Gorilla Safari Lodge
Gorilla Safari Lodge is located in Rushaga on the southern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south western Uganda. The lodge is 5 to 10 minutes walk to Rushaga gorilla trekking briefing point. The lodge’s location allows guests to easily take part in gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation experiences, nature walks, and cultural visits without long transfers.
Gorilla Safari Lodge was developed to serve the growing demand for quality accommodation near the Rushaga gorilla trekking sector, which is home to some of the highest numbers of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi. As gorilla tourism expanded in southern Bwindi, the lodge was established to provide travelers with a comfortable base close to the trekking briefing point which reduced on early morning drives. Over time, the lodge has grown into one of the most popular luxury safari lodges in the area welcoming international tourists, researchers, and conservation focused travelers.
Accommodation and amenities
Gorilla safari lodge offers comfortable and eco-friendly accommodation. The lodge features well spaced private cottages rather than tents. These cottages are built using natural materials that blend with the forest environment.
Gorilla safari lodge comprises 8 cottages with 2 being Standard Double or twin Cottages which are suitable for couples or friends traveling together. The remaining cottages are single and family cottages. This limited number of cottages helps to maintain privacy, quietness and personalized service for guests. Each cottage features a private bathroom, a personal veranda, cozy beds fitted with mosquito nets, gentle lighting, and good airflow from natural ventilation. Electricity is available, though power may be solar-supported or generator-assisted.
Dining at Gorilla safari lodge
Dining at Gorilla Safari Lodge is warm, relaxed, and satisfying with meals designed to suit both international and local tastes. Local dishes are made using fresh ingredients, international meals and vegetarian options are always available. The lodge also caters for special dietary needs (on prior request). Guests are encouraged to inform the lodge in advance so meals can be prepared accordingly. Meals are mainly served in the main dining restaurant as guests enjoy views of the surrounding forest and hills while dining. However, private or flexible dining times may be arranged depending on trekking schedules. The bar and lounge at the lodge serve a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Drinks are usually paid separately unless included in a specific package.
Activities offered by Gorilla Safari Lodge
Gorilla Safari Lodge offers guests a wide range of activities for instance; gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation, guided nature walks, cultural experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla trekking and Gorilla habituation
These are the main activities offered by Gorilla safari lodge. Mountain gorilla trekking takes you deep in the rainforest to observe these endangered species. During gorilla trekking, visitors are led by UWA rangers and experienced local guides who share knowledge about the forest. For visitors seeking a more in depth encounter with mountain gorillas, gorilla habituation is also offered by the lodge. This experience allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family as they gradually get used to human presence.
Guided nature walks
Apart from gorilla trekking, Gorilla safari lodge organizes guided forest walks and nature walks. These walks allow visitors to explore the surrounding rain forest, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. The activity also offers an opportunity to spot other primates like black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed and blue monkeys, among others. During the hikes, visitors may see butterflies, birds, and a variety of forest plants along the way.
Cultural and community experience
Gorilla safari lodge offers cultural and community experience. Visitors get the opportunity to take part in Batwa cultural exploration where they learn about the traditions, history and forest based lifestyle of the indigenous Batwa people.These activities include storytelling, traditional music and dance along with demonstrations of long practiced survival skills.
This provides a deeper cultural understanding of the region and supports local communities.
Lodge to the community and conservation
Gorilla safari lodge plays an important role in supporting conservation and improving the lives of local communities around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The lodge supports conservation by promoting responsible gorilla tourism. All activities offered by the lodge follow Uganda Wildlife Authority guidelines especially during gorilla trekking. Visitors are briefed about gorilla trekking dos and don’ts which helps to reduce stress on mountain gorillas and protects their natural habitat. The lodge also encourages guests to respect wildlife, conserve water and minimise waste during their stay.
The lodge also follows several sustainable tourism practices including use of locally sourced building materials, limited number of cottages to reduce environmental impact, proper waste management and controlled water use and energy efficient lighting and solar-supported power where possible. These practices help protect the fragile forest ecosystem while maintaining guest comfort.
Gorilla Safari Lodge actively supports nearby communities by employing local residents in various roles, including housekeeping, kitchen staff, security, gardening, and guiding support. This creates stable income for families living around Bwindi Forest.
In addition, the lodge supports local suppliers by purchasing fresh food from nearby farmers and handicrafts and cultural items made by local artisans. This helps strengthen the local economy and reduces reliance on forest resources.
How to access Gorilla Safari lodge
Gorilla Safari Lodge can be accessed either by road or air from Uganda or Rwanda. By road from Rwanda, the journey takes about 140 to 160 km drive (4-5 hours) depending on the border clearance. The route goes from Kigali-Musanze-Cyanika Border- Kisoro then Gorilla Safari Lodge. Travelers crossing from Rwanda into Uganda should have a passport valid for at least 6 months, East African visa and Yellow fever vaccination certificate. Border procedures at Cyanika are usually smooth and well organised.
After crossing into Uganda, the drive continues through Kisoro town and onwards to Rushaga sector in southern Bwindi. A 4×4 safari vehicle is recommended especially during the rainy season the road is slippery.
By road from Uganda, most travelers use 4×4 safari vehicles, especially those combining Bwindi with other parks such as Queen Elizabeth or Lake Bunyonyi. The drive offers scenic views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural communities. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, particularly during the rainy season.
By air
Travelers can alternatively book a scheduled domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield, landing at Kisoro Airstrip. From Kisoro town, the lodge can help organize road transfers to Rushaga for guests. This option significantly reduces travel time and is ideal for visitors on tight schedules.
Alternatively, visitors can also fly from Kigali International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip via Entebbe depending on flight schedules. Most guests arrive through pre-arranged lodge or tour operator transfers ensuring smooth access from airstrips, towns, or other national parks.