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Mount Gahinga Lodge

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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.

The Batwa of Gahinga: Honouring our Forefathers
volcanoes safaris mount gahinga lodge mountain view

Lodge Overview

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volcanoes safaris mount gahinga lodge main building exterior
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volcanoes safaris mount gahinga lodge banda sitting room
volcanoes safaris mount gahinga lodge deluxe bedroom
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volcanoes safaris mount gahinga lodge batwa village community centre
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volcanoes safaris mount gahinga lodge standard room
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volcanoes safaris mount gahinga lodge lounge fireplace

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.
Lodge Rates
Mount Gahinga Lodge Fact Sheet
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Safari Activities and Wildlife

Gorilla Tracking

Golden Monkey Tracking

Climb A Volcano

Birding

Community Walk

Safaris

4 Day Gorilla Safari

Trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda.

6 Day Gorilla Safari

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

10 Day Classic Uganda: Gorilla, Chimps, Wildlife and Birds

Trek the gorillas in Bwindi Forest and the Virunga Volcanoes. Search for the ‘Lost Chimpanzees of Kyambura’, see tree-climbing lions and experience ancient Batwa culture.

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

Stay in Touch

Receive news and insights from our lodges and conservation & community projects.

Connect with us

Write to us on [email protected] or send us a message via the form on our contact page.

Rwanda: +250 (0) 252 502 452
Uganda: +256 (0) 414 346 464

You can also chat to one of our sales consultants via our live chat or by starting up a conversation on any of our social pages.
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© Volcanoes Safaris 1997 – 2023. All Rights Reserved

Volcanoes UK Limited, Registered Office: 402 Linen Hall, 162-168 Regent Street, London, W1B 5TE

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

Mount Gahinga Lodge Rates

High Season Lodge Rates 2023Per Person SharingSingle Occupancy
Standard Banda$ 1100$ 1325
Deluxe Banda$ 1440$ 1725
Community Fees$ 50$ 50

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1 June to 30 September and 15 December to 28 February. (2023)

Low Season Lodge Rates 2023Per Person SharingSingle Occupancy
Standard Banda$ 665$ 665
Deluxe Banda$ 870$ 870
Community Fees$ 50$ 50

Low season rates are applicable on bookings from 1 October to 14 December and 1 March to 31 May. (2023)

High Season Lodge Rates 2024Per Person SharingSingle Occupancy
Standard Banda$ 1185$ 1420
Deluxe Banda$ 1540$ 1850
Community Fees$ 50$ 50

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

Low Season Lodge Rates 2024Per Person SharingSingle Occupancy
Standard Banda$ 710$ 710
Deluxe Banda$ 930$ 930
Community Fees$ 50$ 50

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

International Guest Terms

Terms Summary
  • Rates are effective on all new 2023 bookings made from 8th April 2022.
  • Rates are inclusive of current government taxes, which may be subject to change without notice.
  • The rates above include accommodation and meals, house alcoholic drinks, premium drinks (except French champagne), soft drinks, laundry services, any activities at the lodges, massage and spa treatments (subject to booking and availability).
  • All guests staying at the lodge are required to pay $50 community fees per person per night.
  • Low season rates are applicable to bookings from 1 October to 14 December and 1 March to 31 May.
  • At Gahinga, Bwindi, Kyambura children of 16 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.
  • At Virunga children of 12 – 16 years staying in the same room as their parents pay US $100 per child per night. The minimum age limit for children is 12 years.
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.
  • Special offers cannot be combined at any given time.
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.
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.
  • 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.
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.
  • 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.

Resident Rates

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

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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.