Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

The lodge's hilltop setting overlooks the forest canopy, with the conical Virunga Volcano chain in the distance. This is a truly beautiful place, and you'll enjoy lounging on the wooden terraces that offer plenty of space to take it all in. The buildings are charming. Living trees form part of the design of the open-plan dining and lounge area, which also has woven palm ceilings, huge windows and a large stone hearth. Bright local textiles lighten the space.

Accommodation is in three room categories: six Virunga Terrace rooms offer double or twin bed configurations, en-suite bathrooms with showers and outstanding views of the Virunga volcanoes; four spacious Garden Cottage Rooms (some with valley views) have large en-suite bathrooms and wood-burning fireplaces, and vivid local textiles; and the Villa, which sleeps up to four in two rooms with an inter-leading door. All rooms have cosy interiors, lovely outdoor verandas, low voltage electric lighting and paraffin lanterns at night.

Trekking to see gorillas, like all the activities on offer, is charged separately. Treks begins at 08h30 from park headquarters (US$700 per person); once the gorillas are located, you're given an hour to view and photograph them. A gorilla habituation experience starts at 07h30 (US$1500 for a maximum of four people), allowing four hours with the gorillas. The numerous activities are not cheap, but we advise grabbing these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities with both hands.