One of the world’s known hospitality brands Newmark Hotels and Reserves has expanded into Uganda with the opening of Gorilla Heights Lodge, a luxury accommodation establishment in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to enhance luxury gorilla trekking in Uganda.
The Gorilla Heights Lodge officially opened on November 7th, 2024 marking Newmark Hotels and Reserves’ entry into Uganda’s gorilla tourism.
The luxury hospitality group has expanded its African portfolio with the launch of Gorilla Heights Lodge in the Nkuringo Sector in Southern Bwindi. During the inauguration of the lodge, Newmark Hotels and Reserves promised its commitment to promoting eco-luxury and wildlife tourism.
About the Gorilla Heights Lodge
The eco-friendly luxury Gorilla Heights Lodge is set across 12 lush acres in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a premier destination for gorilla trekking in Africa.
It sits on Bwindi’s highest elevation offering scenic views of not only the Bwindi Forest but also the Virunga Mountains that spread over Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lodge comprises 15 cottages that have been built to offer an ideal retreat for wildlife enthusiasts looking for a luxury yet authentic experience.
From the lodge, visitors can easily access the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi. The Nkuringo Sector is home to four habituated gorilla families and there are more adventurous things to do within the sector.
The Nkuringo sector has four habituated gorilla families with Nkuringo as the most popular family. It was the first habituated gorilla family in Southern Bwindi impenetrable national park. But then it had 18 members but has dropped to 12 members due to the family splitting.
Currently, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda goes for $800 per foreign non-resident against Rwanda’s $1500 for foreign non-resident. This means that at $1500, you can secure a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda and accommodation. Gorilla height lodge rates range between $600 and $1300 per night.
Today, gorilla trekking is undeniably one of the best wildlife activities that make Africa a prime holiday destination. With Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo the only known mountain gorilla trekking destinations, the competition is quite limited.
Unlike other safari activities, which serve almost anyone who comes, gorilla trekking is only limited to a few people per day. This is why gorilla trekking permits have to be acquired for someone to participate. Accommodation and transportation play a very big role in making the experience exceptional or regrettable.
Rwanda has positioned itself as the leading luxury gorilla trekking destination in Africa. It is known for having the cleanest capital in Africa. Most of the roads in the country are tarmac making the road transport in Rwanda is more seamless than in other countries. On top of improving their transportation, Rwanda has worked hard on its accommodation. With luxury accommodation options such as Bisate and One & Only Rwanda has committed itself to offering luxury gorilla trekking.
In the same way, Uganda is positioning itself as a better gorilla trekking destination than Rwanda. With more than double the number of national parks that Rwanda has to offer; Uganda seems to have more tourism potential than Rwanda. A few international brands have started picking interest in Uganda among these include but are not limited to Marriott, Hilton, and Sheraton among several other brands.
The opening of the Gorilla Heights Lodge strengthens the presence of Africa’s luxury lodges in Uganda. With more establishment of luxury lodges, the country’s tourism is gaining a position to compete with other countries that have targeted luxury travelers such as South Africa, Mauritius, Rwanda, Botswana etc.
