect for those looking for an upmarket stay near the park.

Attractions & Activities at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Ntebeko Visitor Centre

The Ntebeko Visitor Centre is the starting point for many activities at Mgahinga, including nature walks, volcano climbing, and tracking both golden monkeys and gorillas. Inside the centre, exhibits showcase the natural wonders of the Virunga environment. Just outside, a trail runs alongside the Buffalo Wall, a drystone barrier built to keep animals away from local farms. This trail is ideal for birdwatching and offers a stunning view of the park’s volcanic scenery.

Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga is a remarkable adventure, allowing you to follow trails of broken vegetation across the Virunga slopes to find a gorilla family. Spending an hour in the company of these incredible animals is one of the most treasured wildlife experiences. Gorilla tracking begins daily at 8:00 AM from the Ntebeko Visitor Centre and usually takes between 3 to 5 hours. It’s essential to book permits in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala or through Iconic Africa Safaris.

Golden Monkey Tracking

While gorillas are the main attraction, golden monkeys also offer an exciting experience in the Virungas. The volcanoes are among the last habitats of this rare species, found mostly in bamboo forests on Mount Gahinga. Like with gorillas, visitor time with golden monkeys is limited to one hour. However, those who choose the habituation experience can spend an entire day following these beautiful orange-furred primates with researchers, making it a rare and immersive experience.

Volcano Climbing

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park includes three of the Virunga volcanoes: Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. Each of these volcanoes can be climbed within a day, rewarding hikers with breathtaking views of Rwanda, the Congo, and even Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The highest peak, Muhavura, stands at 4,127 meters and features a pristine crater lake at the summit, offering sweeping views along the Virunga range. The hike to Muhavura takes you through unique vegetation zones, from forests to bamboo stands and heather groves, and finally to the summit where rare giant plants thrive. Mount Gahinga, at 3,474 meters, is the smallest of the three and is known for its bamboo-covered slopes leading up to a lush crater. Mount Sabinyo, at 3,669 meters, has jagged peaks, deep gorges, and narrow ridges that require careful climbing, including a ladder section. At its summit, you’ll stand at the point where Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo meet.

Birdwatching

Mgahinga is a paradise for bird lovers, with the opportunity to see rare Albertine Rift species and other forest birds. Some of the best spots for birdwatching include Sabinyo Gorge, which is home to the vibrant Rwenzori Turaco, the saddle between Mounts Gahinga and Sabinyo, and the Boundary Trail near Ntebeko, with its scenic volcanic background.

The Batwa Trail

For many generations, the Batwa Pygmies, an indigenous forest-dwelling community, lived in Mgahinga’s forests, relying on them for food, shelter, and medicine. Today, Batwa guides lead visitors through these forests, sharing stories of their former home and demonstrating traditional skills for survival. The Batwa Trail’s highlight is the descent into Garama Cave, a vast lava tube that was once the Batwa king’s residence. Inside, visitors are treated to a moving cultural performance of music and dance by the Batwa, creating a memorable and immersive experience. The trail is available in both full-day and half-day options.