Gorilla Safari Lodge
$400-$700 per night
Overview
Gorilla Safari Lodge sits at the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Rushaga sector, offering luxury accommodation just a five-minute walk from the gorilla trekking briefing point. Managed by Crystal Lodges Uganda, the property features twenty-one rooms connected by cobbled pathways with wooden railings — each room named after an individual gorilla or gorilla family from the surrounding forest.
The main lodge houses a dining room, relaxation lounge, spa treatment room and bar, all designed to help guests unwind after hours on the forest trails. The interiors blend contemporary African design with locally sourced stone and timber, and private balconies frame the Rushaga valley and forested ridges beyond.
The Rushaga sector is home to the largest concentration of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, and the lodge is one of the few properties offering access to both standard gorilla trekking and the extended gorilla habituation experience — a full-day programme allowing four hours with a gorilla family. Cultural tours to Batwa communities, mountain biking, guided forest treks to Bayenda Falls and community walks round out the activity programme.
Location & Access
Room Types
Luxury Cottage
Spacious stone-and-timber cottage with king or twin beds, en-suite bathroom with bathtub and rain shower, private fireplace and a balcony with valley views.
Up to 2 guests
Premium Suite
The lodge's finest accommodation with separate bedroom and sitting room, en-suite bathroom with freestanding bathtub, fireplace and panoramic balcony.
Up to 2 guests
Family Cottage
Two interconnected rooms with separate sleeping areas, en-suite bathroom and a shared balcony, ideal for families.
Up to 4 guests
Honeymoon Cottage
Secluded cottage with four-poster king bed, outdoor bathtub, private fireplace and dedicated butler service.
Up to 2 guests
Dining
The restaurant serves a refined full-board menu with multi-course dinners, extensive breakfasts and gourmet packed lunches. The kitchen uses locally sourced produce and offers dishes that blend East African flavours with international techniques. A well-curated wine list accompanies meals, and the bar serves premium spirits, cocktails and artisan coffee. Bush dinners under the stars can be arranged for special occasions.
Planning Your Trek
Staying at Gorilla Safari Lodge puts you close to the Rushaga sector trailhead — the briefing starts at 7:30 a.m.
A gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person and is booked separately through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) — not included in your lodge rate. $10 from each permit goes directly to local communities surrounding Bwindi, linking conservation with the livelihoods of the people who live alongside the gorillas.
Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (ugandawildlife.org) — permit prices subject to change.
Activities
- Gorilla trekking
- Gorilla habituation experience (4 hours)
- Batwa cultural tours
- Mountain biking
- Forest trek to Bayenda Falls
- Bird watching (23 endemic species)
- Community walks
Who Should Stay Here
Why We Recommend It
- Just a 5-minute walk to the trekking briefing point
- 21 rooms each named after individual gorillas
- Access to both gorilla trekking and the extended habituation experience
- On-site spa treatment room for post-trek recovery
- Mountain biking and waterfall treks for active guests
- Attentive and professional staff
Things to Know
- WiFi is available in the main lodge only and can be slow
- The access road requires a 4x4 vehicle
- Evening temperatures can be cool at altitude — fireplaces and warm bedding are provided
- Gorilla habituation experiences must be booked well in advance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gorilla habituation experience?
How close is the lodge to the trekking point?
Can the lodge arrange a bush dinner?
Is there mobile phone signal?
Can I combine Rushaga with other Bwindi sectors?
Further Reading
Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Everything you need to know before you go.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking
The definitive packing list for the trek.
How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking?
Fitness requirements and what to expect.
Best Time to Visit Uganda
Month-by-month guide to seasons and permits.
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