Staying at Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge during Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga

Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge offers a great stay for visitors trekking gorillas in Mgahinga National Park. The lodge is only 30 minutes (20 km) from Mgahinga, where the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family lives. Guests can also trek gorillas in Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The lodge provides comfort, beautiful views, and easy access to multiple trekking locations. It sits in Mucha, 10 km from Kisoro Town along the Mutolere-Rubuguli road. Visitors can reach the lodge easily from Kisoro Airstrip, which is 13 km away. The Kyanika border with Rwanda is just 20 km away. The lodge is a perfect place to relax while enjoying views of Lake Mulehe and the surrounding landscape. Bird lovers will find many bird species around the lodge.

Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge has 12 cottages, each designed for comfort and privacy. The lodge offers single, double, twin, and triple rooms. It also has a family cottage with two self-contained rooms connected by an interconnecting door. This setup is ideal for families with two adults and two children or four adults. Every cottage has a private porch with stunning views of Lake Mulehe. Guests can enjoy the cool breeze and natural surroundings from their rooms.

Activities at Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge

Visitors can engage in different activities besides gorilla trekking. The lodge provides exciting experiences for all travelers. These activities include:

• Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga: Guests can track golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These primates are active and fun to watch as they jump through the bamboo forest.
• Batwa Experience in Mgahinga: The Batwa people are the indigenous forest dwellers of the region. Visitors can learn about their culture, hunting skills, and traditional medicine.
• Batwa Experience in Echuya Forest: Travelers can visit the Batwa community in Echuya Forest. This experience can happen before arriving at the lodge or after their stay.
• Motorized Boat Ride on Lake Mulehe: A two-hour boat ride costs $20 per person. This activity offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and a relaxing water experience.
• Community and Village Walk: Visitors can take a guided walk to experience the culture of the Bafumbira people. This activity costs $10 per person and includes local dances, traditional food preparation, and storytelling.
• Indoor Games: The lodge provides free indoor games for guests who prefer to relax at the property.

Exploring Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park lies in southwestern Uganda. It covers 33.7 square kilometers and protects the Virunga Volcanoes’ slopes. The park features bamboo forests, montane forests, and alpine vegetation. Mgahinga is home to gorillas, golden monkeys, forest elephants, and various bird species. The park also offers hiking trails leading to the three volcanoes: Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda provides excellent gorilla trekking experiences in two destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Travelers must obtain trekking permits before visiting. The permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Booking permits in advance ensures availability, especially in peak seasons through Iconic Africa Safaris or Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Preparing for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking requires physical readiness and proper gear. Travelers should wear hiking boots, long trousers, and long-sleeved shirts. Carrying a rain jacket, gloves, and a walking stick is advisable. Drinking water and packed lunch are necessary since treks last several hours. Rangers provide a briefing before trekking starts. They explain the rules and safety measures for a successful experience.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park hosts more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas. It has four trekking regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Bwindi offers a challenging yet rewarding experience due to its dense vegetation and steep terrain.

Mgahinga National Park has only one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi Family. Trekking in Mgahinga is easier because of the open bamboo forests. The park offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Travelers can trek gorillas year-round, but the best time is during the dry seasons. The dry months are June to August and December to February. During these months, trails remain less slippery, making trekking easier. However, gorilla trekking remains possible during the rainy seasons from March to May and September to November. In these months, visitors enjoy fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.

Getting to Mgahinga from Entebbe or Kampala

Visitors can reach Mgahinga by road or air. Each option provides a unique travel experience.

By Road

Travelers can drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Mgahinga. The journey covers about 510 km and takes approximately 9 to 10 hours. The route passes through Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale before reaching Kisoro. From Kisoro, the lodge is only 10 km away. The drive offers scenic views of rolling hills, farmlands, and local villages.

By Air

Visitors who prefer a shorter journey can take a domestic flight. Flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Kisoro Airstrip, travelers can take a 30-minute drive to the lodge. Several airlines operate daily flights, making air travel a convenient option.