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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.

Lodge Overview

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

Trek the Nyakagezi gorilla family, famous for its multiple silverbacks and the only gorilla group in Mgahinga Park.

Hike to see the playful and rare golden monkeys.

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.

Make your stay even more special and book the lodge and gorilla group on an exclusive use basis.

Fireside chat the evening before your gorilla trek with a researcher from Gorilla Doctors.

Safaris

7 Day Great Ape Conservation Safari in Uganda

7 Day Gorilla, Golden Monkey and Batwa Culture Safari

See the rare golden monkeys, and track the majestic mountain gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda

10 Day Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari

This unique safari links the finest gorilla and chimpanzee sites in Africa

4 Day Gorilla Safari

Trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda.

7 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari

Our classic great ape safari in Uganda

Conservation and Community

Mount Gahinga Lodge, Uganda in the News

VS-Gorilla

Flash Uganda’s latest article covers everything you need to know about gorilla trekking when visiting Uganda. Check out the full article here

batwa-village

We are delighted our pioneering work on gorilla tourism has been featured in Travel Africa magazine. Read the full article here.  

Mount Gahinga lodge-Batwa-AH1I3534

  We are honoured to see Volcanoes Safari’s Gahinga Batwa Village recognized in this article as we continue to support the Batwa

Mount Gahinga Lodge, Uganda Rates

High Season Lodge Rates Per Person SharingSingle Occupancy
Mount Gahinga Lodge Standard Banda$ 1185$ 1420
Mount Gahinga Lodge Deluxe Banda$ 1540$ 1850
Community Fee$ 50$ 50

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1 June to 30 September and 15 December to 28 February. (2024)

Low Season Lodge Rates Per Person SharingSingle Occupancy
Mount Gahinga Lodge Standard Banda$ 710$ 710
Mount Gahinga Lodge Deluxe Banda$ 930$ 930
Community Fee$ 50$ 50

Low season rates are applicable on bookings from 1 October to 14 December and 1 March to 31 May. (2024)

High Season Lodge Rates Per Person SharingSingle Occupancy
Mount Gahinga Lodge Standard Banda$ 1275$ 1525
Mount Gahinga Lodge Deluxe Banda$ 1655$ 1990
Community Fee$ 50$ 50

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1 June to 30 September and 15 December to 28 February. (2025)

Low Season Lodge Rates Per Person SharingSingle Occupancy
Mount Gahinga Lodge Standard Banda$ 765$ 765
Mount Gahinga Lodge Deluxe Banda$ 1000$ 1000
Community Fee$ 50$ 50

Low season rates are applicable on bookings from 1 October to 14 December and 1 March to 31 May. (2025)

International Guest Terms

Terms Summary
  • Rates are effective on all new 2024 bookings made from 1st April 2023.
  • Rates are inclusive of current government taxes, which may be subject to change without notice.
  • The rates above include accommodation and meals, soft drinks, standard and premium alcoholic drinks, cellar collection wines (except French champagne), single malt whiskeys, laundry services, any activities at the lodges, and all massages (subject to booking and availability).
  • The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership community and conservation fee of $50 per guest per night funds community and conservation projects around the lodges.
  • Low season rates are applicable to bookings from 1 October to 14 December and 1 March to 31 May.
  • Children of 12 years and under staying in the same room as their parents pay US $100 per child per night. Children under 5 years stay for free.
  • Children of 12 years and under, occupying their own room pay adult rates.
  • The minimum age limit for children at Virunga Lodge is 12 years.
Special Offers
  • Book Bwindi Lodge and Kyambura Gorge Lodge combined for 4 nights and get the 5th night free.
  • Book 2 nights at Kyambura Gorge Lodge or Mt. Gahinga Lodge and get 50% discount on the 3rd night.
  • Kibale Lodge Introductory Offer. Book Kibale with Bwindi or Gahinga and receive the 5th night free (at the lower priced lodge). Valid until 31 December 2025.
  • The offers cannot be combined.
Map room
  • At Virunga the Dian Fossey Map Room is available for conferences, private events and other functions. Please inquire for details and cost.
Payment policy Standard booking (Up to 3 rooms)
  • A 20% non-refundable deposit is payable upon receipt of invoice.
  • Final balance is due 30 days prior to arrival.
  • Bookings within 30 days of arrival – full payment due upon receipt of invoice.
Group booking (4 and above rooms)
  • 35% non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is payable upon receipt of invoice in order to confirm booking.
  • Final balance of 65% is due 60 days prior to date.
  • Bookings within 60 days of arrival – full payment due upon receipt of invoice.
For full Terms and Conditions please visit our website.
Special Offers
  • 5 for 4 Nights. Book the following lodge combinations and receive the 5th night free (at the lower priced lodge): Virunga and Gahinga; Bwindi and Kyambura.
  • Kibale Lodge Introductory Offer. Book Kibale with Bwindi or Gahinga and receive the 5th night free (at the lower priced lodge). Valid until 31 December 2025.
  • 50% discount on 3rd night. Book 3 nights at Kyambura Gorge Lodge or Mount Gahinga Lodge and receive 50% discount on the 3rd night. (Cannot be combined with the ‘5 for 4 offer’)
  • Villa Rates. Exclusive use lodge rates are available on request.
  • Dian Fossey Map Room. At Virunga the Dian Fossey Map Room is available for conferences, private events and other functions. Please inquire for details and cost.
Terms Summary
  • All rates are in US Dollars (USD).
  • Rates are effective on all new 2025 bookings made from 9 April 2024.
  • Rates are inclusive of current government taxes, which may be subject to change without notice.
  • The rates above include accommodation and meals, soft drinks, standard and premium alcoholic drinks, signature cocktails, cellar collection wines (except French champagne), single malt whiskeys, laundry services, any activities at the lodges, and all massages (subject to booking and availability).
  • Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust community and conservation fee of $50 per guest per night funds community and conservation projects around the lodges.
  • Low season rates are applicable to bookings from 1 October to 14 December and 1 March to 31 May.
  • Children of 12 years and under staying in the same room as their parents pay US $100 per child per night. Children under 5 years stay for free.
  • Children of 12 years and under, occupying their own room pay adult rates.
  • The minimum age limit for children at Virunga Lodge is 12 years.
  • At Kyambura Gorge Lodge, a $25 per person fee, paid to Uganda Wildlife Authority, for the guided nature walk along the Fig Tree Camp trail, to the chimpanzee tracking starting point is included in the lodge rate.
Payment Policy Lodge Only Bookings
  • A deposit of 20% of the invoice is payable upon receipt in order to confirm your booking.
  • For bookings for 4 rooms and above, the deposit payable is 35%.
  • The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Final balance is due 30 days prior to arrival.
  • For bookings within 30 days of arrival the full payment is due upon receipt of invoice.
Safari Bookings
  • Full value of gorilla and chimpanzee permits plus 20% of the rest of the invoice, is payable upon receipt of invoice.
  • For bookings for 4 rooms and above, the deposit payable is the full value of gorilla and chimpanzee permits plus 35% of the rest of the invoice.
  • The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Final balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.
  • For bookings within 45 days of arrival the full payment is due upon receipt of invoice.
Please read our full Terms and Conditions including our cancellation policy on our website.

Resident Rates

For rates for East African residents and the DRC, as well as bona fide conservation organisations please contact [email protected].

Mount Gahinga Lodge, Uganda

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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.

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.