Best Luxury Gorilla Safari Lodges and Camps in Africa
There are only three countries in the world where it’s possible to do gorilla treks in their natural habitat. That’s Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. Each country has got its gorilla safari lodges where travelers relax and take an overnight.
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge offers a life changing experience of interacting with endangered mountain gorillas from the lap of luxury. The lodge’s unique, upscale design stands in juxtaposition to its striking surroundings of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Guests can expect to have every creature comfort at their disposal while reveling in the beauty of Uganda’s highlands. Treatments at the Humula Forest Spa are paired with spectacular views for the ultimate rejuvenation.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge strikes the perfect balance between homely comforts and luxury living. Guests stay in cozy cottages with the most spectacular views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which can be enjoyed every afternoon along with scrumptious homemade cakes delivered by your personal butler.
The incomparable experience of tracking endangered mountain gorillas is topped with relaxing foot massages for tired feet. And your hearty Ugandan-inspired meals are served on the outdoor veranda – a magical vantage point that gives the illusion of dining up among the clouds. The Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is sure to provide a dreamy luxury safari in Uganda.
Mount Gahinga Lodge’s location at the foothills of the ancient Virunga Volcanoes makes it the ideal base from which to experience gorilla trekking. You’ll also be able to track the rare golden monkey, climb an extinct volcano and interact with the local Batwa people – the regions oldest human inhabitants. When you’re not exploring Uganda’s rain forest, there’s time to enjoy all that mount Gahinga has to offer, including the breath-taking views of the volcanoes and untouched African terrain that can be seen from the comfort of your porch. This is a perfect base when you are gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp has something for every type of traveler. Those who prefer the finer things in life will delight in the exclusivity, opulence and style of the camp. The more adventurous traveler will enjoy the life changing experience of tracking gorillas in the famed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as well as classic game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park – where you’ll be able to spot the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.
The nature-lovers are treated to scenic walks through the ancient forest, stopping to admire the volcanoes, jagged valleys, waterfalls, and lakes along the way. The camp also boasts splendid views of the forest canopy, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your upscale tent.
Mikeno Lodge is Virunga National Park’s first lodge opened for tourists in August 2011. Centered between two main tourist attractions, it is a perfect location to begin treks to see the gorillas, and the Nyiragongo volcano. Nestled among the trees of a virgin forest, the weather is cool, the views spectacular, and the lodging luxurious.
Mikeno Lodge has 12 individual bungalows, each accommodating two people with either a double or twin beds. All the bungalows are designed in the same style with lava rock walls and thatched roofs. Each with its own private deck, spacious bathroom and a lounge area centered around a fireplace.
Bukima Tented Camp is the main starting point Virunga Mountain gorilla treks. The camp was originally built for researchers, but is now used primarily by trekkers. As the name suggests, overnight guests at Bukima sleep in platform tents, but by camping standards they are quite plush. Each tent features an adjoining bathroom with running water and a nicely appointed bed and dresser for clothes.
The views from the tent sites – or anywhere in camp for that matter – are spectacular. To the south, the view is dominated by Mt. Mikeno, whose 4437m (14,560’) summit towers over the gorilla sector. Across the valley is Nyiragongo volcano, whose lava lake colors the night sky with a red glow.
Every few years, Nyamuragira volcano erupts and steals the night time show by spewing hot lava hundreds of feet into the air. Occasionally, the mountain gorillas themselves wander into the Bukima tented camp.
Lango Camp is the perfect escape for those seeking privacy and exclusivity in nature. Tucked away in the heart of Odzala National Park, this eco – luxury camp offers a tranquil and comfortable stay in the heart of the African wilderness. The surrounding landscape is made up of perennial rivers, marshy bais (swamp forest clearings) and lush forestry. Explore this pristine biome on game drives, river cruises or walks through the forest.
Ngaga Camp is equal parts luxury hotel, eco sanctuary and unpretentious oasis. Days here are dominated by indescribably beautiful forest views and treks through the lush wilderness in search of the elusive western lowland gorillas. And evenings are spent warming up around fires on the viewing deck or taking leisurely night walks through the forest. The heart of primate research and tracking in Congo, Ngaga Camp offers a unique gorilla trekking opportunity.
Sabyinyo Silver Back Lodge is sat in the foothills of the mighty Virunga Mountains. Its remote location offers remarkable views and its relationship with the community means that wealth of activities aside from gorilla trekking are available.
The location offers good accessibility to the park headquarters (the start of the adventure for gorilla trekking), as well as homing a remote and peaceful location for guests to relax and take in the remarkable landscape.
The lodge has a total of eight en-suite cottages, made up of standard, suite and family cottages. The main lodge building homes a lounge area, a dining room, a library, a games room, a responsible travel and community awareness room, a shop and a reception.
The lounge area is particularly cozy, with three large roaring fireplaces to keep guests warm on chilly evenings. There are also two patio areas which are platforms out to the jaw-dropping views of the Virunga volcanoes
It has Rwandese terracotta tile roofing. They are all very spacious, featuring a sitting area, a fireplace and a private sheltered veranda. As the evenings do get cool, the fireplace acts a heat supply, as well as running hot water.
Bisate Lodge, which is wilderness’ latest camp, is in the heart of the forest, boasting views of three prominent volcanoes named Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno. With good access to the Volcanoes National Park and its park headquarters for gorilla trekking tours amongst other activities, this lodge is a great choice for those looking for high-end accommodation in a remarkable location.
Bisate is close to the town of Kinigi, where the park headquarters are situated, providing an excellent base for visits into the park and gorilla trekking. The lodge is made of a communal dining/lounge area and six stand-alone domes for luxury and unique accommodation.
The six forest villas at Bisate are truly memorable. Inspired by the architecture of the ancient royal palace of the Rwanda monarchy, the suites at Bisate are dome-shaped and covered in thatch and bamboo thickets.
Although its exterior is traditionally ‘Rwandan’, its interior contrasts with fresh and modern decor, including bold tones of grey and green to reflect its location in the heart of the mountains.
Enjoy One & Only Gorilla Nest Lodge enchanting escapes when you go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Relish creature comforts of the sparkling infinity pool, fresh cuisine crafted inspired by local seasonal produce, and stimulating spa. The lodge’s pompous wooden design incorporates local volcanic stone in the decor, mixing a palette of browns with traditional Rwandan black and white Imigongo prints (geometric patterns initially created from cow dung).
The rooms are designed to draw the outside in; some rooms have bathtubs or showers on their wooden decks; others have baths looking onto the vegetation so close that it makes guests feel part of the jungle surroundings. There’s a cozy gas fire in each room too.
The resort has an intimate collection of 14 free-standing forest hideaways and four spacious suites mushrooming over the sprawling, fragrant gardens with enchanting amenities. The rooms are designed to draw the outside, featuring viewing decks, inviting fireplaces, alfresco showers, and standalone baths.
The Singita Kwitonda Lodge’s unrivalled position, a 10-minutes’ drive from the park office, puts transformative gorilla trekking experiences within easy reach. The lodge has eight elegant suites featuring a wellness treatment area, private heated plunge pool, fireplaces and large timber-framed windows that welcome spectacular scenery and volcano views inside.
Created in response to the surrounding dramatic landscapes, Kwitonda lodge includes unique elements like woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brickwork designed by local artisans. The on-site vegetable garden provides fresh produce for Kwitonda farm-to-table culinary experience. At Kwitonda, guests have nurturing space within which to contemplate their encounters with the remarkable “gentle giants of the forest”, the lodge envelopes them in a sanctuary of warmth, stillness & solitude.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is a superb base for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and nature hiking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The lodge has 30 private forest cabins, constructed from local material and fitted with a spacious living area, fireplace, en suite bathroom, and outside sitting area. The lodge’s chef serves local gourmet cuisine with fresh ingredients from fresh farm produce.
If you’re looking for decent, relaxed and affordable gorilla trekking accommodation around Volcanoes National Park, then Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is the best choice. It is not as flashy as the earlier mentioned lodges but offers competitive services for a room price that won’t break your bank account.
Virunga Lodge boasts panoramic vistas of the Virunga Massif and the beautiful lakes of Ruhondo and Burera.
The iconic safari lodge has defined Rwandese Afro-chic since 2004, setting the tone for Africa’s finest bush resorts. It has ten lavish Banda’s that feature spacious bedrooms with cozy fireplaces and private verandas.
The interior is a fusion of timeless, hand-made style with contemporary interior design to give the guest familiar but unique comforts in a jungle far, far away. You can find relaxing in the main boutique lounge quite restorative. Spend some study time in the Dian Fossey Map Room and catch up on some gorilla conservation milestones. Also, every guest gets a complimentary massage, which they’ll find pretty relaxing after the gorilla trekking experience.
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