Gorilla Heights Lodge: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Insights

Fancy getting up close with the gorillas? If this is on your bucket list, Newmark Hotels and Reserves invites you to join in a unique gorilla trekking experience at one of our newest properties, Gorilla Heights Lodge in Nkuringo, Uganda, overlooking the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the best places in the world for a gorilla encounter. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 32,000 hectares of dense forest rich in biodiversity and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. 

Bwindi’s cool climate is ideal for gorilla habitats and also boasts hundreds of tree, butterfly and bird species.

Safe, Ethical Tourism
Gorilla trekking is a safe experience that encompasses fully guided natural encounters. Gorilla Heights Lodge has expert trackers who follow strict safety guidelines to protect both trekkers and gorillas. 

Anyone passionate about ethical tourism will be pleased to know that the lodge is committed to minimising its footprint, helping to protect the ecosystem. 

Finding Gorilla Heights Lodge
Guests travelling to Newmark Hotels & Reserves’ Gorilla Heights Lodge can take a 1-hour flight from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a scenic 1.5-hour drive (38km) to the lodge. 

If you prefer an extended road trip, take a leisurely 10-hour drive from Entebbe Airport or a 4.5-hour drive from Kigali Airport, Rwanda, via the Cyanika border.

How long does Gorilla Trekking take?
The walk from the lodge through the forest to Buhoma, where seven gorilla families live, is a scenic 2-hour journey. The entire gorilla trekking expedition can last up to seven hours, so prepare for a full day of adventure! The trek is led daily and can accommodate a maximum of eight people per family per day. 

Age Recommendations 
All guests over the age of 15 are welcome to participate in gorilla trekking at Gorilla Heights Lodge. Guests are required to keep a 10-meter distance from gorillas and interaction is not allowed. For optimum safety and enjoyment on your trek, remember to follow all rules explained by your guides before the journey.

What to Pack for Kioro District Weather
For the best gorilla trekking experience, be sure to have hiking boots, rain gear, warm layers, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera and your trekking permit. Expect a cool mountain forest climate with average temperatures ranging from 7-20°C to a maximum of 20-27°C. 

Peak rainy seasons are from March to April and September to November so pack accordingly for misty, cool mornings and occasional showers.

Bookings and Payments
Bookings for gorilla trekking can be done seamlessly through the Newmark Hotels & Reserves website. Hospitality staff at Gorilla Heights Lodge will help arrange your trek and permits. Payments can be made with Ugandan Shillings or US Dollars, and all credit cards are accepted.

Ready for gorilla trekking? Book your adventure with Newmark Hotels & Reserves. Other experiences offered at Gorilla Heights Lodge include nature walks, chimpanzee viewing and spa treatments.