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Mount Gahinga Lodge

The Batwa Culture and Gorilla Lodge

Mount Gahinga Lodge was the first lodge built by Praveen Moman and opened in 2002. It is the perfect base to go gorilla tracking on the Ugandan side of the Virungas, track the rare golden monkey, climb a volcano, walk through local villages and most of all to share the culture of the Batwa, the oldest inhabitants of the Central African rain forest.

The charming property, inspired by traditional design and building techniques, has been recently re-imagined: the lounge, dining room, and gardens have been remodeled, and two new deluxe bandas have been launched.

The beautiful hand-built bandas reflect the magic of the aesthetic traditions of the Bufimbira people. Each Banda has an ensuite luxury shower room, fireplace and private porch.

volcanoes safaris mount gahinga lodge mountain view

Lodge Overview

Eight traditional hand built guest bandas facing the magical Virunga Volcanoes (Two deluxe and six standard rooms). 

Trek the Nyakagezi family of mountain gorillas and see the rare golden monkeys in the Mgahinga National Park. 

Start your gorilla trek from the lodge with our direct private footpath to access gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park. 

Exceptional hospitality and locally-inspired food. Personal butler service for all guests. Wifi throughout the lodge and all-inclusive premium drinks menus. 

Enjoy complimentary spa treatments and massages, including the famous Rungu massage at the Gushimisha Spa & Sauna. 

Visit the Gahinga Batwa Village and share the culture of the oldest inhabitants of the Central Africa rain forest.

Safaris

Conservation and Community

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“Our stay was quite possibly the most rewarding experience we have ever enjoyed throughout our many world travels.”
“So amazingly peaceful. Wonderful service and food. Can’t wait to come back.”
Mellanie, USA
“Absolutely amazing! The food, the hospitality, accommodation, and breathtaking views truly make this place a hidden gem! Can’t wait to return…”
Samantha, USA
“Should western societies globally follow by example Volcanoes Safaris conservation and community ethos, our world would be a better place. We have respect and appreciation…
Adrian, Australia
“This is the perfect place to relax for a couple of days and visit the wonders of Mgahinga National Park. The cottages are very spacious…
Lizzie, Switzerland
“We unfortunately only got to stay here for one night as this place offers so much more. The cabins were beautiful, nestled in the gardens…
Quinn, Australia
“The location right next to the park entrance and the surrounding Virunga volcanoes is stunning and totally off the beaten track: no traffic, only crisp…
Julie, Belgium

Booking Enquiry

To make a booking, please complete this form or click here to chat to one of our sales consultants via our live chat. Alternatively, send us an email on [email protected].
To protect gorillas from disease, no children under 15 years are allowed to go gorilla tracking. For guests booking a stay at Virunga Lodge, please note that the minimum age limit for children at Virunga Lodge is 12 years.
Gorilla

Mount Gahinga Lodge: Safari Activities

Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla

Tracking mountain gorillas through the dense African forests is a magical experience. Only eight visitors are allowed per gorilla group each day, and to minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 10m from the gorillas. Typically, tracking can take from 3 to 8 hours and requires some agility and fitness; however, all fitness levels can be accommodated and no one should feel deterred from missing this once in a lifetime experience.

ML Golden Monkey

Mount Gahinga Lodge: Safari Activities

Golden Monkey Tracking

ML Golden Monkey

With only a small number remaining in the world, the Golden Monkey can be found in the foothills of the volcanic mountains of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Characterized by its bright golden body, cheeks and tail, with contrasting black limbs, crown and tail end, these playful primates are a pleasure to watch. Whether you choose to do this on the Rwandan or Ugandan side, the walk will take you from the bamboo stands and forested gorge on the lower levels of the volcanoes, to the elevated heath and moorland higher up.

Sinamatella Rwanda Virunga Volcano View

Mount Gahinga Lodge: Safari Activities

Climb A Volcano

Sinamatella Rwanda Virunga Volcano View

Guests staying at Virunga Lodge or Gahinga Lodge have easy access to the Virunga chain of volcanoes, which offer challenging hikes and stunning panoramas. The three most popular volcanoes to climb are Mt. Gahinga, Mt. Sabyinyo, and Mt. Muhavura. These hikes are of varying difficulty and typically take a full day. The treks starts at 7:00am from the park headquarters, from where visitors drive to the base of the volcano.

A vibrant red aloe vera flower spike against a soft blue sky at Volcanoes Safaris Virunga Lodge, with a small iridescent green bird perched on it, likely extracting nectar. A perfect spot for bird watching.

Mount Gahinga Lodge: Safari Activities

Birding

A vibrant red aloe vera flower spike against a soft blue sky at Volcanoes Safaris Virunga Lodge, with a small iridescent green bird perched on it, likely extracting nectar. A perfect spot for bird watching.

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer some of the world’s best bird watching, with a vast diversity of bird species. Uganda has over 1,000 bird species with 150 found only in Uganda. Rwanda has over 700 bird species and is home to the second highest number of Albertine endemics in the Albertine region. Each of our lodges offers the chance to see a number of different birds, with the vast majority endemic to the Region.

Volcanoes Safaris Uganda Domestic Life

Mount Gahinga Lodge: Safari Activities

Community Walk

Volcanoes Safaris Uganda Domestic Life

Community walk

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Safari Activities

Chimpanzee Tracking

Tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor is nothing short of exhilarating. The chimps effortlessly cross and scamper through the trees above the gorge, and visitors on the other hand must cross the river using natural bridges in order to keep up with the chimps. So although the walk usually lasts only 2–3 hours, descending the steep gorge and crossing the log bridges over the river requires some agility and fitness.

Chimpanzee tracking is also available in nearby Kalinzu, a forest reserve 30 minutes drive from Kyambura Gorge Lodge where there is a community of about 40 habituated chimpanzees.