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. Boldly designed and vibrantly decorated, the lodge offers not just the chance to track mountain gorillas in nearby Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Park but also to enjoy hiking and mountain biking as well as boat trips and cultural interactions.

Chameleon Hill Lodge has 10 suites, each overlooking the scattered islands and forested shores of Lake Mutanda. Each has an en suite bathroom and a private terrace from which to soak up the idyllic views. 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. The kitchen at Chameleon Hill has a reputation for excellent organic dishes. There is a long list of activities on offer, and you will want to explore the area as much as possible.

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. 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. There are also hikes to extinct volcanoes and walks into the fields and forests of the friendly local community where you can learn how to weave a traditional basket, carve a mask and meet the traditional Batwa people to venture into their dappled forest domain.