Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mount Gahinga, Uganda
At a Glance
Climb a dormant volcano
Fantastic birding from the lodge and in the surrounding area
Relax in the sunroom which faces the dramatic volcanoes
Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge is nestled in the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes
Perfect base from which to go gorilla trekking when the gorilla family are in residence in Mgahinga National Park
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Uganda can be visited at any time of year. Most of Uganda enjoys the perfect tropical climate. Temperatures average about 26°C during the day and 16°C at night. The hottest months are from December to February.
It is generally rainy (particularly during the months of March to May, September to November), while the remaining months (December to February, June to August) comprise Uganda's two dry seasons.
Insider's View
Spend 45 minutes sitting in the cloud forest amongst gorillas, some of the greatest creatures on earth.
Track for the Golden Monkeys in the forest
Mount Gahinga Lodge is found at an altitude of 2,300m
The 9 cottages are all named after volcanoes in the Virungas chain
Take the village walk and see local life going on in the fields
Visit the Batwa (Pygmy) heritage center and learn how their traditional customs are being preserved
Call us on 858 345 1761 to start planning your vacation to Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge or take a look at our itineraries to Uganda
Description
Mount Gahinga Lodge sits in a stunning location in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. The lodge is ideally located for tracking golden monkeys and gorillas, if they are resident, in Mgahinga National Park.
Nestling in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes the Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge is an eco-lodge which provides the perfect base from which to track the golden monkeys or climb one of the dramatic Virunga peaks. It is also possible to track the gorillas in Mgahinga, Nkuringo (southern Bwindi) and hopefully in the future, Djomba in DRC. However, at the moment if the family of gorillas has moved over the border into the DRC you won't be able to visit them.
Guests also have the opportunity to visit some of the fascinating local community projects and take the Batwa Trail to discover the ancient traditions of these people.The 9 stone cottages have ensuite bathrooms with a hot and cold running shower and flush loo, along a short corridor from the bedroom. Each of the Mount Gahinga Lodge cottages has its own verandah which, like the bar and dining room, looks across the valley with Lake Mutanda in the distance. The sun-room facing the volcanoes, terrace and beautiful walled gardens make it the ideal place to relax and absorb the surrounding landscape.
Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge is on the edge of Mgahinga which is Uganda's smallest national park. It was established to protect the mountain gorillas of the Ugandan sector of the Virunga Volcanoes that straddle Rwanda and the DRC. Of the 600 mountain gorillas left in the world, 300 are found in the Virunga Volcanoes, whilst the other 300 are in the nearby Bwindi National Park. Although it is only 35 sq km, its volcanic landscapes are breathtaking and it harbors a wealth of animals and birds. No mountain gorillas live in Mgahinga permanently, but several troops move freely between the park and those in Rwanda and the Congo. Mgahinga is a dense tropical rainforest on the lower slopes of the volcanoes where the vegetation includes bamboo and lots of lichens and mosses: delicacies to a mountain gorilla. There is only one group of mountain gorillas in Mgahinga that is habituated to humans. Known as the Nyakagezi group, these gorillas can be visited on a gorilla trek. An Mgahinga Safari will take you to the richly forested Virunga Volcanoes for an audience with a mountain gorilla.
Accommodation
Guests at Mount Gahinga are accommodated in nine comfortable stone and tiled, thatched banda cottages. Each has an ensuite bathroom with hot and cold running shower and a flush loo and offers stunning views towards the Virunga Volcanoes.
Childcare
Although there are no specific child care facilities, children are most welcome at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. Food and meal times can be adjusted to suit younger guests and babysitting can easily be arranged for those that need it. However, it should be noted that children under the age of 15 are not permitted to visit the gorillas.
Services
There is Wi-Fi available in the main lodge building at Mount Gahinga Lodge, however please be aware that due to the remote nature of the lodge this may be a little bit temperamental.
Facilities
The lodge has a lovely sunroom overlooking the volcanoes and pretty gardens. The food is freshly prepared, wholesome meals, combining local cuisine and western tastes all served in the dining room.
Activities
From Mount Gahinga it is possible to track the golden monkeys or climb one of the dramatic Virunga peaks. During their stay, guests can arrange to visit some of the fascinating local community projects and take the Batwa Trail to discover the ancient traditions of these people. It is possible to track gorillas in Mgahinga, Nkuringo (southern Bwindi) as there is one gorilla family found in the area but sightings are not guaranteed and Mount Gahinga Lodge should not be seen as a destination for gorilla trekking.
Experiences
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Golden Monkey trekking
Trekking to see the Golden Monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda is a great trip where you will witness these inquisitive animals leaping from branch to branch around you.
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Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the highlight of visits to Uganda, to see the fascinating mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
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Mobile camping in Uganda
For the ultimate luxury bush camp experience, try mobile camping in Uganda. Completely off the beaten track, camp will be set up in a remote area of a national park, with all modern facilities included. Find a secluded spot and enjoy the views in privacy!
Location & directions
Mount Gahinga, Uganda
Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge lies in the foothills of the awe-inspiring Virunga volcanoes on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator