Volcanoes Safaris launches Mount Gahinga Lodge in Uganda
A luxury lodge in the Virunga Mountains in Uganda has been upgraded and reopened, increasing the range of luxury options in the area. The closest international airport, Entebbe, is a five-hour direct flight from the UAE.
The Mount Gahinga Lodge has relaunched as the Volcanoes culture and hiking lodge. In conjunction with Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, the lodge will offer new tours to visit the Batwa community, which was featured in last week’s travel section and is considered to be the oldest surviving people of central Africa.
Adventure activities include volcano hiking, golden monkey and mountain gorilla tracking and bird and wildlife watching.
Modelled on traditional African huts, the property’s nine bandas have been completely refurbished with fireplaces, private terraces and luxury modern bathrooms.
Locally sourced slate and volcanic rock were used in the construction, as well as locally grown and made bamboo and eucalyptus furniture.
Rooms cost from US$180 (Dh660) per person per night based on two sharing, in low season. The rate includes all meals and drinks, laundry, activities around the lodge and one complimentary massage (www.volcanoessafaris.com/lodges/mount-gahinga-lodge).
By Rosemary Behan
Write to us on [email protected] or send us a message via the form on our contact page.
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Uganda: +256 (0) 414 346 464
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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.
