With its rustic charm and impressive location, Mount Gahinga Lodge is a wonderful place to take in the sheer beauty of Uganda. Just moments away from the entrance of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this lodge feels like a remote wilderness property while being close to local activities. Perfect for those craving crisp mountain air and an abundance of striking views.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
The lodge, close to the entrance of the national park, sits in a stunning location in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Tucked into Uganda’s south-western corner on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC, the lodge offers some of the best jungle trekking on the continent. Although it is only 35 sq km, the volcanic landscapes are breathtaking and the park harbours a wealth of wildlife.
Rooms
The lodge offers nine newly refurbished bandas, built from stone and thatch and uniquely decorated with traditional patterns and bold colours. A fireplace is lit for you each evening and a private veranda extends out over the gardens towards the volcanoes.
Communal Areas
Sitting atop the terraced gardens, the pretty main lodge offers an open-plan lounge and dining area with cushioned wicker sofas, a long communal dining table and large fireplace for when temperatures drop. The sunroom looks out towards the volcanoes and Kisoro valley with large windows flooding the space with sunshine, making for an impressive place to relax.
Activities
The lodge is a perfect base to explore the forest and foothills in and around the national park. Guests can track the golden monkey, climb one of Virunga’s dramatic peaks or take the Batwa trail to discover the ancient traditions of local people. No mountain gorillas live in Mgahinga permanently so sightings are rare. However, this means guests can have almost exclusive use of this stunning area and take a drive to Nkuringo where sightings are more common.
All Inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRYER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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