Travellers Rest Hotel

Travellers Rest Hotel is located just outside Kisoro in the extreme southwestern corner of Uganda, on the borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. This strategic location provides direct access to mountain gorilla habitats in both Mgahinga National Park (Uganda) and the Virunga Mountains (Rwanda).

Travellers Rest Hotel is accessible by road from Kampala, approximately 9-10 hours by car, or via regional flights to nearby airstrips followed by ground transfer. The hotel can arrange transfers from regional airports and provide transport to gorilla trekking starting points.

Mountain gorilla trekking is possible year-round at Travellers Rest Hotel. Dry seasons (June-August and December-February) offer the best hiking conditions with less rainfall, though the wet seasons provide lush forest scenery. Plan 3-4 days in the Kisoro area for successful gorilla tracking and acclimatization to the high-altitude forest environment.

Yes, Travellers Rest Hotel is an ideal base for mountain gorilla trekking. The hotel has served as the premier gorilla trekking accommodation since 1955 and was historically visited by renowned primatologist Dian Fossey. It provides direct access to gorilla treks in Mgahinga National Park and the Virunga Mountains, with arrangements for permits and guided expeditions.

Travellers Rest Hotel offers mountain gorilla trekking, volcano climbs featuring the distinctive Virunga volcanic cones, guided bird watching in the hotel gardens and surrounding forest, visits to Lake Mutanda, exploration of local markets in Kisoro (Mondays and Thursdays), and bicycle rentals for discovering nearby landscapes and communities.

Travellers Rest Hotel was established in 1955 by Walter Baumgartel and became a pioneering hub for mountain gorilla conservation. Renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, who revolutionized gorilla research, called the hotel her "second home" and visited frequently in the 1960s to conduct research, relax, and meet fellow scientists. The hotel's founder recognized that gorilla survival depends directly on tropical forest preservation.

Travellers Rest Hotel features 12 rooms built in colonial style. The property was entirely renovated in 1999 and offers very reasonable rates compared to other safari accommodations in the region.

The primary wildlife experience at Travellers Rest Hotel is mountain gorilla trekking. The hotel's garden serves as a sanctuary for numerous bird species visible from the property. The surrounding Virunga volcanic region and Lake Mutanda provide habitat for various forest and wetland species, with guided excursions available to observe the region's biodiversity.

Travellers Rest Hotel can accommodate families, though mountain gorilla trekking involves physically demanding jungle hiking. Families should consider the fitness levels of all members and consult with the hotel about age-appropriate activities. The property's colonial-style rooms and cozy environment provide comfortable accommodation for families seeking gorilla trekking experiences.

You can compare rates, read verified guest reviews, and book Travellers Rest Hotel through SafariFind.com, which connects you with verified safari operators offering accommodation at this historic property. SafariFind allows you to compare packages and secure the best rates for your gorilla trekking expedition.