Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge, The Hidden Treasure

Leah Nabukeera: My experience after visiting Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge

To travel is to see a lot of things and to learn from what you have seen. You hear great stories, bond with friends, bond with people, and bond with nature. You get to see a lot of things that books may not give you or that stories may not offer.

Your favorite tourism experience author, Leah Nabukeera is back again with a beautiful narration. This time, she is walking with us throughout the time she spent at Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge.

Who is Leah Nabukeera?

On March 31, 2024, Leah Nabukeera Victoria, a Ugandan fashion model, was announced as Miss Humanity Africa in Enugu, Nigeria. Learn more

In the previous month of October, I got to go to the far, far southwest. I went with a couple of friends, tourism groups, some report writers, and, of course, people who were there for fun and photographers. We had a chance to see a hidden treasure by the name of Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge.

What you need to know visiting Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge

Far southwest lies this beautiful, vast coverage of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and within it is a hidden treasure that needed to be seen. Much as we call the forest impenetrable, my curiosity always beats the norm. I had to go out there and find out.

We had a beautiful welcome and stay at Kaara Gorilla Forest Lodge, and it truly felt like a home away from home.

When we started out, it was Monday morning. I began my journey from home with my bags packed and full of excitement. It was a very cold morning, I remember, and I had to meet the rest of the group at Bukoto. It was rush hour as I headed to the petrol station, and everyone there was chilled and excited. I recognized some faces and got to know others as time went on.

We drove through Masaka in relative silence. Everyone was still quiet, perhaps because it was early in the morning, and most were sleepy. We stopped at the equator in Masaka and took a few pictures. I think the mention of pictures woke everyone up. That’s when you see people’s energy returning.

At this point, I started to get to know people. I learned names and heard introductions. I was really impressed by the photographer, Alvin. You can check out his work; he’s Alvin Shots on all social media platforms. The speed at which he sent us his photos was unbelievable. I thought we’d get the content after the entire trip, but within minutes of our stop at the equator, he had already sent the photos to the group. Everyone had their copies, and we all started posting on our pages and statuses to show those who had missed out that the fun had begun.

As we drove through Masaka and into Mbarara City, the vibe picked up. The highways were serene, and we had a couple of stops to shop for things we’d need since it would be hard to make further stops later.

The music played in the background as we drove. Conversations flowed, and people shared stories. I sat next to James and Susan, who were incredibly comforting and fun. James, as I later found out, was the person coordinating our trip to Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge. He had extensive experience in the tourism industry, which he shared with us. Susan, on the other hand, had vast knowledge about Uganda and had traveled around extensively.

Our driver was lively, and the journey was filled with amazing vibes. Everyone was bonding, laughing, and soaking in the experience.

Eventually, we arrived at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Let me tell you, the views were breathtaking. It’s the kind of place you go to when you want to refresh your mind and soul. The air was crisp and clean, the environment serene. It’s the perfect escape.

Network connectivity was on and off, but it didn’t matter. If you’re going there to rest, the disconnection from the outside world is part of the charm.

At 7,000 feet above sea level, we arrived at Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge. The journey up was an adventure in itself. The winding, slippery roads made for what people call the “African massage.” Despite the bumpy ride, the stunning views at every turn made it worth it.

What type of reception did we receive at Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge?

We were welcomed at Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge by the warm and friendly staff. I always appreciate places that greet you with warm towels, especially in such cold environments. My friend Dolly had advised me to pack warm clothes since Kabale is known for its chilly weather, and I was grateful I listened. However, even with all the layers, the cold in those mountains is on another level.

After the warm welcome, we were given glasses of fresh pineapple juice. We sat in the upper lounge area, which served as the waiting and relaxation space. Due to our late arrival, we couldn’t light the fire, but the cozy atmosphere made up for it.

The lodge’s manager, CEO, and chef welcomed us with a briefing about the activities planned for the next two days. We were then shown to our rooms. Each room had a unique name, and they were exceptionally and exquisite comfortable. I stayed in a room called Mugahanga, and it was stunning.

One thing I’ll never forget about the room was the hot water bottle heater provided to warm the bed. It was such a thoughtful touch for the cold weather. This small but significant detail earned the lodge a 10/10 rating from me.

The rooms were beautifully designed with African themes. Each one had robes in different colors—yellow, blue, and more—with thick linings to keep us warm. The balconies offered breathtaking views of the mountains and forests. The air was fresh and unpolluted, a luxury in itself.

The lodge practices eco-friendliness by avoiding plastics. Glass bottles were provided in the rooms, kitchen, and dining areas. I loved that aspect.

Let’s talk about the food

Dinner was a culinary delight. The chef outdid himself with a variety of meals, from breakfast to lunch and dinner. I probably gained a few pounds during my stay. One highlight was the onion bread paired with pumpkin soup—it was divine and became a favorite among everyone.

The Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge decor was another standout. Everything was authentically African, with wooden furniture, volcanic rocks, and artistic designs. The volcanic bricks used for construction provided warmth and added a unique touch.

The lounge had a fireplace made from volcanic rocks, which fascinated me. These rocks are soft, easy to shape, and durable, making me wonder if I could build a house using them someday.

The lodge provided fleece blankets in the lounge, adding to the comfort. Combined with the fireplace, it created the perfect cozy environment.

The staff at Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge constantly checked in to ensure we were comfortable. Their care and attention made it hard to think about returning to Kampala.

The Second Day at Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge

On the second day, after breakfast, we embarked on a forest walk. It was close to the lodge and incredibly refreshing. Each of us was given Kaara-branded water bottles to stay hydrated. This luxurious touch was yet another testament to the lodge’s exceptional service.

So, we set out for the forest walk with our guide, who was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna in the area. As we walked through the dense forest, the guide pointed out various tree species, medicinal plants, and birds. The air was fresh, and the sound of birds and insects created a calming symphony. At one point, we stopped at a viewpoint that overlooked a vast stretch of the forest. It was breathtaking, the kind of view that makes you forget the hustle of city life.

After the forest walk, we returned to the lodge for lunch. The meals were a delightful blend of local and international cuisine. What stood out was their attention to detail—everything was well-prepared and presented. After lunch, we had some free time to relax. Some people chose to lounge by the fire, while others explored the lodge’s surroundings, taking photos and soaking in the beauty of nature.

The next day was our final day at Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge, and it was a mix of excitement and sadness. We had another hearty breakfast before packing up and preparing to leave. The staff gave us a warm send-off, complete with small gifts as tokens of appreciation. It was a touching gesture that made us feel even more special.

‘Every Good Thing comes to An End’

As we drove away from Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge, I couldn’t help but reflect on the experience. It wasn’t just about the breathtaking scenery or the comfortable stay. Honestly, it was mostly about the people, the culture, and the sense of peace that the place brought. It’s a destination I would recommend to anyone looking for a retreat, a place to reconnect with nature and themselves.

This trip reminded me of the beauty our country holds and the importance of preserving such treasures for future generations. I left Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge with a renewed sense of appreciation for nature and the memories of a lifetime.