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Our Story
How a dream of conservation became a haven for gorillas and guests
Our Beginning
Born from a Love of the Forest
Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge was born from a simple yet profound belief: that the world's last mountain gorillas deserve protection, and the communities living alongside them deserve prosperity.
Founded by a team of Ugandan conservationists and hospitality professionals, the lodge was built on land carefully chosen for its proximity to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — home to eight habituated gorilla families and the exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Every brick was laid with intention: using local stone and sustainable timber, employing craftspeople from surrounding villages, and designing each space to harmonize with the ancient forest that surrounds us. Today, the lodge stands as proof that luxury, conservation, and community development can coexist beautifully.
What Drives Us
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do at Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge.
Passion for Wildlife
Every decision we make is guided by our love for the mountain gorillas and the extraordinary biodiversity of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Community First
We believe tourism should uplift local communities. Over 70% of our staff are from surrounding villages, and we source locally whenever possible.
Sustainability
From solar energy to organic gardens and zero single-use plastics, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint in this fragile ecosystem.
Authentic Experiences
We create genuine connections between our guests, the local culture, and the natural world — not manufactured tourist experiences.
Meet the Team
The People Behind the Haven
Our dedicated team brings together decades of experience in hospitality, conservation, and community development.
Joseph Byamukama
Lodge Manager
Born and raised in Kisoro, Joseph has spent over 15 years in the hospitality industry. His deep knowledge of the region and passion for conservation make him the heart of Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge.
Grace Tumuhairwe
Head Chef
Chef Grace brings the flavors of Uganda to every plate. Trained in Kampala and mentored by international chefs, she specializes in farm-to-table cuisine using ingredients sourced from local communities.
Emmanuel Habimana
Head Guide & Naturalist
With over 20 years of guiding experience in Bwindi, Emmanuel knows every trail, every bird call, and every gorilla family by name. He is a certified UWA ranger and an expert birder.
Sarah Nakabugo
Community & Conservation Manager
Sarah bridges the gap between the lodge and local communities. She coordinates conservation programs, community walks, and ensures that tourism benefits are shared with the people of Rushaga.
Every Stay Makes a Difference
A portion of every booking directly supports gorilla conservation, community schools, and sustainable livelihood programs in the Rushaga region. By choosing to stay with us, you become part of the solution.