Ntebeko Homestay: This safari lodging option was established to accommodate guests on low-cost safaris to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Located 2 kilometers from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the lodge is a rustic homestay designed to make your stay at the park ideal for gorilla trekking.
The lodge offers standard double rooms, standard twin rooms, and cozy large double rooms.
Ntebeko Homestay amenities;
They provide free parking and an airport shuttle.
The resort is tucked away in Kisoro, a charming town.
A la carte, continental, and Full English/Irish breakfast selections are among their delicious offerings.
The lodge is the ideal spot to unwind and take in the tranquil surroundings.
They have a garden that offers the ideal retreat for rest and renewal.
The restroom
They provide toilet paper, towels, showers, and slippers.
Homestay Ntebeko
Ntebeko Kitchen Service Bedroom Homestay
Their dining table is beautifully designed.
Child rules: Kids are not permitted.
policies for extra beds and cots;
There are no cots or additional beds on the premises.
Age restriction: You must be at least eighteen to check in.
Pets are not permitted.
Ntebeko Homestay is typically located two kilometers from the main entrance of Mgahinga National Park along the Kisoro-Mgahinga route. Known for gorilla trekking, monitoring golden monkeys, and hiking on one of the three volcanoes-Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura-this park is the smallest of Uganda’s national parks.
Additionally, the lodge arranges local events like ascending the Gisozi caldera nearby, seeing Batwa Village, and taking a walk along the Congo border. Planting and harvesting Irish potatoes is one way to take part in farm activities. In addition, the resort is the ideal location for your gorilla trekking safari.
The Ntebeko Homestay is located just 2 kilometers from the main gate of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, 45 minutes away by car from the local town of Kisoro, and around 15 kilometers away from Kisoro Airport, which is a “1 hour drive.”
Things to do while staying at the Ntebeko Homestay
These include, among other things, hiring the neighboring Gisozi Caldera, tracking golden monkeys, gorilla trekking, and visiting Batwa Cultural Village.
Gorilla trekking
After receiving an orientation on gorilla regulations, you will be guided by a knowledgeable park ranger along the hiking paths in search of gorillas. Depending on the gorillas’ movements in their natural habitat, the walk may take anywhere from thirty to seven hours.
After you assign them, you will have an hour to spend with the gorillas, observe and learn about their behaviors, and take special photos to remember in the future.
Climbing mountains or hiking volcanoes
In Mgahinga National Park, hikers can follow three volcanoes that are a part of the Virunga Range, which is located in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They consist of Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo. One needs to be in good physical condition in order to successfully ascend to the summit.
Experience on the Batwa Trail
You can explore the Garama Cave, where the Batwa people formerly resided, and participate in the Batwa Trail Experience to learn about their history.
Last but not least, Ntebeko Homestay is a dream come true, conveniently positioned 48 kilometers from Ruhengeri Airport and adjacent to the well-known Mgahiga Gorilla National Park. The lodge’s position makes it easy to go on a gorilla trekking adventure and see these amazing animals up close in their natural habitat. Uganda is also known for its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and kind people. Ntebeko Homestay is undoubtedly the best place to stay if you’re planning an amazing gorilla trekking expedition.
Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to two gorilla species found nowhere else together: mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas, Gorilla beringei graueri) in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Virunga National Park – Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925 – covers 7,900 km² of remarkable ecological diversity, from the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Massif to the glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains and the tropical lowland forests of the Congo Basin. The park is also home to hippos, elephants, okapis, and the entire cast of Congo rainforest wildlife.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas – A Unique Encounter
The eastern lowland gorilla (Grauer’s gorilla) is the world’s largest subspecies of gorilla, with silverbacks weighing up to 220kg. Found only in the DRC, Grauer’s gorillas are considerably rarer than mountain gorillas – their population has declined by more than 70% since the 1990s due to conflict, habitat loss, and poaching. Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu offers the only reliable trekking experience with habituated Grauer’s gorilla families.
A gorilla permit in the DRC costs USD 400 per person – significantly cheaper than Rwanda (USD 1,500) or Uganda (USD 800). The experience is raw, off-the-beaten-track, and unforgettable for travellers seeking something genuinely uncommon.
Practical Information for DRC Gorilla Trekking
Getting to Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega
The most common entry point to eastern DRC is via Kigali, Rwanda. Goma – the gateway to Virunga National Park – is just 80km from Kigali. Direct flights from Nairobi and Kampala also serve Goma. Bukavu (gateway to Kahuzi-Biega) is accessible from Goma by road (3-4 hours) or by light aircraft.
Is it safe to trek gorillas in the DRC?
Security in eastern DRC is complex and fluctuates. Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega have experienced periods of closure due to armed group activity. Always check current security conditions with your tour operator and your government’s travel advisory before planning a DRC gorilla trek. Reputable operators with established local security networks are essential.
Recommended Tours: 8 Days Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Safari | 5 Days Lowland Gorilla Safari Congo
