There are journeys that change your perspective. In Uganda’s south-western corner – where volcanoes rise and the hills are terraced in every shade of green – an encounter with the mountain gorillas awaits. The forest is dense and humid, the trails steep, and the stillness almost tangible. Standing just a few metres from a gorilla family, watching the youngsters play and meeting the silverback’s calm gaze is as unsettling as it is serene.
Our gorilla treks set off early, at first light, as the day breaks over Mgahinga. You’ll walk over soft earth and tangled roots, through bamboo stands, until the tracker raises a hand – and everyday life simply stops. The hour you’re allowed in their presence passes in a blink, yet stays with you for a very long time.
In practical terms, we most often route the trip via Rwanda, with a smooth border transfer to Mount Gahinga Lodge. This is your base for everything: alongside the mountain gorillas, you can also track golden monkeys, hike the volcanic slopes, or get to know the Batwa people through guided cultural walks. Everything takes place close by, without long drives.
As always, Upplev Sydafrika has handpicked this lodge to suit the experience: a fire crackling on cool evenings, comfortable rooms with volcano views, and thoughtful service from the first pre-trek briefing to the final cup of coffee before departure. Uganda does the rest.

Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies in south-western Uganda, on the Ugandan side of the Virunga Mountains, right on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda’s smallest national park at just under 34 km², it nevertheless encompasses three extinct volcanoes – Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo – and ranges from just over 2,000 metres to above 4,000 metres in altitude.
The landscape is a mix of bamboo thickets, lush montane forest and open heathland high above the valleys. It is home to a habituated mountain gorilla family that can be visited on foot, as well as large troops of golden monkeys, other forest-dwelling mammals and excellent birdlife. The high elevation brings a cool, crisp climate and the treks can be physically demanding – but the reward is a serene volcanic setting and close, exclusive encounters with some of the world’s most endangered primates.

Mount Gahinga Lodge

On the Ugandan side of the Virunga Mountains, just outside the boundary of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you’ll find Mount Gahinga Lodge – a small, characterful retreat set in lush gardens with uninterrupted views of the dramatic volcanic peaks. Accommodation is in a handful of freestanding bandas, each with a sitting area, fireplace, generous bathroom and a private veranda – the perfect place to sink into an armchair after a day on the trails and let it all sink in, with valleys and volcanoes on the horizon. The style is warm and homely, with natural materials, earthy textiles and subtle touches inspired by Batwa and Bafumbira culture – very much a rustic mountain lodge rather than a classic savannah camp.

The main lodge is home to the dining room, bar and lounge, as well as a bright viewing lounge with large windows facing the volcanoes – a natural gathering spot before and after activities. On gorilla-trekking mornings, breakfast is served early, often with the option of something light before you set off, followed by a more substantial brunch or lunch on your return. In the evening, multi-course dinners are served with an emphasis on local ingredients, with menus that shift with the season and the mood. Afterwards, there’s an open fire, a drink in hand, and time to relive the day’s highlights at a slower pace.

Its location makes Mount Gahinga Lodge an ideal base for adventure. The starting points for Mgahinga’s gorilla treks are close by, and a private path leads directly from the lodge into the park – a welcome touch on those early mornings. Beyond the mountain gorillas, you can head into the bamboo forest in search of the charming golden monkeys, climb one of the volcanic peaks, or enjoy shorter walks in the surrounding area. The lodge is also an excellent base for getting to know Batwa culture, with village visits and guided cultural walks.

Children are welcome, but park regulations require guests to be at least 15 years old to take part in gorilla trekking.

Contact Upplev Sydafrika for tailor-made gorilla encounters.

Curated Add-On I

Combine your adventurous days with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys with a superb safari in, for example, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia or Botswana. Get in touch with Upplev Sydafrika and we’ll be happy to tell you more.

Curated Add-On II

Combine your gorilla adventure with a few peaceful days on the idyllic, exclusive Thanda Island or exotic Zanzibar. Here you’ll find — quite literally — paradise: white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and superb snorkelling. Get in touch with Upplev Sydafrika and we’ll be happy to tell you more.