Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. A True African Wilderness Escape in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

In Uganda’s southwest, in the shadows of the towering Virunga Volcanos, is one of the last few places in Africa that is truly pristine. The region at the tri-frontier of Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC is home to one of the last great tracts of ancient temperate rainforest protecting great apes, the last mountain gorillas on earth — one of Central-East Africa’s best-kept secrets. And if you’re seeking a private rainforest escape in this Eden that gives you a direct connection with nature, there’s no better place to stay than Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.

Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge is a highly acclaimed property located on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on a pristine mountain ridge. This African wilderness escape promises dreamy forest and mountain views, offering a wondrous African vacation experience. The lodge’s off-the-grid location provides a decadent adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making every stay here truly unforgettable.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the world’s last remaining rich ecosystems. The ancient rainforest spreads across steep ridges and valleys, forming a protective habitat for the region’s most precious tourist attraction, the endangered mountain gorillas.

In the photo, a dominant male gorilla interacts with an infant. Gorillas live in social groups, similar to humans.

There’s something unquestioningly fascinating about these great apes that charm visitors to appreciate the combination of remarkable strength with profound gentleness, the depth of primitive social bonds living in harmony with their environment, their vulnerability, and their struggle to survive. It is an experience that reminds us of our humble beginnings and has become a bucket list adventure item on East African safari packages. Hundreds trek into these jungles every day just to spend a once-in-a-lifetime hour with a family of these giant apes.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, a seven-time World Travel Awards winner, offers a prime access point and an excellent base for gorilla trekking and exploring the region’s rural adventures. Guests can access the park’s visitor center, a 10-minute walk from the Lodge, with an exciting assurance that they will get the luxe holiday treatment when they return. Meanwhile, action-packed daily excursions from the Lodge reveal the region’s impressive wildlife, including bird species only found in the Albertine region.

Those looking to marvel at a 36,000-year-old rainforest can join a guided hike through the old-growth forest, where forest elephants, monkeys, chimps, over 100 mammal species, and thousands of butterfly species and blankets of moss create a masterpiece of natural color and texture.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge offers accommodation in 18 lavishly built guest cottages. The cottages are made of wood and ancient volcanic rock. They are categorized into 6 Deluxe Garden Cottages, 3 Standard Garden Cottages, 2 Two-Bedroom Family Villas, and 5 Luxury Forest Suites sitting above the steamy forest swathe and sprouting out of the forested ridge slope with distinctive elegance. The Lodge is a Mid-range to Luxury category.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is committed to a light-on-the-land philosophy, which is evident in its well-maintained gardens, use of solar-powered generators, and rainwater harvesting system. But the modest exterior belies the Lodge’s emphatically chic insides, reflecting the owner’s passion for the African continent, its cultures, and its people. Staying at Nkuringo Lodge will make you more aware of the continent’s evolving identity. It will allow you to connect with the local community, who benefit from the economic opportunities presented by safari tourism beyond subsistence living.

A few nights in the bush will be memorable no matter what, but the suitable Lodge—in a spot-on location with expertly trained service staff, good community relations, and spaces that enchant during the idle hours between adventures—can make your trip life-changing. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge will plunk you into IMAX-like ecosystems with cabins surrounded by forest gardens so silent you can hear your own thoughts. 

When to go

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is open year-round, and every morning, there are gorilla trekking excursions into the forest, regardless of the weather. The peak seasons for the region are December through February and June through September due to the dry weather. Although the wet season may present some challenges, it also offers stunning views of the lush rural landscape, and you can take advantage of discounted room rates.

How to get there

Travelers flying into Entebbe International Airport can avoid the 11-hour road jaunt. They may take a one-hour domestic flight to the property’s nearest airstrip, Kisoro Airport. After that, the property is another 90 minutes from Kisoro by road transfer, and the Lodge provides airport transfers. Only early morning flights are available.

Or, visitors can take a 4.5-hour scenic drive from Kigali International Airport to the Lodge. This route offers an experience for both countries, and border crossing is seamless.

Otherwise, the 11-hour drive between Entebbe and Bwindi is quite scenic for landscape views nerds. Most travelers break the journey with an overnight at Lake Mburo National Park, conveniently located halfway through the journey and offers pretty enjoyable wildlife viewing moments.

Insider Tip

To fully experience the forest escape beyond the gorillas, visitors usually stay for an average of three nights. Gorilla treks start at 7:30 am every morning and last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Other exhilarating activities that you can add to your itinerary include visiting the Batwa forest pygmies and local villages and going on nature walks in the impenetrable forest. Even relaxing in the lavish lounge with a glass of wine or on your cottage balcony lit by the charming views is quite fulfilling. 