Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mount Gahinga Lodge sits at the edge of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, framed by the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. The setting feels markedly different from Bwindi, with open farmland giving way to volcanic forest and bamboo zones as the terrain rises. The lodge’s stone bandas, each named after a Virunga peak, create a sense of place that is closely tied to the surrounding landscape and the people who live alongside the park.

While gorilla trekking is available here, what we particularly like about Mount Gahinga is the variety of experiences beyond gorillas. Golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forest is a highlight, offering a lively, fast-paced contrast to gorilla trekking. The lodge is also well placed for guided hikes on the lower slopes of the volcanoes and cultural experiences with the Batwa community, providing meaningful insight into the human history of this region.

Mount Gahinga works especially well for travelers who want a more varied and gently paced forest stay. Time at the lodge itself is relaxed, with communal meals, fireplaces, and views toward the volcanoes that encourage conversation and reflection. Combined with fewer visitors and a strong connection to both conservation and community, Mount Gahinga Lodge offers a thoughtful and less-traveled way to experience Uganda’s primate-rich southwest.