Are you planning to go gorilla safari in East and Central Africa? Think of the best eco-friendly gorilla safari lodges to stay while on single, double or triple gorilla trek in the 03 African countries known for the remaining mountain gorillas in the mist.

It is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo where you can find the mountain gorillas in Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga Park respectively to experience the whole year round gorilla safaris in Africa.

Among the best eco-friendly gorilla safari lodges to consider while planning your visit to Africa includes as below:

Bwindi Lodge offers intimate bush luxury accommodation in the Buhoma sector. Positioned elegantly a walking distance from the trailhead, this lovely jungle retreat is an excellent base for gorilla safari in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the two last mountain gorilla strongholds.

Bwindi Lodge’s nine gorgeous wood and stone cottages sit across the hillside facing the emerald Bwindi canopy. The room decor is simple and yet comfortable, showing off African fabric artisan and character. Each cottage has a private deck where guests can marvel at one of the world’s remaining rich ecosystems while enjoying exclusive privacy in the jungle.

Most guests find themselves in the charming main area pretty soon after arrival. The big glass windows, airy fireplace, and raised position of the lodge add elegance to the cool evenings. Bwindi Lodge staff, quite appropriately, take enormous pride in working there, speaking volumes about Volcanoes Safaris’ effort (the lodge operators) invested in working with the surrounding community.

Bwindi Lodge has special programs with the surrounding communities that will make you feel like you’re making a difference by booking this lodge.

Awaken to chattering forest birds and the occasional screech of a monkey. Mountain Gorillas are occasionally spotted in the surrounding foliage; they’re quite a sight. The chef’s multi-course meals are freshly prepared from local produce, ensuring you take away warm homely memories of your time in Uganda.

Bwindi Lodge offers accommodation in 9 crafted cottages. One of the cottages is offered as Deluxe for a family or honeymooners. The other nine spacious chalets sleep two adults with ample space for an extra bed to fit a child less than 5 years. Both options benefit from eco-friendly solar lighting, insect-proof window screens, and spacious en-suite bathrooms.

The beds are a fluffy worm, and the en-suite facilities incorporate a flush toilet and spacious washbasin, with a walk-in hot-water rain shower. All chalets have an enchanting veranda, where you can take time in between activities to marvel at the gorgeous jungle blanket that sweeps over the lodge’s forefront.

The cottages are named after gorillas in the Buhoma sector. The decor is the epitome of shabby chic, featuring patchwork upholstered chairs, bathroom vanity units made from recycled tin, striped on the floor, and hand-sewn quilts on the beds.

Guests have their informal style meals inspired by Ugandan dishes in the main building, which also houses the lounge and bar. Guests can make their ‘Rolex’ wrap (a typical local dish) and the delicious Gorillini Cocktail, a must-have after a gorilla tracking in Bwindi. Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust set up the bar to train disadvantaged local young people in hospitality.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge is one of the only two safari camps located inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Buhoma Lodge is the other. If you want to experience authentic niceties in the wilderness of Northern Bwindi (Buhoma Sector), there’s no better choice than Gorilla Forest Lodge.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp blends in perfectly with the dramatic jungle aura. The lodge’s levered lounge looms over the rain forest with a raised viewing platform built for open-air dining. If you’re lucky, a gorilla family may visit the camp’s lawn and leave you delighted.

Each guest gets a personal butler, and complimentary massage in the charming Humula Forest Spa secluded somewhere on the property.

They serve a full English and continental breakfast served before your morning activity, complemented with delicious packed lunch including fresh fruit sweet and savoury delights for your day pack snack.

Enjoy drinks under the stars by the roaring campfire as a seasoned local tells of ancient jungle adventure fantasies.

Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted adventure experiences inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Designed entirely with sustainable forest material, Buhoma lodge blends into the magical expanses of wild Bwindi’s ancient woodland with a warm cabin charm. Each chalet hanging above the jungle has a private verandah and large windows, giving spectacular views of the forest canopy over the cottage verandas.

Spend those quiet afternoons on the veranda, gazing out at that wall of trees rising to the sky and feeling the quiet loudness of the jungle as if it were a soft melody. Awaken to chirping forest bird-song and the occasional monkey screech. Sometimes, mountain gorillas come into the compound to pay homage to their evolutionary cousins.

The open-air lounge and bar area offers uninterrupted jungle views with an eerie forest mist occasionally washing over the lodge. The freshly prepared multi-course meals are served here, and the aroma of fresh meals brings back memories of grandma’s cooking.

Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Resembling weaver bird nests found alongside many Rwandese rivers, the rooms at Bisate Lodge are cocoons of comfort and slick design, with bamboo balconies facing Mount Bisoke, contemporary geometric styles, and huge bathrooms with large resin bathtubs. As well as simply enjoying their stay in one of the most luxurious properties imaginable, guests of Bisate participate in the rehabilitation and conservation efforts set up by ecotourism company Wilderness destination and offering luxury hospitality to luxury gorilla safari travelers in Rwanda.

With emerald-green chandeliers made from recycled glass and other features constructed using local volcanic stone, Bisate Lodge is a vision of jungle character and luxurious eco - accommodation. Additionally, prior to opening in 2017, it was involved in a community-based project centred on indigenous reforestation. Now welcoming guests, Bisate is forging forwards with rehabilitation and biodiversity conservation efforts, focusing primarily on the iconic yet Critically Endangered species: the mountain gorilla.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Designed for those seeking a transformative and purpose-driven luxury gorilla trek experience in Volcanoes National Park - Rwanda, this relatively new eco-friendly lodge, from eco - conscious proprietor Singita, opened its doors in August 2019. Located on a stunning 178-acre plot of land on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is the latest property to cement Rwanda’s position as the destination for sustainable travel in East and Central Africa.

The 15th property in Singita’s portfolio has been carefully curated to embody the gentle, restorative spirit of Rwanda, and with its opening will help to protect the precious mountain gorillas that live within the nation’s borders and it will also create more opportunities of combining luxury Tanzania Rwanda safari that offers both African expeditions (wildebeest migration and gorilla trek) at ago to luxury travelers across East Africa.

With the foundation of this lodge, Singita have entered into a partnership with local communities and the Rwandan government to rehabilitate, reforest and maintain the biological integrity of no fewer than 7,000 acres of land. The simply stunning landscape in which Singita Kwitonda Lodge has been built is panoply of rolling hills and verdant vegetation: a prime example of why Rwanda’s natural treasures are valued so highly.

There are seven 1-bedroom suites, one 2-bedroom suite and one 4-bedroom villa (Kataza House) available at Singita Kwitonda Lodge. All feature baths, showers, fireplaces and massage/treatment areas (both indoor and outdoor) as well as covered verandas, heated plunge pools and stylish living areas.

In addition to the sumptuous living quarters, there is also a tree nursery here that guests are welcome to walk around, as well as a bar, wine cellar, boutique, gallery, media room, mud room and indoor lounge. Make sure to also take in the Conservation Lounge, which provides guests with a fully immersive introduction to Rwanda, its wildlife and its people.

Virunga Lodge is a comfortable eco-lodge located on a hillside overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Burera. 360-degree breath-taking views make this one of the top lodge destinations in Africa. Amidst stunning panoramas of volcanoes and lakes, 45 minutes from Volcanoes National Park, this luxury eco-lodge in a spectacular setting ideal for a honeymoon gorilla safari.

Ten Banda's with private verandas offer views over the lakes and volcanoes; open fireplaces in the lounge and dining room are a warm welcome after a day tracking the mountain gorillas. Volcanoes Virunga Lodge is built around eco-friendly concepts with solar lighting and use of local materials.

Approximately a 45-minute drive from the gorilla park of Parc National des Volcans. As well as tracking gorillas, guests can also track golden monkeys, climb a volcano, hike to the waterfalls or walk to the local village. There is also the opportunity to visit a local school or community project if you so wish. A tranquil massage room is available for guests to enjoy a complimentary massage during their stay.

Bukima Tented Camp lies adjacent to Virunga’s starting point of trekking gorillas, just outside Virunga National Park. Initially, it was built for researchers, but now it belongs to the trekkers. The overnight guests are availed with platform tents, which are quite plush by camping standards.

The tents have adjoined bathrooms with running water and nicely appointed rooms and dresser for clothes. The camp has spectacular views such as Mikeno Mountain over the gorilla sector to the south, Nyiragongo volcano across the valley where the lava lake colors the night sky with a red glow.

Bukima tented camp never ceases to impress the guests and the prices for the camp includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on full board. Alcoholic beverages are available at an additional cost, the rooms offered range from singles to doubles depending on the visitor’s choice.

Mikeno Lodge is a cozy luxury gorilla safari lodge situated on a forested hillside at Virunga National Park Headquarters which makes it easier and flexible for all that transfer to the Democratic Republic of Congo for gorilla trekking and Mountain climbing/ hiking activities. It only takes one an hour and a half to travel from Goma town to this destination.

Due to its strategic location in the middle of various attractions, one should expect to encounter and spot many different bird species, local blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and baboons. Chimpanzees are usually spotted too making staying at this lodge very exciting, unique and exceptional.

The Mikeno Lodge has 12 spectacular bungalows strategically located in an area where they can view the surrounding forest as well as the environment and terrain. These were designed very appropriately with lava stone, mahogany and thatch material and are perched with in the thick green forest pointing out through the trees.