Gorilla Valley Lodge is one of the Nature lodges in Uganda, found across the country’s national parks.
While staying at Gorilla Valley Lodge, you can trek mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
You can even book it for gorilla trekking from Kigali tours.
Mgahinga National Park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family and other unhabituated mountain gorillas.
It’s also home to the unique golden monkeys, well-known for their playful behavior and often seen in groups of 60-100 individuals.
Apart from golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, Mgahinga harbors three of the Virunga Range volcanoes.
Bwindi, on the other hand, is home to half of the population of mountain gorillas in the world.
There are over 15 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, and it’s also the only national park in the world where you can do gorilla habituation.
Besides mountain gorillas, the park is home to 13 other species of primates, including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and many others.
Gorilla Valley Lodge is one of the best mid-budget lodges in Bwindi, often used by tourists on budget gorilla tours.
About Gorilla Valley Lodge
Gorilla Valley Lodge, situated in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is ideal for budget and mid-range travelers who wish to trek mountain gorillas.
The lodge is positioned at the edge of the park, with each cottage offering endless views of the impenetrable forest.
When planning to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi, keep in mind that the park is divided into four sectors: Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Nkuringo.
It’s always a good idea to book accommodation in the sector where you have acquired a gorilla permit.
Gorilla Valley Lodge is located in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi National Park.
The cottages at Gorilla Valley Lodge are beautifully constructed with local materials to provide a wilderness experience.
There are 12 en-suite self-contained cottages overlooking the forest, featuring comfortable beds and showers with both warm and cold water.
The restaurant serves delicious meals, including both local and international cuisine, and the staff are welcoming, creating a home-away-from-home feeling.
The room rates vary from $105 to $130, depending on occupancy and meal plan.
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits cost $700 per person per trek, while gorilla habituation permits cost $1500 per person per trek.
These permits can be obtained through a trusted tour company or Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Permits should be purchased well in advance, 3-6 months before the trekking date, due to high demand, especially during the peak season.
Best Time to Visit
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September and December to February.
During these times, the roads to the park are in good condition, the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot mountain gorillas and take excellent photos.
