Extraordinary Africa>Uganda>Bwindi>Nkuringo
We could not have been more charmed by Nkuringo Lodge when we stayed here. Yes, it would certainly qualify as a fairly simple spot, but with such a friendly welcome and so few visitors over on this side of Bwindi, you really feel as if this is the real Uganda.
What’s Nkuringo Lodge really like?
The main house is cosy and homely- with a small bar, an inviting fire, and a mountain-cabin type atmosphere. Views out over the surrounding mountains and villages are glorious, and on a clear day it’s rumoured you can see as far as the active volcano in the DRC. Food is warm and wholesome, and generally served as part of a set menu. Guests stay in small cottages outside in the gardens, known as the Garden Cottage Rooms, which are typically what we’d use for our travellers. These are seven, chalet-style rooms, all with brightly coloured African fabrics on the beds and chairs, a small fireplace in the corner for chilly mountain nights, a simple en suite bathroom, and a small verandah. There are also four two-bedroomed villas which have two interconnecting rooms, so works well for families or friends who want to be together. These rooms have an interconnecting door, however this can be locked. Please note that there are no charging points in any of the rooms- this must be done in the main area of the lodge during generator hours.
What can I do at Nkuringo Lodge?
Guests staying on this side of Bwindi can trek gorillas, either from the base in Nkuringo or from Rushaga- around an hour and a half away. For those who want to stretch their legs still further, there’s the opportunity to hike all of the way across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Buhoma, or, slightly gentler, to make a day trip down to Lake Mutanda for a trip in a dugout canoe. This also a fascinating place to come to learn a little more about the traditional lives of the Batwa community.
Giving back at Nkuringo:
While Nkuringo is by no means an ultra-luxury lodge, it’s a great place for guests who want to know that their stay is benefiting the local community. Many staff are from the local area, so it’s worth being patient if English isn’t the fastest or service isn’t New York prompt. The lodge also supports the local orphanage school, and women’s projects, and has a carbon neutral footprint. Visiting guests can go to visit the local community with a guide for themselves, or donate a tree to the reforestation project. Or buy the honey, oyster mushrooms, coffee and crafts available in the lodge shop.
Want to know more? We’ve stayed here, so just
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