Mount Gahinga Lodge
A lodge in the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes on the edge of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with nine bandas inspired by traditional Batwa huts.
Mount Gahinga Lodge stands in the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes on the edge of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Opened in 1997, it was the first lodge of the Volcanoes Safaris collection, which also runs lodges in Bwindi, Kyambura Gorge and Rwanda.
Rooms
The lodge has nine bandas inspired by the traditional huts of the Batwa, set in gardens with views of the volcanoes. Each has a fireplace for cool evenings, twin or double beds and an en-suite bathroom with hot showers.
Why we like it
- Right on the edge of Mgahinga, close to the Ntebeko gate.
- A strong connection with the local Batwa community.
- Perfect for combining gorillas, golden monkeys and volcano hikes.
Who it suits
Travellers combining gorillas, golden monkeys and volcano hikes in comfort.
Getting there
Kisoro is about eight to nine hours by road from Kampala via Mbarara and Kabale, or three to four hours from Kigali via the Cyanika border, which makes it the easiest Ugandan gorilla area to reach from Rwanda. Scheduled flights from Entebbe land at Kisoro airstrip. The road from Kabale climbs over scenic mountain passes with views of the volcanoes.
Things to do nearby
- Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga or Bwindi’s southern sectors.
- Golden monkey tracking in the bamboo. See golden monkey trekking.
- Volcano hikes on Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo. See volcano hikes in Mgahinga.
- The Batwa Trail and Garama Cave.
- Lake Mutanda for canoeing with volcano views.
About Mgahinga and Kisoro
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects Uganda’s share of the Virunga volcanoes, on the borders with Rwanda and Congo. From the Ntebeko visitor centre you can trek the Nyakagezi gorilla family, track golden monkeys, climb Muhavura, Gahinga or Sabinyo, and walk the Batwa Trail. Kisoro town is the local hub, with an airstrip, and Bwindi’s southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo are about 1.5–2 hours away. Read gorillas in Mgahinga.
Permits and booking
Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla family, so permits are limited. We secure gorilla, golden monkey and volcano permits first, then confirm your lodge. Uganda’s gorilla permit costs US$800 (US$600 in April, May and November 2026). Read book gorilla permits first.
Facilities & style
- Nine bandas with fireplaces
- Gardens below the volcanoes
- All meals at the lodge
- Close to the Ntebeko gate
- Batwa cultural visits
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers
Planning your stay?
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