Mount Gahinga Lodge

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is situated in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which is home to a population of somewhat 330 mountain gorillas (gorilla beringei). This is roughly half of the world’s total population! Interestingly, Bwindi is the only forest in Africa where chimpanzees and mountain gorillas co-exist – well worth the time and energy it takes to get here. The lodge comprises of eight stone bedrooms with two of these being double-roomed family units for families or couples traveling together. The main building, with reception, dining, shop and bar area, has six fireplaces to keep it cozy throughout the day. Views from the main balcony area stretch across to Rwanda and the Virungas as well as all the way across the border towards Goma in the Congo – absolutely magnificent! Each room has its own cosy fireplace which is just what you need following a long day tracking the gorillas. They each have all the necessary comforts required to make you feel like this is a second home. The main lodge offers soft and plush finishes with turned wood, and commissioned artwork from Ugandan artists adorn the walls throughout.

In the north-eastern section of Akagera National Park you’ll find Wilderness Magashi Camp overlooking the stunning Lake Rwanyakazinga. The camp is surrounded by some of East Africa’s most beautiful savannah, lakes, swamps and rolling grasslands. The camp, with design and interiors inspired by traditional Rwandan culture, boasts six spacious tents with lake views. When you’re not enjoying the solitude of your airy tent, relax in the luxurious lounge, enjoy a meal in the dining and bar area. The pool is the ideal place to cool off after a busy day of game viewing and birdwatching, and evenings are best spent on the deck around the fire pit. The region is also home to one of the continent’s largest hippo populations, as well as crocodiles. You’ll also find the rare sitatunga and other plains game here as well as over 520 different species of bird. After a 20-year absence, lions were reintroduced to the area in 2015, and the population today is thriving. Black rhino were reintroduced in 2017.

Take some time to rest and relax here at the small and friendly Boma in Entebbe. Just minutes from the international airport, this charming guesthouse offers plenty of comforts whether you are starting or ending your trip, or between destinations. Each of the eleven rooms are individually designed with a mix of African and European style and come with large plush beds, a small living area and a private bathroom. Enjoy all the comforts of a modern hotel combined with the character of the original 1940’s home. Staff ensure every guest receives personalised service and experience the full charm of this quaint lakeside town. The hotel’s restaurant and bar, which is set in tropical gardens, looks out to the lovely Lake Victoria. Unwind with a dip in the newly built swimming pool and relax over afternoon tea on the pretty terrace before continuing the next leg of your journey.

Utterly unique in its design, six sumptuous forest villas are luxurious while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of the surrounding country. Each has a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space and bathroom, heated by a central fireplace and a private deck looking out to Mount Bisoke. The spherical stone and thatch architecture, said to be inspired by the Royal Palace of traditional monarchs, continues through to the communal areas such as the dining room, bar and spa, detailed with a variety of woven materials, local crafts and more modern touches. Wilderness Bisate is a short drive to the national park’s headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily, and you can also embark upon forest hikes to see rare Golden Monkeys and other wildlife. Visit the site of Dian Fossey’s research camp and grave, meet the community on guided village walks, plant a tree as part of the Wilderness Bisate’s reforestation project or perhaps tag along with the chef to the local market to buy ingredients for dinner.