Mount Gahinga Lodge

Highlights

• Feast on meals prepared using locally sourced ingredients
• Revel in the comfort and convenience of well-appointed facilities
• Enjoy direct access to an array of exhilarating safari activities within the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (borders the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda)
• Unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures, golden monkey tracking and cultural immersions. Experience rejuvenation at the Gushimisha Spa and Sauna
• Disconnect from the hustle and bustle and connect with nature
• Embark on hiking adventures to the volcanic peaks of Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhavura
• Enjoy the personal butler service, tailoring your stay to your individual needs

Information

• Lodge type: Safari Lodge
• Location: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
• Lodge size: 8 Luxury Bandas
• Recommended stay: 3-7 nights

Embark On An Enchanting Safari Experience At Mount Gahinga Lodge

Welcome to the enchanting Mount Gahinga Lodge by Volcanoes Safaris, an exceptional safari lodge that first opened its doors in 2002 under the visionary guidance of Praveen Moman. Strategically nestled at the foot of the dramatic Virunga Mountains within the borders of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, this lodge serves as a prime gateway for exploring the park's wonders, including tracking the elusive mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys.

Mount Gahinga Lodge offers an intimate and serene retreat with just eight luxury bandhas, each meticulously handcrafted and reflecting the rich aesthetic traditions of the local Bufimbira people. These bandas come complete with en-suite luxury shower rooms, cosy fireplaces, and private porches where guests can revel in the panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

The charm of Mount Gahinga Lodge extends beyond its accommodations. The lodge has experienced a recent transformation with the refurbishment of the lounge, dining room, and gardens and the introduction of two new deluxe bandas, ensuring that guests can enjoy the perfect blend of traditional design and modern comfort.

Whether you are planning a short 3-night escape or a more immersive 7-night experience, Mount Gahinga Lodge offers a unique opportunity to delve into the vibrant local culture of the Batwa, the oldest inhabitants of the Central African rain forest, and embark on unforgettable adventures in the heart of the Ugandan wilderness.

Rooms And Suites

At Mount Gahinga Lodge, accommodation is a harmonious blend of comfort, tranquillity, and a hearty dose of rustic charm. The lodge boasts eight unique bandas, each meticulously handbuilt to reflect the rich aesthetic traditions of the local community. The bandas fall into two categories: deluxe and standard, ensuring an option to suit a variety of preferences.

Each banda is a standalone haven, offering a private veranda from which guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Virunga volcanoes. The interiors are thoughtfully designed, fusing traditional and contemporary elements to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The bandas come in configurations of double and twin beds, accommodating up to two guests each. En-suite bathrooms are standard across all bandas, equipped with a flushing toilet, double vanity, and a shower. The availability of both hot and cold running water assures a refreshing experience after a day of exploration.

The premium, deluxe bandas differentiate themselves with an additional living space, providing an added layer of privacy and relaxation. Every detail in these bandas is curated to enhance your stay and ensure maximum comfort amidst the captivating wilderness of Uganda.

Cuisine And Wine

At Mount Gahinga Lodge, the culinary experience is as captivating as the surrounding wilderness. With a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, the lodge's cuisine reflects the rich bounty of the Ugandan landscape. Each meal is a culinary journey, celebrating the country's culinary traditions while incorporating a contemporary twist.

Whether it's a hearty breakfast to energize you for the day's adventures, a sumptuous lunch amidst the stunning natural scenery, or a romantic dinner under the stars, the skilled culinary team at Mount Gahinga Lodge ensures that every meal is an unforgettable experience.

Certain special dietary requirements are accommodated with prior notice, ensuring that every guest can enjoy the delicious offerings.

With its commitment to exceptional hospitality and a culinary experience that beautifully mirrors the local flavours, Mount Gahinga Lodge truly offers a feast for the senses.

Facilities

Mount Gahinga Lodge offers a range of well-appointed facilities to ensure guests' comfort and convenience. Power sockets and charging facilities are readily available in both the main lodge and guest bandas, providing seamless connectivity for your devices.

Despite being nestled in the heart of the wilderness, the lodge ensures you're never out of touch with the world, offering Wi-Fi in the main lodge and guest bandas. For added convenience, each room is equipped with a hairdryer, saving precious luggage space for your safari gear.

While the lodge doesn't have air conditioners, its strategic location at the foot of the Virunga Mountains ensures a pleasantly cool climate.

To make your stay even more luxurious, a personal butler service is available for all guests, ensuring bespoke attention to your individual needs and preferences.

Activities

At Mount Gahinga Lodge, guests are spoilt for choice with an array of exhilarating safari activities designed to give them a taste of the authentic Ugandan wilderness. The lodge's prime location within the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provides direct access to a range of exclusive safari experiences.

Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure, where you'll have the opportunity to come face to face with the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This is a unique experience exclusive to this part of the world, and Mount Gahinga Lodge offers direct access on foot from the lodge to the tracking sites in the park.

Golden monkey tracking is another highlight, offering guests the chance to observe these rare primates as they frolic and feed in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. This truly unique experience provides a glimpse into the lives of one of Africa's most endangered primates.

Alternatively, opt for a trip to the Gahinga Batwa Village for a rich cultural immersion. Walk in the footsteps of the Batwa, the oldest inhabitants of the Central African rainforest, as you learn about their traditional ways of life, their unique skills and their profound connection with the forest.

The lodge also offers hiking excursions to the volcanic peaks of Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhavura, each offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, a hike to the Kisozi caldera is a must.

With such a diverse range of safari activities on offer, every day at Mount Gahinga Lodge promises a new adventure.

Spa And Wellness

The Gushimisha Spa and Sauna at Mount Gahinga Lodge is your sanctuary of tranquillity amidst the rugged Ugandan wilderness. With a focus on holistic wellness, the spa offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. The small team of expert therapists are trained in various techniques, ensuring a tailored approach to meet your individual wellness needs.

The signature offering is the famous Rungu massage, a traditional African therapy that uses a wooden baton to stimulate blood circulation and alleviate muscle tension. This unique massage technique is a testament to our commitment to infusing local elements into our wellness experience.

In addition to the Rungu massage, the spa offers a comprehensive menu of treatments ranging from standard Swedish and deep tissue massages to bespoke facials and aromatherapy sessions. Each treatment is designed to leave you feeling revitalized, refreshed, and ready to continue your adventures in the Ugandan wilderness.

After a day of exploring the national park, there's no better way to unwind than by retreating to the sauna. The heat from the sauna is perfect for soothing tired muscles, promoting relaxation, and encouraging a deep, restful night's sleep.

All spa treatments are complimentary for guests of the lodge, further ensuring your stay at Mount Gahinga Lodge is a truly luxurious experience. In this serene setting, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature, you'll find it easy to embrace the sense of peace and calm that the spa and wellness centre offers.

In Conclusion

Mount Gahinga Lodge artfully combines the charm of Ugandan wilderness with world-class facilities and warm hospitality. Whether it's the tantalising cuisine, the array of adventurous activities, the tranquil spa, or the attentive service, every detail is carefully curated to ensure an unmatched guest experience.

Immersed in the heart of nature, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Virunga Mountains, the lodge offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the environment and immerse oneself in the rich local culture.

A stay at Mount Gahinga Lodge is not merely a holiday—it's a journey into the untouched splendour of Uganda, a journey that will leave you with memories to be cherished for a lifetime.