Uganda – nicknamed the Pearl of Africa – is lush, tropical paradise in the middle of this wild continent, and it houses an exceptional population of birds and some of the planet’s last remaining great apes. (Did you notice which order we listed those in? We’re birding fans, ok). Taking a closer look at this vital ecosystem – the central African rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo – reveals some of the most scenic and breathtaking places to stay on safari. Here are some great accommodation options for a gorilla trekking safari experience, which is certainly an item on your to-do list. Right?
An indescribably beautiful view over Nyinabulitwa Crater Lake as the sun reaches towards the horizon and the emerald green landscape is ignited in its golden light. This is Crater Safari Lodge, and it has an utterly supreme view. Located near to Uganda’s tangled Kibale Forest, chimpanzee safaris are the activity of focus at Crater Safari Lodge, and they are sure to offer an experience of a lifetime.
Delving deeper into the diminutive country of Uganda, we discover how richly furnished it is with geological history, forested majesty, and animal royalty. With over 600 species of birds occurring in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth National Park, it takes the prize for the highest number of species occurring in any one park in Africa! This magnificent place is also the home of tree-climbing lions and the lost chimpanzees of the Kyambura Gorge, which is where this piece of Ugandan paradise lies. Kyambura Gorge Lodge is a contemporary and eclectic re-imagined coffee shop which now accommodates guests at the edge of QENP in style and comfort. The scenery is staggering and the wildlife is supreme, making this one a definite feature for our focus on central African rainforest destinations.
Tracking chimpanzees is an experience like no other. These primates are our closest living relatives and share more ten times more genetic similarities with humans than mice do to rats (fun fact)! To see these phenomenal apes in their natural habitat between tall trees, swaying vines, and shady shrubbery is purely unforgettable. Unlike the gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest is low-lying flat land, so the walk is an easy going activity with enormous reward. Of course, the chimpanzee vocalizations are not the only sounds you will hear in this primate-inhabited forest; with hundreds of bird species there is simply never a still or quiet moment in this living Eden. Primate Lodge is located inside the forest and with only 9 luxury cottages situated independently between the trees, it is a tranquil and nature-filled paradise.
The central African rainforest crosses sprawls across the mountainous borders of Uganda into Rwanda and Congo, where these last remaining vegetated volcanic hills provide a home to the endangered mountain gorilla among other primates, birds, mammals and a forest full of other enigmatic species. In Rwanda’s prestigious Virunga Mountains lies this sun kissed sanctuary, perched on a ridge with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the Musanze valley to the west and Lake Bulera and Ruhondo to the east. Virunga Lodge is a retreat among the great apes, adorned with Rwandese style and beauty, this is tranquility defined. Banks of mist hover below in the early mornings, blanketing the forest in a protective cloth before rising to reveal its green and magnificent life beneath. Gorilla trekking at its best.
A table for two with a private view over the forest they call Impenetrable. Where the silverback gorillas beat their chests in their high mountain homes, and where you sleep and dine in the comfort of a forest cottage after a day spent hiking through the tangled vines and broad-leaf growth to see these fascinating mammals up close. The trekking experience is extremely controlled and careful to protect the gorilla families that inhabit Bwindi Forest, but the reward far greater than the tough climb. And to spend the night in the comfort of Gorilla Safari Lodge completes the experience in style. Eat gloriously, be massaged through your siesta hour, and marvel at the life that thrives in the woods around you.
Just minutes away from the headquarters of Rwanda’s prestigious Volcanoes National Park, lie the secluded cottages of Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, which – run by Governors collection – is one of the area’s most exclusive and authentic gorilla trekking bases. Governors,whose reputation for Kenyan safaris has made them leaders in the industry, has laid out six cottages, one couples’ suite, and one family suite in the lush indigenous plantations that thrive through this famous mountains. Sabyinyo uses traditional Rwandese materials to create these forest retreats, and decorates the interiors with classic elegance including bedroom fireplaces, cushioned headboards, and cosy armchairs. The gorilla trekking experience is second to none, sure to be one of the most poignant and dramatic wildlife encounters in the world.
Peeking through the trees, the volcanic peaks of the Rwandese rainforest are framed by the indigenous leaves, encapsulating the beautiful home of the mountain gorillas. This is the view from Bisate Lodge, which is one of the most artistically expressive, embracing, and culturally rich safari lodges in the region. With a focus on supporting the natural surroundings and the local community, Bisate Lodge contributes to not only protecting the endangered gorilla population, but also to the growth of local industry, and the recovery of the indigenous forest.
Inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, between the spiraling vines and beneath the tangled canopies, the streaming rays of light fall upon the camouflaged canvas roofs of Gorilla Forest Camp‘s 8 secretive tented suites. The location of this Ugandan safari camp is uniquely luxurious, as it is only minutes away from the starting point of the famous Bwindi gorilla trekking excursions. Sharing the same habitat as the gorillas and the rest of the primate species, birds, rodents, and insects that occupy this last remaining African rainforest habitat is what brings this camp alive. Waking up to see the morning mist engulfing the valley, hearing the many calls from the depths of the forest, and ending the day around the garden campfire where you share stories about your once in a lifetime experience with endangered mountain gorillas… This is what it’s really about.
Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of two places in Africa where lions are known to climb trees – an unusual and unforgettable spectacle. A whole pride of lions can be spotted snoozing away in the branches of fig trees, just as we have become accustomed to seeing leopards do (although never in groups)! QENP has an outstanding diversity of species, including 4 or the famous Big 5, and it is the country’s greatest safari destination. The Pearl of Africa, as Uganda is known, certainly has it all, and then some. With the last remaining habitat for mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, over 600 species of birds, the Nile River, three-horned Rothschild giraffe, tree-climbing lions, and an abundance of fantastic wild landscape, this small central-east African country deserves a visit. In QENP, Ishasha Wilderness Camp is comfortable tented camp located idyllically on the banks of the Ntungwe River where hippos bellow and snort, black and white colobus monkeys swing from the trees, and any number of the park’s variety of animals gather to drink. What a view!
