Lying in a magical landscape between Uganda's prime gorilla-trekking destinations, Chameleon Hill Lodge overlooks an unspoilt Rift Valley lake framed by the rugged Virunga Volcanoes. This charming little retreat is a perfect base for trekking gorillas in southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and exploring the slope of the Virungas in Mgahinga National Park. Chameleon Hill Lodge vibrantly glows atop a hill overlooking Lake Mutanda’s tranquil rift valley in the shadows of the Virunga Mountains.
Even before we got to Chameleon Hill, we could see we were arriving somewhere different. If there’s one thing we can tell you for certain about Chameleon Hill, it’s that you won’t drive past it by mistake. You get the feeling of a lodge surrounded by local villages and local people living around you. You even have dogs and chickens running around, which gives it a homey feel!
Accommodation: Unique and Colorful Cottages
Chameleon Hill Lodge has 10 luxury suites, each individually designed and imaginatively decorated. Chameleon Hill Lodge has 10 suites, each overlooking the scattered islands and forested shores of Lake Mutanda. Accommodation at Chameleon Hill Lodge is in 13 cottage rooms with ensuite bathrooms spread across the hillside facing the lake. Each room glows with African style, decor, and ambiance with an outside sitting area that shows off the most spectacular views of the Virungas and Lake Mutanda’s enchanting islands. Expect bold primary colours as well as quirky art pieces.
Each has an en suite bathroom and a private terrace from which to soak up the idyllic views. Each room has its own unique charm and character, with its own color scheme and private garden, en-suite bathroom, and wide shower windows to enjoy the lake and volcanoes even when you shower. Rooms are comfortable with private verandas where you can sit and enjoy the view of Lake Mutanda. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom and a charming outside sitting area to watch the captivating beauty that surrounds Chameleon Hill.
The lodge offers early morning tea or coffee brought to your room so you can take in the views sitting on your spacious veranda before going for breakfast, gorilla tracking, or any of our other activities.
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Lodge Amenities and Dining
Chameleon Hill Lodge's lounge, bar and dining area open out onto a wooden deck with panoramic Rift Valley views. The lodge has a spacious communal area with an adjacent wooden deck on top of the hill that offers a bird’s eye view over the lake and beyond. This is where the in-house chef serves all the meals, and guests catch up on the social moments. The building’s walls are decorated with colorful art and for those chilly evenings, there is a romantic fireplace to make sure the ambiance is perfect. The lounge area with a stylish cement sofa, a soft couch, and inviting armchairs spreads a sense of coziness. There is a convivial lounge and bar at main camp plus a massage service to soothe your tired legs after a taxing but exciting gorilla trek.
Fast developing a name for great food in the area, Chameleon Hill Lodge makes the most of its organic garden, incorporating much local produce in its dishes.The kitchen at Chameleon Hill has a reputation for excellent organic dishes. Your day begins with an early but hearty breakfast to prepare you for a day on foot or bike. Choose from fresh fruit, pancakes, homemade muesli and yoghurt or go for the full cooked English complete with home-baked bread. Lunches are enjoyed at the lodge or as a delicious packed meal while out on an all-day activity. The meals are three-course served in the communal hall in restaurant style.
To recharge camera and video batteries, electricity comes in the form of a generator run in the early morning and early evening; to recharge batteries of another kind, the lodge offers a spa where you choose from a range of health and relaxation therapies.
Activities Around Lake Mutanda
Sitting in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains, Chameleon Hill Lodge brags of dreamy views of the Virunga massif, excellent tropical weather, and mind rebuilding retreat activities. Sunset evenings at the lakeside, enjoying the tranquility and unspoiled beauty as far as your eyes can see, are something to look out for. Yes! You can jump into the calm waters of Lake Mutanda from the private pier or take a boat cruise of the enchanting islands on the rift valley lake.
The highlight activity is, of course, a gorilla trek and Chameleon Hill Lodge offers additional research-based treks that give you more time with the gorillas (four hours instead of one) and with fewer other visitors. Chameleon Hill Lodge is a perfect base for gorilla trekking in Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads. Even Mgahinga National Park is just about a 1.5-hour drive away. You can also search the rainforest for the rare golden monkey, go bird watching on the lake or hit a mountain-bike trail - as easy or challenging, as you like.
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Hiking around the lodge is one of those never-talked-about healing activities that you may want to check out. Many go to this hideaway just to get away into the countryside and switch off this energy-draining internet world. This place is your mystical nature getaway place.
Apart from the gripping encounter with the gorillas of the mountain, discover the Bwindi communities, peoples, and cultures, on foot, or even hiking through the misty impenetrable jungles. You can even canoe the calm waters of Lake Mutanda and spend a few moments on one of its indescribable small islands.
Hikers can base at Chameleon Hill Lodge to climb on the Virunga summits in Uganda, including Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo, with three peaks. The Batwa forest people that lived in the Bwindi jungles for centuries before conservationists relocated them and now struggle to catch up with modern culture now living in the outskirts of the gorilla jungle. They have an interesting historical trail to show on a cultural tour.
The area around Lake Mutanda, the many tiny islands on the lake have hiking opportunities that interest a nature hiker. Whether you swim in the lake, Kayak in the evening on the misty water, or stay back in your room and hang with your mind. The lodge has a health spa offering body massages for after that challenging gorilla trekking excursion.
Room Rates
Here's a summary of the room rates at Chameleon Hill Lodge:
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| ROOM DETAILS | B&B | Half Board | Full Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Occupancy | $230 | $240 | $250 |
| Single Occupancy | $330 | $340 | $360 |
Activities and transfers are priced separately.
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