Gorilla Safari Lodge is one of the lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that cater to visitors on gorilla trekking trips. It sits on the forest edge in the green hills of south-western Uganda, close enough to the trailheads to make the early-morning start manageable. The surroundings are quiet, cool and beautiful, with terraced farms, tea gardens and bands of mist drifting over the ridges. The lodge offers rooms in the style of a small forest retreat, with a restaurant, a bar and a lounge area where guests can compare notes on the day's trek. Many visitors arrive tired after a long drive, so the simple comforts of a hot meal and a warm bed are welcome. The staff can help with packing lunches for trekking days, arranging porters and organising visits to nearby villages and community projects.
Location and getting around
Bwindi is a long drive from Kampala, usually eight to ten hours, so many visitors break the journey at Queen Elizabeth National Park or Lake Mburo. The lodge is close to one of the park's trekking sectors, and the permit allocated to you decides which sector you will visit, so it makes sense to choose your lodge after your permit is confirmed. Transfers to the trailhead are usually arranged by the lodge or by your tour operator.
Who it suits
Gorilla trekkers who want a comfortable base close to the forest, and couples or small groups on a south-western circuit. It is not a luxury resort, so manage expectations about extras, but it provides a warm welcome and the essentials. Bwindi has a wide range of lodges from basic to high end, so compare the options against your budget and the sector of your permit.
Practical advice
Book your lodge and permit together where possible, as the best places fill up months ahead. Pack waterproof clothing, gloves and sturdy boots, and ask the lodge to arrange a porter. Evenings can be cool, so bring a warm layer. Facilities, power and Wi-Fi in remote areas can be limited, so confirm details when you book and carry any medicines you need. After your trek, ask the lodge about community walks, craft cooperatives and bird walks nearby.
Making the most of the stay
If you have an afternoon free after your trek, ask about a guided walk to a nearby village, a visit to a Batwa cultural experience, or a birdwatching stroll on the forest edge, where turacos, barbets and sunbirds are common. Rest is also a good idea, because the trek can be tiring, and a hot shower and a quiet evening by the fire help you recover. Staying two nights lets you arrive, trek the next morning and leave the following day without rushing.
Why stay here
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Forest and hill views
- ✓Packed lunches for trekking
- ✓Porter bookings on request
- ✓Lounge area
- ✓Laundry service
- ✓Trailhead transfers on request
- ✓Community visits on request
Good questions
Where is Gorilla Safari Lodge?+
On the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda. Check the exact sector when you book.
Should I choose the lodge before the permit?+
Better to confirm the permit first, since your permit decides the sector and therefore which lodges are closest.
Can the lodge arrange a porter and packed lunch?+
Yes, lodges around Bwindi usually arrange both on request.
