We are the ultimate feel-good & impact-driven travel booking site. Join the community
of like-minded people focused on making TRAVEL BETTER.
Gorilla Heights Lodge
The ultimate blend of luxury and nature, where the wild meets indulgence
OUR STORY
Nestled amidst the breath-taking beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Gorilla Heights Lodge invites you to embark on an unforgettable adventure in ultimate comfort. Our eco-friendly sanctuary not only places you just a 10-minute stroll away from the magical world of gorillas but also pampers you with a health club, a heated swimming pool and gourmet dining options. Our cosy cottages offer an oasis of tranquility, where every amenity has been thoughtfully designed to ensure your stay is nothing short of exceptional. Discover the ultimate blend of luxury and nature, where the wild meets indulgence at Gorilla Heights Lodge.
Community and Sustainability Commitment
Here are some key sustainability & community practices that these hosts are committed too. Please use the key below the icons for reference. You might see that some measurements are not currently in place and that’s okay, we choose to support our hosts on their imperfect road towards a better world and we understand that that takes time.
Power saving initiatives in place
Water saving measures in place
Plastic avoidance in place
Ecological construction
Ecological suppliers preferred
Environmental information for guests
Regenerative energy initiatives in place
Vegetarian menu available
Vegan menu available
Waste policy in place
Car charging station
Uses local suppliers
Local NGO supported
Local charity activity in place
Sells & promotes local products
Promotes other local SMEs & entrepreneurs
Equal opportunity & fair job policy in place
Provides local transport information
Recommends local cultural places of interest
Supports community development & local infrastructure
Sustainability Practices
Community Commitments
Not in Place
Eco Certifications & Efforts
Just as we admire each of our hosts for their singularity, we appreciate that their sustainability journeys are also unique. Because of this, we do not require our hosts to have an eco certification or two under their belt, we simply guide them on improving their sustainable business practices one imperfect – but positive – step at a time. If a host has eco certifications they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.
Water & Power saving practices at Gorilla Heights Lodge
- We educate guests about water conservation and we encourage guests to take shorter showers, turn off the faucet when brushing their teeth, and report any leaks they see.
- We installed low-flow showerheads and faucets. This helps us reduce water usage by up to 50%.
- We installed rainwater harvesting system. we harvest over 1,000,000 litres of water which is used to run the lodge ,200 litres of water are given to the community members per day and store for use. Since Kisoro is a rainy area it rains at least thrice a week.
- We installed motion sensor lights on the gate and in compound which helps us to reduce on amount of energy consumed at the lodge.
- We installed a solar plant which supplies power to the lodge.
NGOs & Local Impact Projects Supported
Each of our hosts strive to have a positive impact on their local communities. Some of our hosts already have established connections with local partners to enrich the lives and wellbeing of their communities, others are in the process of creating these long term relationships. If a host has local NGO connections they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.
Discover the heart of our community in every corner of our lodge. Our interior design is adorned with handcrafted treasures sourced locally, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. Don’t forget to explore our crafts shop, where you can take a piece of our vibrant culture home with you.
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Batwa people. Join us in preserving their vibrant culture through captivating displays of hunting, honey gathering, exquisite basket weaving, and mesmerizing traditional dances. Your visit makes a meaningful impact on the Batwa communities, ensuring their traditions thrive.
What our hosts say..
Transparency is essential if we are all going to grow and improve together and this is why we have dedicated this section to sharing what we love about each place and its hosts. We work with each of our hosts to improve their guest experiences, sustainability practices and local impact, this is where you can learn more about that along with what still needs to be improved, the measures being taken to ensure our hosts continue to move forward and every now and then we’ll come back to update you on their progress.
LOCATION
Gorilla Heights Lodge
Nkuringo, Kisoro,
Southwestern Uganda
Contact
Mail: reservations@gorillaheightslodge.com
Phone: +25 639 217 8731 (office)
+25 670 679 2865 (out of office)
Welcome to Gorilla Heights, an extraordinary destination nestled amidst the lush beauty of Bwindi. Set amid the cloud-kissed slopes of Nkuringo, here, you’ll experience nature at its finest from the highest vantage point in the Southern wing of Bwindi.
Easy Access from Anywhere
Getting to Gorilla Heights is a breeze. You can fly into Kisoro from Entebbe Airport, where our lodge provides seamless airport pick-up services. If you prefer a scenic road trip, embark on a memorable journey from Entebbe Airport or Kampala to Kisoro, a 9 to 10-hour drive that immerses you in Uganda’s diverse landscapes.
Unparalleled Accommodations and Facilities
At Gorilla Heights, we offer more than just a place to stay; we provide an immersive experience. Our 15 cottages, including 1 Family, 5 Deluxe, and 9 Standard options, are a harmonious blend of modern architecture and African design. Each cottage boasts a private balcony with breath-taking, uninterrupted views of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Inside, you’ll find amenities that cater to your every need, including private bathrooms, high-speed wireless internet, electric heaters, refrigerators stocked with assorted drinks, hot/cold showers and bathtubs, writing desks, coffee makers with complimentary coffee and tea, hairdryers, irons, and 50-inch flat-screen TVs.
Blend with our Community
Discover the heart of our community in every corner of our lodge. Our interior design is adorned with handcrafted treasures sourced locally, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. Don’t forget to explore our gift shop, where you can take a piece of our vibrant culture home with you. Your visit makes a meaningful impact on the Batwa communities, ensuring their traditions thrive.
A Haven of Luxury and Adventure
Our lodge isn’t just about comfortable accommodations; it’s a world of luxury and adventure. Relax and rejuvenate in our health club, steam room and sauna, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. Take a dip in our heated swimming pool or indulge in delectable cuisine at our indoor and outdoor restaurant. Browse our curio/gift shop for souvenirs and sip on refreshing cocktails at our canopy bar. Plus, with uninterrupted power, your comfort is guaranteed.
The Perfect Climate for Your Journey
Bwindi welcomes you with a mountain forest climate, offering average temperatures ranging from 7-20°C to 20-27°C. No matter the season, Gorilla Heights promises a comfortable and invigorating stay.
Unforgettable Experiences Await
Your adventure at Gorilla Heights is incomplete without exploring the treasures of Bwindi. Join us for thrilling Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation experiences, or immerse yourself in the local culture with community visits. Embark on hikes and nature walks through the enchanting surroundings, and don’t forget your binoculars for birdwatching enthusiasts. Bwindi’s unique offerings are yours to discover. Nature, luxury, and adventure await you at Gorilla Heights.
Inspired by classic grandeur, we created the lodge that balances modern comfort with Art Deco opulence in the remote hills of western Uganda, so that our community and esteemed tourists can experience the extraordinary every day.
We are a business-serving people, and our Team Members extend their passion for hospitality beyond our lodge walls every day.
Overall, Gorilla Heights Lodge has made clear commitments to its core values of respect for people, integrity, teamwork and care for the community.
The manager at Gorilla Heights Lodge is Celestine Masiga. He has a wealth of experience working in the hospitality industry in Uganda. He started as a Fine Dining Restaurant Manager with Serena Hotels, worked his way up to food and beverage manager with Best Western, and has been the lodge manager since 2022.
Celestine is based at our camp to ensure that all guests have a memorable stay.
Dive Deeper into this Destination
Explore unique experiences, sample local flavours and get to know this destination like a local with our curated cluster of Singular Hosts in this area.
OTHER SINGULAR PLACES
Still looking? Check out some of our other Hosts
The Coffee Lodge at Clarke Farm
Life begins after Coffee
OUR STORY
Set on a hilltop on our 1,500-acre farm, The Coffee Lodge lets you experience regenerative farming for sustainable coffee, bamboo, macadamia and fruit trees. Take the forest and river trails, sit on a rock and listen to the birds, visit the nursery to learn how to propagate and take a factory tour of coffee processing. Try roasting and cupping coffee in our lab and take home samples of fresh coffee or macadamia. Or simply sit on the veranda of the coffee lodge to soak in the amazing tranquillity and views.
Community and Sustainability Commitment
Here are some key sustainability & community practices that these hosts are committed too. Please use the key below the icons for reference. You might see that some measurements are not currently in place and that’s okay, we choose to support our hosts on their imperfect road towards a better world and we understand that that takes time.
Power saving initiatives in place
Water saving measures in place
Plastic avoidance in place
Ecological construction
Ecological suppliers preferred
Environmental information for guests
Regenerative energy initiatives in place
Vegetarian menu available
Vegan menu available
Waste policy in place
Car charging station
Uses local suppliers
Local NGO supported
Local charity activity in place
Sells & promotes local products
Promotes other local SMEs & entrepreneurs
Equal opportunity & fair job policy in place
Provides local transport information
Recommends local cultural places of interest
Supports community development & local infrastructure
Sustainability Practices
Community Commitments
Not in Place
Eco Certifications & Efforts
Just as we admire each of our hosts for their singularity, we appreciate that their sustainability journeys are also unique. Because of this, we do not require our hosts to have an eco certification or two under their belt, we simply guide them on improving their sustainable business practices one imperfect – but positive – step at a time. If a host has eco certifications they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.
Rain Forest Alliance Certification
The Rainforest Alliance seal promotes collective action for people and nature. It amplifies and reinforces the beneficial impacts of responsible choices, from farms and forests all the way to the supermarket check-out.
Chickens for sustainable regenerative farming
- On the farm we currently have 4,000 laying hens, and the main reason we keep them is because we like their contribution to regenerative farming:
- We grow maize which we process through our own maize mill into maize flour, which we use to feed our workers (sometimes we can have 500 workers on the farm and we feed them all).
- We then use the maize bran which is a residue to feed the chickens which produce eggs that are then sold at the local market
- The chickens produce manure which is either spread on the land when it is fallow to reduce our use of chemical fertiliser, or is mixed with charcoal and water to make biochar which is mixed with other organic residues to make compost – which is used to make the soil more fertile for planting coffee. Biochar is also one of the best ways for carbon sequestration.
Although the farm is not organic, we seek to minimise the use of herbicides and artificial fertiliser by developing our own compost using the byproducts from coffee processing plus vegetative waste from the rest of the farm with the addition of biochar. We also practice agroforestry with a high number of indigenous shade trees planted among the coffee. The ecosystem along the rivers has been preserved with additional trees and bamboo planted in these areas.
Care is also taken in the planting of the coffee of other crops to minimise erosion of soils. The natural forest which borders our farm has been protected from encroachers and additional trees planted on the boundary of the forest.
The aim of the farm is to practice sustainable agriculture and to allow visitors, both local and international, to appreciate the beauty and abundance of the Ugandan environment. Although there are other crops on the farm the emphasis is on coffee since this is the main cash crop for Ugandan farmers.
NGOs & Local Impact Projects Supported
Each of our hosts strive to have a positive impact on their local communities. Some of our hosts already have established connections with local partners to enrich the lives and wellbeing of their communities, others are in the process of creating these long term relationships. If a host has local NGO connections they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.
The farm acts as a hub farm and training centre for small farmers and students and the Outgrowers scheme not only provides training for farmers but acts as an off taker for their coffee. When farmers carry out good practice in the care and harvesting of their coffee they produce higher quality crop for which we can obtain a premium, which is passed on to the farmer thus improving their income.
Additionally, during the harvest Clarke Farm & Coffee estate employs over 800 local residents from the surrounding villages.
What our hosts say..
Transparency is essential if we are all going to grow and improve together and this is why we have dedicated this section to sharing what we love about each place and its hosts. We work with each of our hosts to improve their guest experiences, sustainability practices and local impact, this is where you can learn more about that along with what still needs to be improved, the measures being taken to ensure our hosts continue to move forward and every now and then we’ll come back to update you on their progress.
LOCATION
The Coffee Lodge at Clarke Farm
Katambale, Kyarusozi
Kyenjojo,
Uganda
Contact
Mail: patricia@clarke-group.org
Phone: +256 392 201 400
The Coffee Lodge on Clarke Farm is set in a spectacular location on a hill at the very centre of the farm with sweeping views of 1,500 acres of farmland. The farm has a variety of crops including coffee, maize, Irish potatoes, bamboo, eucalyptus, fruit trees (oranges and mangoes), macadamia and vanilla. The Lodge is surrounded by a huge rock garden with seven hundred stepping stones to the base of the hill, and many walks and resting places throughout the garden. The farm itself has forest trails through the natural forest, the eucalyptus plantation, river walks, bouldering, mountain biking and jogging trails.
Some people may like to sit on the veranda and take in the view, others may wish to explore the trails, while others may take the guided tour for the coffee experience or learn how to cup the roasted coffee in our coffee lab. Or simply sit on ‘The Rock’ to enjoy the abundant birdlife, trees and flowers.
Wildlife such as colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons and exotic birds can be found on the trail through the natural forest. Some of the trees are hundreds of years old.
The food is fresh and locally produced including fresh coffee from the farm, matoke (plantain), groundnut sauce, potatoes, fresh eggs and vegetables from the farm. Mango and orange juice are also produced on the farm when they are in season. Honey, macadamia nuts and coffee can be taken home from the farm shop.
Clarke Farm and the Coffee Lodge is located conveniently on the route between Murchison Falls and Fort Portal about a two-hour drive from Kibale Forest, where chimp tracking takes place. This makes it a great stopover with a difference.
WE ARE YOUR HOSTS –
The Clarke family
Dr. Ian Clarke and his family first came to Uganda in 1988 during the peak of the AIDS epidemic and founded Kiwoko Hospital, a charitable hospital in Luweero. Later, they founded the International Medical Centre, a private clinic that grew into International Hospital, the largest private hospital in Kampala. They became Ugandan citizens and over the past 25 years have developed various businesses including clinics, health insurance, a university, and a school.
Dr. Clarke believes that life is in seasons and for his latest season he has turned to coffee farming. Although Dr. Clarke and his family have focused on healthcare and education in most of their endeavors, the vast majority of Uganda’s population live in rural areas where they depend on agriculture, particularly coffee, for a livelihood. Therefore, having an impact on coffee farming can have a huge positive knock-on effect for many Ugandans.
Dive Deeper into this Destination
Explore unique experiences, sample local flavours and get to know this destination like a local with our curated cluster of Singular Hosts in this area.
OTHER SINGULAR PLACES
Still looking? Check out some of our other Hosts
NILE SAFARI LODGE
Escape the Ordinary
OUR STORY
Explore the breathtaking views of the River Nile from every corner of our lodge. In the heart of Murchison falls national park, Nile Safari Lodge offers a magical escape in the most luxurious, tranquil and eco-friendly setting Uganda has to offer.
Community and Sustainability Commitment
Here are some key sustainability & community practices that these hosts are committed too. Please use the key below the icons for reference. You might see that some measurements are not currently in place and that’s okay, we choose to support our hosts on their imperfect road towards a better world and we understand that that takes time.
Power saving initiatives in place
Water saving measures in place
Plastic avoidance in place
Ecological construction
Ecological suppliers preferred
Environmental information for guests
Regenerative energy initiatives in place
Vegetarian menu available
Vegan menu available
Waste policy in place
Car charging station
Uses local suppliers
Local NGO supported
Local charity activity in place
Sells & promotes local products
Promotes other local SMEs & entrepreneurs
Equal opportunity & fair job policy in place
Provides local transport information
Recommends local cultural places of interest
Supports community development & local infrastructure
Sustainability Practices
Community Commitments
Not in Place
Eco Certifications & Efforts
Just as we admire each of our hosts for their singularity, we appreciate that their sustainability journeys are also unique. Because of this, we do not require our hosts to have an eco certification or two under their belt, we simply guide them on improving their sustainable business practices one imperfect – but positive – step at a time. If a host has eco certifications they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.
BEYOND GREEN
Businesses come to us because they want to improve their sustainability. No matter where you start your journey from or how far you want to go, we can guide you one step at a time to achieve your sustainability objectives. We can help you reduce your operational costs, win awards for your sustainability work and inspire your workforce.
SOLAR FARM
We have a capacity of 50 KW to generate sufficient power throughout the lodge. Our efforts to fully operate on renewable energy sources is our modest contribution to playing our part in adapting to a new world whilst raising the consciousness of all those that visit Nile Safari Lodge in the common belief that change is possible if we collectively join in ensuring a lighter footprint on the Earth.
GREENHOUSE
Vegetables are freshest when they come from your own garden. Here we try our hardest to produce herbs and vegetables with no pesticides or chemical fertilisers.
ORGANIC NATURAL SWIMMING POOL
Everybody likes to swim in clean, safe and clear water , due to the sustainable approach of the purely Nile Safari Lodge, you’ll bathe in a saltwater pool overlooking River Nile and Murchison Falls national park. Hygienically clean water is ensured by a salt electrolysis plant, which splits the salt into two components: sodium bicarbonate and hypochlorite gas. The latter reacts with microorganisms and bacteria. The great advantage of this system is that afterwards the chlorite gas reacts with the sodium bicarbonate to form salt again – decomposing automatically and in an entirely natural way. Here you can swim in an eco-friendly way, without the annoying chlorine smell – and the salty water leaves a pleasant feeling on your skin.
REDUCING WASTE
A state-of-the-art ultraviolet water purification system has diverted waste from landfill by entirely eliminating plastic water bottles, in addition to other plastic waste reduction efforts. Guests receive reuseable water bottles upon arrival for their personal use on property.
TREE PLANTING INITIATIVE
A tree-planting initiative offers guests an opportunity to actively participate in the reforestation and conservation of the surrounding area. The ensuing effects not only boost tree biodiversity, but oxygen production as well, while simultaneously restoring natural food sources and habitat for birds and wildlife.
NGOs & Local Impact Projects Supported
Each of our hosts strive to have a positive impact on their local communities. Some of our hosts already have established connections with local partners to enrich the lives and wellbeing of their communities, others are in the process of creating these long term relationships. If a host has local NGO connections they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.
Borehole Construction & Maintenance
Working with the local leaders in nearby Mubako, Nile Safari Lodge modernised and restored three vital boreholes essential to providing clean drinking water. And to support the local economy, the property employs local performers who proudly share their cultural heritage through traditional music and dance.
Snares to Wares Initiative
The Snares to Wares Initiative is a community-based conservation initiative, dedicated to improving human livelihood and protecting wildlife in and around the village of Pakwach, Uganda. The initiative works with youth (susceptible to going into poaching) and converted poachers to transform the wire from snares into delicate, handcrafted sculptures of the wildlife we see everyday within the park from lions to elephants to giraffes.
Murchison Falls National Park, where we are based, has the highest concentration of illegal wire snares in the world, and this has devastating effects on our much-loved local wildlife. Snare injuries can often lead to individuals dying even if the actual injury is not fatal – simply as they cannot keep up. As an organization, we remove more than 10,000 snares every year, which otherwise may’ve led to significant wildlife mortality.
This project simultaneously transforms human lives and addresses the problem of wildlife poaching by empowering local artisans to repurpose wire snares into sculptures of the wildlife that would otherwise fall victim to snaring. Proceeds from the sale of these sculptures flow directly into the community to sustain these transformations.
Here at Nile Safari Lodge we have a whole range of wares available for purchase in the Craft Shop.
What our hosts say..
Transparency is essential if we are all going to grow and improve together and this is why we have dedicated this section to sharing what we love about each place and its hosts. We work with each of our hosts to improve their guest experiences, sustainability practices and local impact, this is where you can learn more about that along with what still needs to be improved, the measures being taken to ensure our hosts continue to move forward and every now and then we’ll come back to update you on their progress.
LOCATION
Nile Safari Lodge
Murchison Falls National Park
Southern banks of River Nile
Uganda
Contact
Mail: info@nilesafarilodge.com
Phone: +256 707 003 756 /+256 761 571 642
Nile Safari Lodge is a wholly owned family lodge, started in 2017 with a long-term dream of creating and offering a unique experience. Our lodge is designed to be minimally intrusive, with sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes, as well as total exclusivity. Our furniture and fittings have been carefully selected to blend the boundaries between inside and outside, creating a seamless integration with nature while upholding a high standard of comfort, aesthetics and durability. We pay very close attention to every small detail while trying to be at one with the environment.
Brunch At The Top Of The Falls
The best breakfast with an unbelievably beautiful view as your eyes gaze through the most powerful waterfall in Uganda.
Game Drives
Undoubtedly the highlight of any safari is the game drive. From the comfort of a 4×4 safari vehicle, you can experience the thrill of viewing wildlife in its natural environment. You are certain to spot and catch some great photos of the legendary big four.
Nile River Cruise
An excellent alternative to the game drive is an exciting boat ride along the green and lush curves of the mystical Nile with a perfect view of the Murchison Falls.
Growing up in Uganda, many of our family holidays were spent in the National Parks; we love to discover new horizons and encounter new faces. The reason why we love the region where Nile Safari Lodge is situated is because of the people; their kindness and workmanship is incomparable.
Our business is composed of 5 siblings and parents who taught each and every child how to appreciate the simple things in life. As a family, the most memorable holidays and family time we spent were always in the garden, forest or parks, usually camping and always barefoot. When certain rules are put into place like ‘no TV before it’s pitch black outside’ or if it is raining heavily then you realise how much free time you actually have, and how many scars you can get from having such a vivid imagination! From a young age all of us siblings were very interested in animals (wild or house pets), plants and trees. We grew up with a forest behind our house, spending days on end in the forest appreciating all the birds and monkeys.
Every school holiday’s destination was a new national park, and when we had visited them all we returned to the ones we enjoyed. The most important thing for us when we would go on holidays was to be together as a family, spend all day in the pool and have nice campfires at night; this is where our strong bonds were formed.
From a young age we always wondered why everyone always preferred and talked about travelling to Kenya or Tanzania for Safari Experiences, yet we would always debate and market the beauty that Uganda has to offer. It’s only when we grew up and realised that people are travelling to our neighbouring countries due to the diverse accommodation options and packages on offer. When we identified this gap in the Ugandan market we were determined to offer Uganda’s first high-end, eco-friendly lodge.
We studied the existing market and the tendencies in the more developed countries and that is when we came up with our three leading words; exclusive, luxurious and eco-friendly.
Our future goals for Nile Safari Lodge are the following:
- Create a community centre where our clients and the community get the opportunity to make crafts and share creative ideas.
- Add another Villa, so we have a total of 10 rooms
- Start a conservation program with Uganda Wildlife, to protect and raise awareness about Murchison Falls
- Open a sister lodge in another beautiful location in Uganda.
Dive Deeper into this Destination
Explore unique experiences, sample local flavours and get to know this destination like a local with our curated cluster of Singular Hosts in this area.
OTHER SINGULAR PLACES
Still looking? Check out some of our other Hosts