Top Mid-Range Lodges in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi – Nkuringo sector is one of the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where mountain gorillas are habituated.
Located in the southern region of the park, Nkuringo is home to three gorilla families that are open for gorilla trekking by tourists.
The sector is strategically positioned with stunning views of Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira in Virunga National Park, Congo.
However, Nkuringo is known for being the toughest sector for gorilla trekking due to its rugged terrain.
The Gorilla Families in Nkuringo Sector:
- Nkuringo Gorilla Family: This family, named after the rolling hills in the sector, has 14 individuals. Uniquely, this family was lucky to have twins, which is rare among gorillas.
- Christmas Gorilla Family: This family consists of 9 members, including the dominant silverback Christmas, one blackback, one infant, and three females.
- Bushao Gorilla Family: This family has 8 members and is led by the dominant silverback Bahati.
A total of 24 gorilla permits are available each day in this sector, with only 8 people allowed to trek a particular family per day.
Top Mid-Range Lodges in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi
- Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi Forest: Located in Nateko, this lodge offers amazing views of the Bwindi forest. The lodge serves fresh food sourced from local communities and prepared by professional chefs, benefiting the local people. Travelers can access the lodge from Kisoro or Kabale towns, about a 2-hour drive. The lodge features 5 cottages with en-suite bathrooms, fireplaces, balconies, electricity, and WiFi. Meals are served by highly motivated staff. Rates: Rooms range from USD 299 per person per night.
- Bwindi Jungle Lodge: This lodge is situated on Lake Mulehe in the Mucha area, about 10 km from Kisoro town. It serves as a gateway to the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi, although it can also be accessed by travelers heading to the Rushaga sector. The cottages are en-suite with raised verandas offering stunning views of Lake Mulehe, and they are constructed using local volcanic stones and timber.
- Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge: A new accommodation on the shores of Lake Mulehe, managed by Uganda Cultural Lodges, this lodge comprises 11 comfortable en-suite rooms, each with private verandas for relaxing after a long day. It is a 4-star facility offering electricity, a standby generator, massage services, bathtubs with hot and cold water, and delicious organic meals.
Best Time to Visit
Nkuringo sector is open for gorilla trekking year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry months of June to September and December to February.
During these months, the trails are dry and less slippery, providing a better trekking experience.
How to Get to Nkuringo
- By Road: Nkuringo can be accessed by road via the Entebbe to Kabale to Muko to Nkuringo route, which covers a distance of 497 km and takes about 10 hours.
- By Air: Air transport is the fastest way to reach Nkuringo. Travelers can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a 1-hour drive to Nkuringo.
In conclusion, mid-range lodges in Nkuringo are very welcoming to all tourists and are well-suited for a gorilla safari in Nkuringo.