Where to Stay to go Gorilla Trekking

Choosing where to lay your head after a day of trekking through dense rainforest is as crucial to your gorilla trekking safari as the trek itself. The right lodge not only provides a comfortable sanctuary to rest and reflect on the day's magic but also enhances your connection to the local environment and the communities dedicated to gorilla conservation.

Whether you seek the pinnacle of luxury, a comfortable and convenient base, or a rustic and authentic jungle experience, the perfect escape awaits. Join us as we explore the best places to stay for your gorilla trekking adventure in Africa, ensuring your journey is as comfortable as it is captivating.

Where to Stay for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Rwanda is a country of contrasts where you will lose yourself in a world of towering mountains, rainforests and unique wildlife. It is also very safe and clean. For gorilla trekking in Rwanda, it's best to stay near Volcanoes National Park.

Bisate Lodge

One of our recommended lodges in Volcanoes National Park to trek from is the iconic Bisate Lodge. Situated in Afro-alpine forests near Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge offers ultra-luxury accommodation and service as well as spectacular views of the volcanic peaks of Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno. Inspired by the King's Palace at Butare, Bisate Lodge features six sumptuous en-suite rooms in the shape of thatched pods. The lodge provides easy access to the park for gorilla trekking with a strong conservation and community focus.

Insider tip: "Make a positive environmental contribution by planting a tree towards Bisate's reforestation project during your stay."

Bisate Reserve

The Bisate Reserve is the new sister property of the iconic Bisate Lodge. With only four sublime private villas, this incredibly exclusive property is even more luxurious. Each villa has an expansive living area, viewing deck and private hot tub. With a mission to be a model of conservation tourism, they have begun a pioneering reforestation and rehabilitation project. By staying at Bisate Reserve, you contribute to biodiversity protection and the upliftment of local communities.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

A luxury offering in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, Singita Kwitonda has spectacular views of the Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura volcanoes and is surrounded by high-altitude forests. The lodge was designed in response to this remarkable location where guests can expect exceptional natural beauty, environmentally conscious luxury and transformative, purpose-driven experiences. Singita Kwitonda Lodge is a short drive to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for the transformative experience of coming face to face with the rare mountain gorilla.

Where to Stay for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The scenery in Uganda is jaw-dropping from lush, green forests, to snow-capped mountains, crater lakes and savannah grasslands but the real draw card is the wildlife—the star of the show being the primates. For gorilla trekking in Uganda, staying near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is best.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

One of our recommended lodges in Bwindi to trek from is Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. This camp is found nestled deep within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which in itself impresses with a truly theatrical landscape - volcanoes, jagged valleys, waterfalls, lakes and dramatic mountain ranges. With an ideal location close to the starting point for the gorilla trekking experience place, this camp is one of the most remote and atmospheric in Africa... certainly the most luxurious choice on offer in the park. Due to its unique location, it's not unusual for the gorilla families to visit the camp itself!

Insider tip: "The lodge offers specially customised sedan chairs with support and harness which allow less able guests to be carried into the rainforest to track the gorillas in their natural habitat."

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge is an eco-lodge which offers first-class food, service and hospitality as well as spectacular views of the primal Bwindi forest. Whether you are in the forest itself or sitting on the terrace relishing the sight of primates playing in the lush canopy you will find it impossible to be anything short of amazed by the forest's overwhelming beauty. It is the perfect place from which to track gorillas, which have been known to sleep at the lodge.

Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mount Gahinga Lodge is set in the most spectacular location surrounded by tropical gardens. The rustic accommodation pervades old-world ambience and is a true escape from the outside world. There are 8 rooms, taking the form of traditional bandas, with bucket showers.

Insider tip: "Visit the local Batwa community and immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle of one of Uganda's oldest tribes, supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust."

Where to Stay for Gorilla Trekking in Republic of Congo?

Gorilla trekking in the heart of the Congo Basin rainforest, the world’s largest after the Amazon, is a truly immersive experience. Traverse varied landscapes in an intact ecosystem home to lowland gorillas, forest elephants, chimpanzees, rare antelope, and 400+ bird species. Odzala-Kokoua National Park is the best place for gorilla trekking in Congo.

Ngaga Lodge

Evoking the fun and mystery of childhood treehouses in an ancient and mythical forest, Ngaga Camp offers the rare opportunity to visit gorillas in a habitat barely touched by humanity. Set in the Ndzehi Concession, the camp is in a forested area just outside Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo. Ngaga is a focal point for world-class primate research and offers unforgettable primate encounters. The best thing about this property is that you start your gorilla trek right at the camp.

Insider tip: "You will be one of only a few hundred tourists to visit the region every year (compared with over 300,000 to the Maasai Mara)."

Want to Learn More?

Our guide to gorilla trekking answers any frequently asked questions you may have about what the experience is like and how to prepare yourself. Explore our meticulously designed itineraries or use our travel planner to create a bespoke journey tailored to your interests and desires.

If you’re ready to experience seeing gorillas in their natural habitat for yourself, connect with a travel expert who understands the art of crafting journeys that leave a lasting memory. Start planning your gorilla trekking holiday today with the help of Mahlatini's travel experts.