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Nkuringo Safaris Uganda
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2007)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, APTA, AUTO & UTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $325 to $1,250 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Sue S | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Nkuringo Safaris in Uganda were a great combination
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is located high on a ridge in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda, with Nkuringo village a short distance away. We flew from Entebbe to Kisoro, the nearest airport to our lodge which was then a 1.5 hour drive up into the mountains on a bumpy track! Water is not available on the ridge for either the villagers or the lodge. Tankers bring it for the lodge from Kisoro; there was no lack of it at the lodge. The villagers use rain water or have to carry it up from the valley during the dry season. The lodge’s location provides fantastic views of the mountains and valleys. Our garden cottage, Garinga 7, may have had the best view of all, looking down over the stepped gardens and the valley and mountains beyond, and up to the main part of the lodge. The latter was a huge, high-ceilinged room with a bar and seating in one corner, a large restaurant area and a comfortable seating part for relaxation. There was also a terrace running round 2 sides with tables and chairs, all with great views. Wi-fi was available here.
Our room and bathroom were large and decorated with a superb, large, brightly coloured multimedia picture above the bed and other African artifacts around. There was a fireplace where a charcoal fire was lit by our house-keeper every night while we were at dinner; she also put hot water bottles in the bed! At the time we were there, early August, it was mostly cloudy and became quite chilly in the evenings, so these were very welcome.
Given the remote location and lack of water, availability of food items was inevitably limited but everything was beautifully presented and the service throughout could not be faulted. One of the tiers in the gardens was used for the cultivation of vegetables in tiny plots, separated by empty wine bottles stuck upside down in the soil to prevent erosion. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. South African wines were available and local beer, of course!
Each evening, we were entertained by groups of local boys, women and children dancing and singing. This felt really authentic, not least because all those performing so clearly enjoyed themselves. The local people were poor and the ladies made attractive local woven items such as baskets, mats, trays and plant pots to sell. The local economy was very dependent on tourism.
I would highly recommend staying at the Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge for gorilla tracking in this area of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
We had booked two 1 hour viewings of the gorillas. Tourists were taken to one of the entrances to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where they were divided into groups of 8 each with a guide. Porters gathered to offer their services. They would carry items not immediately needed, such as spare water, rainwear etc. They also provided assistance where the track was steep, slippery or just difficult. Some people felt they were not required but they supported their families and communities in their villages and we hired one each, each day, for this reason. My husband didn’t really need his, but I did! The cost was US$15 pp per day. This went to a central association, so we gave the porters extra for themselves and their families. If anyone starts their trek and find that they are unable to complete it, it is possible for the guides to radio for an “African Helicopter”. This was a stretcher carried by a group of 8 men who would carry the individual to see the gorillas and then back to the lodge. It cost US£380. One couple that we met had budgeted for this!
Trackers stay with each gorilla family, one male silverback and his females and babies, from about 6.00 to 18.00 when they had settled down for the night. In this way, they could tell the guides the following morning approximately where they would be. On our first tracking experience, we drove for about 1.5 hours to the Rushaga Sector. It seemed that tourists were allocated to groups by the HQ in Kampala with no consideration of age, gender or fitness! Our own guide had managed to arrange for us to meet the Mishaya family in this sector where the going was relatively flat, easy and short. He knew that I was concerned that, although I was quite fit, I was 76!
Our second tracking experience was from our own Nkuringo sector and the entrance was only a short drive from the lodge. However, the trek was very different! We started down the long, steep side of the valley on one side of the ridge. After a while, the front of my thighs turned to jelly! On the lower slopes there were tea plantations and there were paths that zig-zagged across rather than straight down the side of the valley. After this, we crossed the border into the National Park and the forest. Happily, our family, Christmas, was not far from the edge of the Park. Christmas was the name of the silverback and had been born on Christmas Day. The previous day, Christmas had led them down to the bottom of the valley and up the other side!
The guides, trackers and porters were all excellent, friendly and efficient. I would certainly recommend Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Safaris as well as the lodge.
US
Email Matt | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Best
We highly recommend Nkuringo Safaris. Catherine, our Safari Consultant, planned an excellent itinerary for our family’s two week tour of Uganda, smartly balancing adventure and relaxation. Also, the lodges she selected were truly first-rate. In addition, she was a tremendous help during are arrival and departure from Entebbe. We also can’t say enough about our guide, Jack. He’s a fantastic conversationalist, and his expertise regarding the various communities, parks, and animals of this beautiful country is exceptional. Furthermore, he did a fantastic job of handling our three teenagers and adjusting the day’s schedule based on conditions and energy levels.
Email Gordon | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent tour operator
We travelled around Uganda for 2 weeks in June with a guide (Julius), booking Nkuringo Safaris through a UK agent. We have travelled to other African destinations and found Nkuringo to be up there with the best local operators.
We had a fantastic holiday and our guide was very knowledgeable and informative on the wildlife/culture and an excellent driver. The vehicle was comfortable and well maintained. The lodges, food and activities were all excellent. Everything went smoothly and our guide was very flexible, suggesting changes to itinerary when appropriate. We met the Nkuringo staff at the end of our holiday and they gave us a very positive impression of the company.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Nkuringo to anyone travelling to Uganda
Email Shane | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Memorable Safari in Uganda
We did a 19-day round trip with Nkuringo safaris. it was just outstanding and most impressive. Jack was our driver and guide and a great friend we will forever cherish and he was very competent in all activities. Thanks to him our unforgettable journey came to pass, encountering all the wild animals including the big five and and amazingly, six rhino at one place! All lodges were very good to excellent and the food was delicious.