Mountain gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, though many of our travelers become hooked after the experience and plan another adventure as every day with the gorillas is different. Seeing these primates in their natural environment – the only way that it is possible to see them anywhere on the planet – is an intimate and incredible immersion into nature. You, your ranger and a handful of other trekkers spend a precious hour in the forest with a gorilla family – it’s unforgettable!
If you are going to check gorilla trekking off your bucket list, why not do it in style? Your adventure is more than just the time with the gorillas. Taking advantage of lodging options that offer comfort, exclusivity and luxury will elevate your entire journey. You will have earned and will appreciate the pampering after a day of trekking! There are many options in Uganda and Rwanda that fit the bill, each with unique and special amenities. Here, we’ll explore a few of our favorites.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge sits on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Its 11 luxurious suites feature a private heated plunge pool, wellness treatment area, in- and outdoor fireplaces and large timber-framed windows that welcome breathtaking scenery and volcano views inside. The lodge offers a dedicated Conservation Room that serves as an interactive educational space that provides a unique perspective on endangered mountain gorillas and their habitat, along with an on-site nursery and vegetable garden, which provides fresh produce for Kwitonda’s delicious farm-to-table food. When not gorilla or golden monkey trekking, you can enjoy activities such as hikes and walks, cycling, a wine experience, wellness treatments and yoga.
For the ultimate in exclusivity, ask your Journey Specialist about staying in the Singita’s nearby four suite Kataza House private villa.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is perched high up in and often above the clouds in a remote area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with views of the Virunga Mountains and the Rift Valley. With eight cottages (including two two-bedroom cottages for families) with cozy fireplaces and a spacious living room with deeply comfortable sofas, the lodge has an intimate feel and offers incredible hospitality. The main chalet has five fireplaces and offers a wonderful area to relax after a trek, as well as a dining area with stunning views that might just distract you from the delicious cuisine they craft using freshly harvested ingredients from their organic onsite garden. You can enjoy hiking, birding, community engagement and spa treatments in addition to gorilla trekking during their stay.
Rwanda’s Bisate Lodge has six nest-like, ensuite forest villas with awe inspiring vistas over three of the Virunga’s most distinct volcanoes. The property features a wine cellar, library, spa, restaurant and tree nursery, while offering incredible locally-grown cuisine and warm hospitality. During your stay, you can enjoy guided or self-guided birding and nature walks, nursery visits and indigenous tree planting, guided walks to surrounding communities, a 20-minute complimentary neck and shoulder massage, access to “gym in a basket” facilities in the villas, biodiversity briefings and evening documentary film screenings.
If you’d like an even more exclusive experience, ask your Journey Specialist about the four ensuite forest villas – each with a private hot tub – at Bisate Reserve.
Mount Gahinga Lodge has eight traditional hand-built guest bandas with views of the Virunga Volcanoes. You will be pampered with personal butler service and can also enjoy complimentary spa treatments and massages. One highlight is a fireside chat with a researcher from Gorilla Doctors the evening before your gorilla trek. You’ll start your trek from the lodge on a direct private footpath to the National Park. Activities that you can enjoy when not gorilla trekking include golden monkey tracking, a visit to the Gahinga Batwa Village and hiking Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga or Mount Muhavura volcanoes or the Kisozi caldera.
Ask your Journey Specialist about booking the lodge and trekking to see the Nyakagezi gorilla family on an exclusive use basis!
We are excited for the opening of Erebero Hills in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in 2026. Its eight forest-view suites will be tucked into the hillside, each with a private viewing deck and uninterrupted views of the forest across the valley. Designed for style and luxury, the suites will feature spacious, glass fronted interiors, with a king-sized bed and both indoor and outdoor seating options to enjoy the expansive views. A free-standing bathtub and both an indoor and outdoor shower with breathtaking views of the forest will let you rejuvenate after a trek. The main lounge and swimming pool offer additional areas for relaxation, while spa treatments can be enjoyed in-room to ease tired muscles.
No matter which accommodation you choose, another option to make your gorilla trek more special and exclusive is to book a private trek. You can purchase all of the permits for a gorilla family for one day and enjoy a totally private experience. We also offer habituation treks when they are available. These treks allow for only four trekkers maximum, versus the normal eight, as well as more time with the gorillas. Ask a Journey Specialist about these options.
Choosing a luxury lodge for your gorilla trek offers you comfort, exclusivity and access to experiences that cannot be found elsewhere. That luxury makes all the difference for your comfort and recovery after a challenging trek! You’ll also have access to the most experienced staff and guides, while your stay will make a direct impact to conservation and local communities.
Not sure which accommodation option might be best for you? View our comparison chart below.
| Singita Kwitonda | Bisate Lodge | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Mount Gahinga Lodge | Erebero Hills | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda | Mgahinga National Park, Uganda | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda |
| Room Features | Private deck, plunge pool, fireplace | Private veranda, panoramic views | Fireplaces, private terraces | Fireplace, private balconies | Fireplace, panoramic views |
| Spa | Yes, spa and wellness center | Yes, spa and wellness treatments | Yes, spa services available | Wellness treatments available | Wellness treatments available |
| Pool | Yes (infinity pool) | Yes (infinity pool) | No | No | Yes |
| Cultural Offerings | Yes, local village visits | Yes, cultural interaction and community visits | Yes, cultural visits | Yes, cultural visits | Yes, cultural visits |
| Private Dining | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Family Friendly | Yes – ages 15 and up can trek | Yes – ages 15 and up can trek | Yes – ages 15 and up can trek | Yes – ages 15 and up can trek | Yes – ages 15 and up can trek |
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Photos courtesy Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Erebero Hills