Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Set in the beautiful rolling hills surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and just above the friendly and energetic Nkuringo Village, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge offers exceptional value and is a brilliant base from which to explore Bwindi and its surroundings. A relaxed atmosphere, stunning views and superb guiding (provided alongside their sister company, Nkuringo Walking Safaris) are just a few of the reasons we love this lodge.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge - The Details

Located on the South side of Bwindi Forest, Nkuringo Lodge (and it's neighbour Clouds Lodge) have almost exclusive access to the habituated gorilla families in the Nkuringo region. Gorilla treks start just down the hill at park HQ and wind through interesting and colourful villages and beautifully uniform tea plantations before heading deep into the forest.

The lodge itself overlooks the entireity of Bwindi in one direction and back across the lake toward and beyond Kisoro in the other. Meals are served in the inviting dining room, with great views toward two of the five volcanoes making up Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Food is good and served with a smile, nothing is too much for the friendly team here. The rooms themselves, when you consider the price, are fantastic. The cottages are spacious, comfortable and chic, a lot of effort has been put in which you don't always find in similarly priced lodges. Each night a fire is lit in the burner in your room, to make things nice and warm for the night - given the altitude things can get a little chilly at night time.

Getting here is easy, just a short (and very scenic!) flight from Entebbe to Kisoro, before heading on to the lodge. The beauty of this lodge is that the sister company, Nkuringo Walking Safaris, are all about adventure - and so whilst you are free to drive from here to the lodge they would much rather canoe you across Lake Mutanda before a spot of lunch and a hike up to the lodge. Their guides are the best, and you can take a whole host of walks from the lodge - up to the 'top of the world' or even right the way through Bwindi to the other side - better than driving.

With over twenty habituated gorilla families, Bwindi is the most popular destination in Uganda to trek these great apes. Nkuringo Lodge is aptly situated by the Nkuringo sector which is home to three habituated gorilla families. Their antics are a joy to watch and trekking through this beautiful forest is an unforgettable experience. Your guide will talk you through gorilla behaviour and point out other interesting flora and fauna along the way which makes the trek an enthralling and educational experience. Trekking can be tricky at times due to the steep terrain and weather conditions, so ensure you are adequately prepared. Good hiking boots are a must, as is a light waterproof jacket and plenty of removable layers. Prepare to get muddy, sweaty and do not forget your camera! It is the experience of a lifetime.

A stay here is comfortable and relaxing, but do be prepared to mix that with some real adventure.