Eight Luxury Lodges for Gorilla & Chimp Trekking in Uganda
Uganda is renowned for its dense jungles filled with habituated mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. And for those looking for a luxury experience after their trek, the country doesn’t disappoint. See a few of our top picks for luxury lodges during your next gorilla or chimpanzee trek in Uganda.
Luxury Gorilla Trekking Lodges in Uganda
#1. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Set on a forested ridge at over 2,000 meters above sea level, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge boasts ten stone cottages with dramatic views of the Virunga Volcanoes and beyond. The lodge is located just steps from the Nkuringo Trailhead in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—one of the more physically demanding sectors of the park for trekking—but the views along the way are well worth the effort.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Remote and intimate lodge at the Nkuringo trailhead
- Stunning views of the Virunga Volcano range
- Individual cottages built of large volcanic stone, featuring plush furniture, hand-woven carpets, and local artists
- Lofted ceilings, exposed beams, and fireplaces create the feeling of a ski chalet in the mountains
- A dining terrace plus private verandahs offer plenty of places to take in the view
- A development fund ensures the local Nkuringo community benefits from each stay
IDEAL FOR…
Those looking for luxurious comfort in a unique natural setting
#2. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Tucked away on a private concession in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp provides opulence and comfort combined with adventures in a lush natural setting. Private tents offer views of the forest canopy, and the entire lodge is located just minutes from the gorilla trekking departure point.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ten luxuriously-appointed tents with wood floors, spacious stone-walled bathrooms, soaking tubs, and private verandahs
- Open-air main lodge with modern furnishings, and the grounds are regularly visited by gorillas
- Gather by the central campfire in the evenings for songs performed by a musician from the local village Organic wellness treatments at the spa and yoga kits in each tent
- Situated in Buhoma, the most-visited sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
IDEAL FOR…
Nature lovers looking for an upscale tented stay in the forest
#3. Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
With dramatic views of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and beautifully-appointed cottages, Bwindi Lodge offers a luxurious yet understated base for gorilla trekking in Uganda’s forests. When not trekking or enjoying the comforts of the main lodge and its private cottages, guests can take part in nature walks in the region, tour the local tea plantations, or visit the community projects sponsored by the lodge.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ten spacious bandas with panoramic views of the forest canopy
- Lofted ceilings and neutral, traditional décor create a comfortable, tranquil atmosphere
- Complimentary half-hour massage at the Humula Forest Spa and personal butler service for all guests
- Situated in Buhoma, the most-visited sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Stop by the award-winning Bwindi Bar after trekking for coffee, tea, or cocktail—while also supporting the bar’s vocational training initiative
- Visit the nearby Munyanga River trail, embark on a waterfall walk, or tour the local plantations
IDEAL FOR…
A luxury gorilla trekking safari in northern Bwindi
#4. Mount Gahinga Lodge
An exclusive lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mount Gahinga Lodge offers tranquil cottages against the stunning backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes. Each circular banda is crafted from natural materials and decorated with traditional artisanal designs, creating an understated yet luxurious base for travelers looking to visit the region’s famed mountain gorillas.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Luxury stone bandas with thatched papyrus roof, private porch, and fireplace
- Complimentary half-hour massage and personal butler service for all guests
- Cultural experiences in the Gahinga Batwa Village
- Lodge-supported community projects include a vocational center and permanent settlement for the displaced Batwa tribe
- Excellent base for gorilla trekking, hiking the nearby volcanoes, village walks, and golden monkey trekking
- Private footpath to access gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park
IDEAL FOR…
Travelers who want ultimate comfort while exploring off-the-beaten path
Luxury Lodges for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
#5. Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Originally a coffee store and processing plant, Kyambura Gorge Lodge was reimagined as a luxury lodge in 2011. With its lofted thatched roofs and chic, understated design, the lodge is ideally situated for chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as game drives on the park’s open plains.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Eight luxury bandas with indoor and outdoor showers & private terrace
- Swimming pool and spa for wellness treatments
- Direct private footpath to chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
- Personal butler service for all guests
- Community and conservation projects in the surrounding area
IDEAL FOR…
Safari-goers combining classic game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park with chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge
#6. Ndali Lodge
Set in Western Uganda with stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Ndali Lodge makes an excellent base for chimp trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. The private cottages are large and airy, and this comfortable but unpretentious lodge brings the charm of a traditional English country house to an African setting.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Eight self-contained cottage rooms with soaking tubs and mesmerizing views
- Dine by candlelight at the communal table overlooking the crater lake
- Excellent food, mostly produced on the farm surrounding the lodge
- Swimming pool and terrace with sun loungers
- Situated just 45 minutes from the chimpanzee trekking starting point in Kibale Forest National Park
IDEAL FOR…
A charming, tranquil getaway on your chimp trekking safari
#7. Turaco Treetops
Found in the lush rainforest bordering Kibale Forest National Park, Turaco Treetops is a semi-luxe lodge boasting breathtaking views and family-friendly design. The lodge’s eight forest cottages are elevated and secluded, comfortably decorated with modern, minimalist furnishings.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Eight semi-luxe private cottages with elevated terraces for forest canopy views
- Take in the landscape from the first-floor main lounge or enjoy a drink at the bar on the ground-floor lounge
- Swimming pool
- Playground and children’s room to keep little ones entertained
- Chimp trekking in Kibale Forest, nature walks in the forest or the Bigodi Wetlands, cultural tours in the nearby village
IDEAL FOR…
Families and nature lovers
#8. Kyaninga Lodge
Constructed from hand-carved logs and perched on the hillside over a crater lake, Kyaninga Lodge offers incredible views at every turn. Private cabins are connected by a series of wooden stairs, and steps carved from volcanic stone lead guests from the main lodge down to the pool deck.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Eight private log cabins elevated on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater lake
- Cozy evenings by the fireplace at the main lodge
- Swimming pool and terrace with breathtaking views
- Tennis, badminton, and boule available on the grounds
- Wellness center and massage
- Situated near Fort Portal and Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking
IDEAL FOR…
Adventurers seeking luxury in nature
Looking for luxury accommodations for your gorilla trekking or chimp trekking safari? Get inspired by browsing our itineraries or exploring the country. Every Hornbill safari is customized to meet your travel needs, so contact us to create your own private tour.
