Mgahinga National Park is a good place to go for an eco-friendly gorilla safari in Uganda with over 200 gorillas and one habituated gorilla family. The Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga with about 10 members headed by the dominant male silverback and is open for trekking all year round.
Due to the small nature of Mgahinga National Park, most of the accommodation is located in the nearby towns near the park and accommodation is always in high demand mostly during the peak season and needs to be booked early enough to get the best deals.
The eco-friendly camps not only offer an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience but also play a vital role in conserving the environment and supporting local communities. Some of the eco-friendly facilities that you can book while in Mgahinga include;
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp. Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp is located by the entrance to Mgahinga National Park at the Ntebeko gate. It is an eco-friendly accommodation at the foothills of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
At the camp, visitors can enjoy the magnificent views of the famous Virunga Volcanoes and take part in mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking. The camp is located at the perfect starting point for hiking the Virunga Volcanoes of Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo.
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp offers different types of accommodation ranging from bandas and dormitories. The camp also offers camping space for visitors interested in pitching tents as well as ample car parking space.
There are two ensuite bandas available at Amajambere Community Camp. One banda has a double bed and the second banda has a double bed and it can as well be changed to a twin. There is also a third banda though it is not self-contained as others.
There is one dormitory available at the camp with three bunker beds hence accommodating 3 people a night.
Those interested in camping, they can use their own tents or vehicle rooftop. The distance between the camp and the nearby Kisoro town is 14kms. The main means of transport from Kisoro to the camp is by car. There is no public transport available between the camp and Kisoro town.
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp supports conservation efforts. The camp is community-run and provides eco-friendly accommodations for tourists visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The camp also supports local initiatives that promote environmental conservation.
Mount Gahinga Rest Camp. The camp lies on the edge of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the shade of the spectacular Virunga volcanoes. From the camp, you can see the beautiful stunning views of Kisoro volcanos, lake mutanda and the green vegetation.
This camp is composed of 9 grass thatched bandas and 3 tents with private facilities, half of these cottages have their en-suite and private balconies which are facing towards Lake Mutanda. These cottages were built using the locally available materials collected by the local people. Each of these cottages is ensuite with warm and hot water. The cottages have also got free Wi-Fi which helps the clients to continue doing their work.
Mount Gahinga rest camp provides space for the clients to make their camp tents at night. The camp also provides fire at night which helps to give warmth and protection from the dangerous animals at night.
The camp is designed with sustainability in mind. The camp features eco-friendly cottages and tents that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
At this camp, electricity is supplied from the solar panels instead of the hydroelectricity.
Mutanda Eco–Community Centre. Mutanda Eco Community Centre is a community owned eco-lodge located at the south shores of Lake Mutanda. The camp provides accommodation, camping facilities and food.
Mutanda Eco Community Centre offers different types of accommodation ranging from bandas and dormitories. The centre also offers camping space for visitors with tents as well as ample car parking space. Guests can choose between the campsite, dormitories, or bandas. The centre has a wide area for camping as well as five bandas, of which two serve as dormitories.
Mutanda Eco Community Centre is the perfect choice for accommodation for anyone considering mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.
Since this camp is near Lake Mutanda, there are several ecotourism activities that can be carried out at Lake Mutanda and these include swimming, canoeing, boat riding, snake safari, otter viewing and village visits.
Mutanda Eco Community Centre offers volunteer opportunities for clients interested in supporting community projects. The volunteer experience entails teaching swimming lessons to children, working at the health centers and teaching conservation education at the nearby Chihe Primary School.
Mount Gahinga Lodge. Mount Gahinga Lodge was the first lodge to be built by Praveen Moman and officially opened in 2002. The lodge is an excellent base to go for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.
The lodge is inspired by traditional design and techniques. The built bandas reflect the magic of the aesthetic traditions of the Bafumbira people. Each Banda offers an en-suite luxury shower room, fireplace and private porch.
Mount Gahinga Lodge offers 8 traditional hand-built guest bandas facing the magical Virunga volcanoes.
The best activity that can be done by visitors staying at Mount Gahinga Lodge is gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park starts right from the lodge with a direct private footpath to reach gorillas.
Mount Gahinga Lodge has excellent restaurant with well trained staff and chef who prepares delicious food both locally and internationally.
The lodge offers personnel butler services to all guests. At the lodge, you can enjoy complimentary spa treatments and massages including the famous Rungu massage at the Gushimisha Spa & Sauna.
The bandas are connected to the property’s main lodge along neat pathways. This building is made out of stone and thatch. Inside this lodge, there is an open-plan lounge and dining area with well-cushioned wicker sofas and armchairs, a long table flanked by upright chairs for communal meals and a large central fireplace. This space extends into a comfy sun room which boasts amazing views of the volcanoes and surrounding landscape. From the lodge, guests can also marvel at the scenery from Mount Gahinga’s terrace. Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge.
In a separate building, there is a great little gift shop perfect for purchasing souvenirs and there is also a massage room for a spot of pampering in between trips into the national park.
Lake Mutanda campsite. Lake Mutanda campsite is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This captivating campsite offers visitors with chance to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and immerse in the beauty of the surroundings.
The campsite is located near lake Mutanda and surrounded by lush landscape and rolling hills. Mutanda is a perfect place to relax and chill. The campsite offers a range of accommodation options from traditional tents to comfortable cabins.
This campsite is also an ideal base for those going for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.
Accommodation at this camp is provided in 13 beautifully crafted cottages with ensuite bathrooms. The rooms sit on wooden platforms above the ground, offering stunning views of Lake Mutanda and the Virunga Mountains. The rooms are decorated with local art, fabric to give guests a sense of belonging.
The camp’s most charming feature is the deck overlooking the lake where all meals are served with the sunrise over the mountains and sunset over the tranquil lake. The Swiss-like main area with an African finish and brick-worm fireplace is a magnet to visitors. The chef serves fresh vegetables from the property’s home garden to complement his wonderfully selected menu. Guests can even have their meals served in the privacy of their stone cottage.
