A stunning luxury adventure lodge
A mere 40-minute helicopter flight from a village many have never heard of will see you arriving at Mount Gahinga Lodge in the southern corner of Uganda. There are various other ways to approach the equatorial haven, all of which are unusual: an hour’s flight from Entebbe, a four-hour forest walk from Kihihi followed by a two-hour drive, or a six-hour drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Mount Gahinga is remote, but being remote is key.
All you see before you is open to exploration
The protected area in which the lodge is built is home to some unique residents, including the mountain gorilla (of which only around 1000 remain) and the pygmy Batwa people – thought to be the oldest surviving indigenous people in the region. The low-lying lodge, surrounded by a green canopy, peers out over the Virunga Volcanoes. All you see before you is open to exploration. Track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, or see how many of Uganda’s 1000 bird species you can spot. Gain a perspective of your surroundings with a game drive, a garden tour or a hike up one of the volcanoes themselves.
The lodge’s Ugandan-born owner, Praveen Moman, is known for his philanthropic work in the area, working to secure land and traditional housing for displaced indigenous tribes. The lodge offers tours to the local village for an insightful experience of a culture that’s remained unchanged for centuries.
The balance of Mother Nature
Even deities have been known to take a day of rest, and the humble explorer is no less worthy. Exchange your Gore-Tex for a gown, your boots for slippers, and let the complimentary masseuse work her magic. If you’re feeling particularly deserving, have your personal butler set up a light meal on the patio and snack against a canvas of cloud-topped volcanic peaks.
As is the balance of Mother Nature, so is the experience at Mount Gahinga.