Rwenzori Mountain Hotels and Lodges

 If you are planning to trek the Rwenzori from the central circuit and therefore to reach the National Park entry point in Nyakalenjija, there are a number of hotels and lodges where you can stay. We reviewed them for your information. If you just wish to stay for few days relax on the foothills of the Rwenzori, you can choose one of these hotels and then plan some of the short one-day activities. If you are coming from Kampala, you will be just pleased to breathe such a fresh mountain air. Nyakalenjija is located at around 1600 meters above sea level.
 Tours Holiday Inn (Ibanda)
Tours Holiday Inn Camp Base is located on the main road towards Nyakalenjija (about 2 km before), in Ibanda trading center. This hotel can accommodate up to 40 people in 15 self contained rooms plus extension building. The place was recently renovated and the rooms which were not self contained now they have private toilet. Also the water heaters are provided in each room and electricity is stable and reliable from public electricity supply. A part from the main building, there is another extension located behind the gardens, with an extra capacity of five self contained rooms. The place is very nice as it is surrounded by beautiful gardens with many plants and flower. From the front entrance, is operational a bar which also serves external visitors. Inside the hotel, there is a cozy and private dining room for restaurant and breakfast. Unique is the electrical coffee espresso machine. The kitchen provides a variety of cuisine, from continental to German style, to Italian style and when we went there in several occasions food was always very good. This hotel is owned by the trading company of Mr. Costantino Bwambale an entrepreneur of Kasese. The place has developed over the years and now it also has a conference center annexed.
Rooms are available at a reasonable price from 45 USD single and 65 USD double or twin, breakfast inclusive.
 Equator Snow Lodge.
The lodge in 2012 is still under construction, but when open it will be the only five stars accommodation in the area. It is built by Geolodges Uganda. The lodge has a spacious dining and restaurant halls, decorated with images and history of the Rwenzori. The main feature will be a number of cottages, with a raised wooden platform plus a construction with local stones. Actually it resembles the beauty of the structure of the Serena Ngorongoro Lodge in Tanzania. Bathrooms are spacious with windows overlooking the forest. The main area of the cottage is completed with a raised verandah where you can breathe and feel all the mountains around. The lodge is actually located near the entrance gate of Rwenzori Mountains National Park. We cannot provide photos as the lodge is not completed.
 Mihunga Safari Lodge
Mihunga Safari Lodge was open in 2010 with five self contained, wooden cottages. It is located after Nyakalenjija, in Mihunga village as you proceed in the direction of the gate of the National Park, on the right side.  The lodge is owned by the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS), the same who manage also the huts along the central circuit. The restaurant and dining hall is quite big and the kitchen provides continental food and local food. The electricity is provided for few hours during the evening with a generator. Hot water is provided through the system of warming up water with fire. Reservations for Mihunga Lodge are through the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services.
 Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite.
Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite is a new lodge and offers a restaurant, bar, three room’s accommodation in bandas and the camping site. The place is community run and co-owned by Mr. John Baluku. The location is in Mihunga village. The camping site has also some eco-san toilets and showers. The restaurant offers typical Ugandan food and is cooked traditionally. We were much welcomed here and we hope that this new lodge will see some development and marketing in the next years.

CLIMATE AND WHEN TO VISIT

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is chilly and wet – expect daytime temperatures of 10-15°C, with much colder nights. January-February and July-August are the driest months, but heavy rain is possible at any time, so come prepared. The best time to climb the mountain is from June through to August and from December to February