Nkuringo
Walking Safaris.
Our walking safaris are centered around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, exploring the forest trails, communities around the lodge, stunning views of of natural gems, and taking canoe rides across small lakes. The most iconic of them all is the 17 kilometer hike across Bwindi Impenetrable forest. The walking safaris are guided by local experts that know and love this region that they call home.
Our team of local enthaustic guides are eager to show you the warmth of friendship and hospitality Ugandan’s are well known for. Traveling with Nkuringo Walking Safaris you will be humbled and touched by the heart felt sincerity of the people you will meet on your journey. We provide the opportunity for you, the travelers, to immerse yourself in the fabric of rural uganda few others get to experience.
See Uganda on Foot!
Trek To The Top of The World
2 TO 3 HOURS
A short walk from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. You stroll through Nkuringo village and take some small foot paths to the top of the world. Beautiful views overlooking the surrounding mountains, valleys and ridges. A great way to stretch your legs after gorilla tracking. Beautiful in the afternoon when the sun is setting.
Gorilla Buffer Zone Walk
2 TO 3 HOURS
A buffer zone is a transition zone between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the cultivated areas where the people live. Nowadays a lot of tea is grown in the buffer zone because gorillas do not like tea, therefore they go back into the forest instead of eating whatever they can find in the farmers gardens. This walk is great for birding and learning about the rural farming communities.
Buniga
Forest Trail
3 HOURS
The Buniga Forest Trail showcases the life of the Batwa native pygmies—their historical nomadic cultures when they occupied the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest until 1991 when the forest was gazetted as a national park. The tribe was forced out of the park and since then have been struggling to cope with modern life outside the jungle. The Buniga forest trail is a USAID initiative put together to help the Batwa community earn a living from tourism around the UNESCO world heritage site. This walk is truly an experience, not challenging at all, but rather informative and exciting.
Suma
Waterfalls
4-5 HOURS
It is also a community walk across villages. The waterfall is found in a village called Suma. It’s a 6 kms walk from Nkuringo. When going to the waterfalls you pass one of the biggest villages in the area; with more than 500 people. The village has a man famous for having 16 wives. The waterfall is surrounded by different species of trees that are home to plenty of endemic bird species, for example, Northern Double Collared Sun Bird, the Violet Backed Starling and the Great Blue Eared Starling. This activity can be done any time but the best time is in the morning hours.
Nombe
Forest Pocket
5-6 HOURS
The pocket forest was part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is still quite impenetrable. It was cut off from the forest as people needed more land to live on and cultivate. It takes around 2 hours to get there, 2 hours on the edge of the forest and 2 hours to walk back. The walk takes you through beautiful little farming villages. Nombe Pocket Forest is exceptional for birding.
Hiking Across Bwindi
FROM NKURINGO SECTOR (SOUTH) TO BUHOMA SECTOR (NORTH)
Ivy
River Trail
4 HOURS
This Ivy River route ascends and descends gently through beautiful areas of the rain forest with several viewpoints from the marram road to Nkuringo overlooking lush mist shrouded valleys. The trail is also an important footpath for local people travelling to and from Nkuringo particularly on market days to Nteko village on the southern boundary of the park. Monkeys, duikers, bush pigs and some of Bwindi’s world renowned bird and butterfly species can be sighted.
Kashasha
River Trail
6-7 HOURS
Slightly more challenging than the Ivy River Trail, Kashasha River Trail (17 kilometers), offers visitors an up close experience of the natural wonders within the Bwindi rainforest environment. Birds are prolific in Bwindi and your guide will point these out to you during your walk. Upon arrival in Buhoma you may opt to proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park entrance and ranger guide fees required.
Coffee Tour & Lake Mutanda Canoe
6-7 HOURS
From Kisoro Town where you'll have your first cup of coffee, you'll be let to a coffee plantation farm where you learn the traditional process of making coffee from the plantation to the cup. You'll then take on your 2 hour guided canoe challenge on the beautiful calm waters of Lake Mutanda. At the end of the canoe experience, take a walk through the communities and villages of Bwindi outskirts till you meet your driver to transfer you to the lodge.
