Where to Stay in Mgahinga for Gorilla Trekking

Where to Stay in Mgahinga for Gorilla Trekking

Where to stay in Mgahinga for gorilla trekking. Mgahinga National Park is without doubt a complete gorilla trekking destination in Uganda. Traveling for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga knowing where to stay before or afterwards is essential. Luckily, there are different accommodation options ranging from budget, and midrange to luxury gorilla safari lodge. The three accommodation categories cater to all visitors’ overnight desires on their gorilla safaris. Top accommodation facilities to book for overnight stay during gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park include;

Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mount Gahinga Lodge is a luxury accommodation property located right at the entrance of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mt. Gahinga Lodge is managed by the Volcanoes Safaris. This lodge has features including a luxurious living area, central fireplace, outside terrace, sun room, bandas, etc. The rooms are fitted with lots of amenities including flush toilets, suite bathrooms, showers, and others. The Bandas can be accessed within a short walk via the scenic gardens. Mount Gahinga Lodge features a classic restaurant, a fully stocked bar, solar power, an outdoor sitting area, and also laundry services/facilities.

Mount Gahinga Rest Camp

Mt. Gahinga Rest Camp is set close to Mgahinga National Park Kisoro District. This lodge features 9 grass thatched bandas and 3 tents each offering private facilities. Mgahinga Rest Camp is strategically set in an area where visitors can have access to Rwanda and also the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Due to its strategic position, it is possible to embark on a gorilla trek in the three destinations (Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo).

Travelers’ Rest Hotel Kisoro

The Travelers’ Rest Hotel Kisoro is a midrange accommodation property and is listed among the oldest hotels in Uganda. It is 14 km away from Mgahinga National Park and is within Kisoro town. It has 11 rooms all well-furnished including single twin, double, triple, suite and other options. The available facilities include a restaurant, lounge, internet, laundry services, and garden, etc.

Mucha Hotel Kisoro

Mucha Hotel Kisoro is one of the best midrange accommodation choices that visitors must consider a must to book on gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park. This hotel is set along the banks of River Mucha. Due to its strategic location, breathtaking views of the surroundings are guaranteed. This mid-range hotel facility is 6 km from the heart of Kisoro town and 500 meters from Lake Mulehe.

At Mucha Hotel, it is possible to enjoy views of the Virunga Volcanoes and also the River itself. The hotel features 10 en suite bedrooms with varying room types including single, double/twins. Mucha Hotel is comprised of features like a classic restaurant, lounge, garden area, coffee and private vegetation plantations, a fully stocked bar, and more.

Amajambere Community Camp

Amajambere Community Camp is accessible 12 km off from Kisoro Town. It is one of the most accessible accommodation options close to the park entrance. Amajambere Camp is strategically set in an area where guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes (Sabyinyo, Muhabura, and Gahinga).

Amajambere Iwacu Camp is an eco-friendly lodge and is also often referred to as Mgahinga Community Campground. What makes Amajambere distinct includes factors such as providing funds to the local schools. The community camp collaborated and established a stretcher club such that when required, the funds are available for taking someone to the hospital.

The Amajambere Community Camp offers English lessons, and environmental and tourism awareness campaigns to over 100 children each year. The team from the camp also conducts sensitization to the community about nature conservation. It also supports local communities through local purchases. All the fruits, vegetables, and food are obtained from the surrounding local communities.

Kisoro Tourist Hotel

Kisoro Tourist Hotel is a comfortable budget hotel facility in Kisoro town. This budget lodge is fitted with many features including self-contained rooms, a restaurant, sauna, lounge, steam bath, fitness room, fireplace, gift shop, and a fully stocked bar. It is one of the best places to consider for an overnight stay on gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.

Kisoro Tourist Hotel is part of the Sky-blue chain of hotels which operates other hotels in Kisoro, Ntungamo, Mirama Hills, and Kabale districts.

Mutanda Lake Resort

Mutanda Lake Resort is located 14 km away from Kisoro town and is one of the budget accommodation properties. This resort takes its name from the scenic Lake Mutanda. At Mutanda Lake Resort, visitors enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding islands.

Besides being a base for gorilla trekkers, volcano adventure seekers, and lake loungers, Mutanda Lake Resort is without doubt an exceptional location to enjoy birding excursions. While at Mutanda Lake Resort, guests can also participate in canoe rides, and visit the Garama cave and the Batwa cultural trail.

Guests can also enjoy a guided nature walk –half an hour guided walk around the swamp and up the hills. As you embark on the nature walk, expect to enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Mutanda.

Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge

Lake Mulehe Lodge is tucked 10 km away from the heart of Kisoro town and is along the Rubuguri Road. This lodge is built in Mucha and from the Southern gate (Rushaga) of Bwindi National Park, it is 25 km, and from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, it is 20 km. From Kisoro Airstrip to Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge is about 13 km.

Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge features varying room types including single, double, twin, triple, and family options). The different room types are en suite and guarantee guests ultimate privacy and jaw-dropping views of the Lake and surroundings.

Accessing Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge is possible for all guests on the gorilla trekking tour to Mgahinga National Park. Visitors can travel about 8-9 hours’ drive up to Lake Mulehe Lodge, 13 km from Kisoro Airstrip. By air, visitors can spend about 45 minutes and they can be at Kisoro Airstrip where they can connect to Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge for relaxation.

Guests who desire to have a night stay at Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge can also take about a 4 to 5-hour drive from the heart of Kigali capital. A journey from Kigali to Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge includes the border crossing at the Chanika border to Kisoro.

Additional things to do in Mgahinga besides gorilla trekking

Golden monkey tracking: Mgahinga is one of the 3 Virunga Conservation Areas, a perfect place to find beautiful golden monkeys in the wild. Mgahinga is the best place to enjoy both golden monkey treks and golden monkey habituation experiences.

Batwa trail experience: Visitors can also have a combination of gorilla trek and cultural experience. The Batwa trail gets you exposed to the Batwa culture, traditions, and ancient hunter-gatherer techniques.

Birding: A total of about 180 species of birds call Mgahinga their home. A birding excursion allows you explore birds such as Rwenzori batis, Ruwenzori turacos, Kivu ground thrush, blue-headed sunbird, black-collared Apalis, red-throated lathe, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, African olive pigeon, red-faced woodland warblers, pin-tailed whydahs, African fire finch, black-capped apalis, and Rwenzori nightjars.

Getting to Mgahinga National Park Uganda

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is accessible for gorilla trekking and other tourism activities all year round. Getting to Mgahinga involves driving for 8-9 hours starting from Entebbe or Kampala via the Masaka-Mbarara-Kisoro route.

Still, by road, visitors can set off from Kigali city and drive via Chanika and they can get to Mgahinga National Park. By air, you can spend less than 2 hours on a flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip.