Visit Uganda and Rwanda for the far superior luxury mountain gorilla trekking tours where you will be offered a unique chance to witness the endangered primates in the wild. This is in addition to indulging yourself in the best lodges in either destination. From the first-rate lodges in the rainforests to exclusive tours led by our professional guides, come and experience an adventure that will leave a lasting smile on your face.
Whether you opt to trek these amazing primates in the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or the scenic Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, we promise a gorilla trekking experience that is both luxurious and memorable.
Where to do Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which occupies about 124 square miles of land surface area, is located in southwestern Uganda. This park is dominated by montane forests and has approximately 400 individual mountain gorillas. With over 22 habituated gorilla groups, luxury travelers will have an opportunity to witness these primates in the wild.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with an approximate size of 13.1 square miles is nestled in southwestern Uganda. The park is continuous with Volcanoes and Virunga national parks, all 3 lying within the Virunga Conservation Area and have a total of 603 mountain gorillas. Mgahinga has only one gorilla family that is habituated for gorilla trekking safaris.
Volcanoes National Park, occupies approximately 62 square miles in northwestern Rwanda and also part of the Virunga Conservation Area. Volcanoes is famous for its mountain gorillas and luxury gorilla trekking tours. There are about 10 gorilla families habituated for gorilla trekking tours throughout the year.
When to do Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Luxury gorilla trekking safaris in either Uganda or Rwanda can be done throughout the year, however the best time is during the dry months. These include December, January, February, June, July and August. The weather during these months is characterized by warm and dry conditions. These cause less muddy and navigable gorilla trails and access roads. The dense forests are also relatively less misty, with the bright skies offering clear visibility for trekkers.
Where to stay
When planning a luxury gorilla trekking safari, selecting your preferred accommodation can enhance your overall experience. Basically, select accommodation facilities that combine comfort, captivating views, and environmentally responsible practices. These ensure a memorable stay within the serene jungles of Uganda and Rwanda. Examples include,
Buhoma Lodge, which is situated within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with its strategic position near the trail head at Buhoma Visitor Center. This luxury lodge offers clients a vantage point to view the stunning forest canopy from their private verandas. Occasionally, mountain gorillas move around the garden area hence can be watched without additional costs. Buhoma Lodge has an open-air lounge, fireplaces and bar for clients to relax and rejuvenate after a physically demanding gorilla trekking expedition. The cottages are excellent, with wide beds, ensuite bathrooms, complimentary toiletries and others. Some cabins in Buhoma Lodge have bathtubs that can provide warm water. Other amenities include whole day of electricity, laundry services and safe deposit boxes. Activities offered include gorilla trekking, birdwatching, community tours and others. Also, there is a babysitter to manage kids, since they are not allowed to trek gorillas in the park.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, is a luxury accommodation situated in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is positioned in a perfect place for clients seeking gorilla trekking adventures in either Nkuringo or Rushaga sectors. The lodge also offers captivating views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the lush forests of Bwindi. There are stone cottages with large living rooms, each with a fireplace to keep clients warm during the cool nights.
Other amenities include a massage cottage, ensuite bathrooms, laundry services, restaurant and bar etc. There is also a dedicated baby sitter and various games for kids, since they are not allowed to do gorilla trekking tours. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge plays a significant role in conservation of the mountain gorillas along with the local communities.
Gorilla Heights Lodge, is situated in the lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and offers luxury travelers what they have exactly paid for in addition to supreme levels of comfort at the premises. With a range of first-class amenities, Gorilla Heights Lodge beckons visitors to enjoy their admirable health club, heated swimming pool and spacious restaurant.
The lodge has expedient cottages, calm oasis, spa, bar, lounge, Wi-Fi and others. Gorilla Heights Lodge also offers car hire services to its clients. The premises are designed to conserve the environment and the mountain gorillas, whose home is close by.
One and Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, is situated within the lovely eucalyptus forests of Volcanoes National Park and it is perfectly designed to integrate with the volcanic scene. Highlights include free-standing treehouses and suites that blend in with the towering trees and luxurious gardens around. The lodge has a beautiful dining that offers local cuisines, some of which are got from the gardens.
One and Only Gorilla Nest Lodge also offers clients a chance to engage in harvesting their food from the gardens. Besides a spa, the place offers a relaxing and rejuvenating environment for clients who have had a long day of trekking mountain gorillas. Being close to the park, visitors can access it for the tour adventure. This is in addition to organizing birdwatching, forest walks and other tours.
Bisate Lodge, is an excellently designed accommodation facility located in the luxurious Volcanoes National Park and it is popular among luxury travelers for its 6 ensuite forest villas and stunning views of the volcanoes, Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno.
Clients to the lodge can indulge in the exquisite Kwanda day lounge, wine cellar, library, spa and an organic garden among others. Bisate Lodge has also received various accolades for its commitment to environmental sustainability and community support. Bisate Lodge also organizes gorilla trekking tours, birdwatching excursions, and community tours among others.
Bwindi Silverback lodge, is found in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This luxury accommodation offers a unique reception area that doubles as a well-furnished bar and dining area with a visible kitchen. Other luxury amenities include ensuite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and private balconies that offer lovely views of the lush forest.
Bwindi Silverback Lodge is situated at a vantage point that is slightly higher than most lodges for tourists to have a superior view of the forests. The lodge also organizes various tour activities on behalf of their clients. These include gorilla trekking, especially in the Buhoma sector. Other activities include community tours, birdwatching and hiking tours among others.
Mount Gahinga Lodge, in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has been offering excellent luxury accommodation services for over two decades now. Mount Gahinga Lodge is praised for its first-class restaurant, professional staff and personal valet services for all their clients. Other exquisite amenities include internet services, laundry services, sufficient parking space and a variety of beverages in their bar.
There are deluxe bandas, luxury bathrooms, lounge, fireplace and private porch. Mount Gahinga Lodge also organizes a variety of tour activities, including gorilla trekking, birdwatching, Batwa visits, golden monkey trekking, hiking Virunga volcanoes and others.
Flying to Trek Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda
Visitors on luxury gorilla trekking in either Uganda or Rwanda can utilize chartered flights in the respective countries. This mode of transportation offers a much faster and relatively comfortable journey to the destinations with aerial views of different natural wonders. However, it is important to know that the scheduled flights cannot be done between the two countries, but ground transportation can connect luxury travelers to the parks.
In Uganda, scheduled flights start from Entebbe International Airport to any of the airstrips near Bwindi or Mgahinga, including Kisoro or Kihihi. These flights start only in the morning, and flight duration is about 1.5 hours. Upon your arrival at the airstrip, reaching your accommodation either in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is on road.
In Rwanda, you can take a helicopter flight from Kigali International Airport to Ruhengeri Airport, the nearest to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival you can drive to Kinigi where the park headquarters are in a few minutes. These daily flights take a duration of around 30 minutes with beautiful aerial views of Rwanda.
Packing List for Luxury Gorilla Trekking.
More information:
1: www.epicugandavacation.com 2: www.greatapestours.com 3: www.bookgorillatracking.com
