Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge — Hotel in Kisoro

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and the entire experience from booking through being there exceeded all expectations. We worked with Florence to book this trip for a little over a year and she was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and prompt in response. My husband and I felt very prepared for everything we needed and could expect for the trip. We went in April, which is low season and, although it did rain at some point every day, we were very lucky that it did not rain during any of our 3 treks (we saw Golden Monkeys, Mountain Gorillas, and Shoebill Birds). We also loved that we had all of our treks to ourselves and there was only one other guest at the Lodge, which felt super special. With rides and guides all arranged by Nkuringo, we felt very safe throughout our entire trip. We landed in Entebbe and spent a night at Papyrus Guest House, which is Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge’s sister hotel. The staff was very accommodating and the airport transfer was very smooth. It was nice to spend a night getting through the jet lag before arriving at the lodge for trekking. We especially loved working with Gift, who took us to the beautiful Entebbe Botanic Garden and had great conversation about the way of life in Entebbe and Uganda as a whole. We also enjoyed talking with Edward and Matthew. The flight to Kisoro airport was beautiful over all of the rural land and mountains. Our driver, Willy, was waiting for us at the airstrip and took us first to go Golden Monkey trekking and then to the Lodge. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge was exceptional in every way! The main lodge and our room were beyond incredible. I highly recommend booking the Luxury Forest Suite – it is well worth it to have an unobstructed view of the Bwindi Forest from the massive deck. It is hard to describe how beautiful this place is – you have to see it for yourself. George, Amos, and the entire staff were so incredibly accommodating and wonderful in every way. They provided more than we could ever need seamlessly and without hesitation. Our laundry and boots were cleaned daily. The wake up call, complete with tea and coffee, was such a great way to start each day. We loved that they brought us a wake up drink to get ready 30 minutes ahead of breakfast. The turndown service was perfect, with hot water bottles in the bed and a calming fireplace set. The staff continued to surprise and delight us at every turn, My husband and I were greeted with hand massages, warm towels, and fresh-squeezed juice upon arrival. We were gifted personalized walking sticks for our gorilla trek and keychains before we left. A major highlight was George taking us through the town of Nkuringo to see the Top of the World. As a lifelong resident, George was so knowledgeable and open about life in Nkuringo. We learned so much from him and really enjoyed getting to know him. George is such a great man and we are looking forward to coming back someday and working with him again. Being vegan, I came prepared with many protein bars, unsure if I would be able to eat. The kitchen was amazing and was able to provide my husband and I with a delicious breakfast and 4-course lunch and dinner daily. I really enjoyed eating all of the local fruits and vegetables, much of it grown right on property. The fruit was especially flavorful. We also loved the fresh lemongrass tea and daily popcorn that, by the end of our trip, they had anticipated for us and delivered without us even needing to ask! Trekking through the forest and getting to see the gorillas was truly the most amazing experience we could ever imagine. Our only regret is not staying a fourth night at the Lodge and doing a second gorilla trek. This was a unique and perspective-shifting trip that we would highly recommend to anyone who is up for the bit of travel to get there. We really fell in love with the people, animals, and natural beauty of Uganda and are looking forward to coming back...

Uganda.. A place we can’t wait to return and can’t stop telling everyone about. And I am sure a huge part of that has to do with the amazing team at Nkuringo.

We were first picked up by Mandy, who gave us a beautiful ride up to the lodge. He also helped us organize our gorilla family and helped us communicate we really wanted to see babies and a silverback. Although we know it’s no guarantee, it did happen!! So whatever magic Mandy did, thank you!! Mandy also took us to the airstrip for our flight and waited for our plane to get here to help us with our incredibly heavy bags.

Rogers and Frank were the manager and assistant manager of Nkuringo. During our short stay, we got to chat with them a couple times. They were so warm and welcoming, and super knowledgeable about the Bwindi area and the gorillas. We were so new to Uganda and had so many questions for them. They were so much fun to chat with and shared their knowledge so kindly with us.

Sam was our awesome room attendant. He kept our room so clean and nice. Every night we would come back to a cozy fireplace and hot water bottles in our bed. Just writing about this brings back all the feels of that coziness. Sam was so fast with our laundry too and it came back so nicely. Thank you for taking good care of us Sam!

And Friday!! Friday made our stay incredible. Friday was always there to make sure our stay was top notch. He was on top of our meal times, our food choices, our schedules, and making sure we don’t miss our gorilla trek. An incredible sundowner at the top of the world. Friday also surprised us with the sweetest anniversary celebration. It was so lovely, thank you so much. Thank you so much Friday, we really enjoyed our time with you and getting to know you. You made our stay so much fun.

We also want to mention the spa, I got a massage there and it was one of the best massages I’ve had in a while. Also, their chef!!! How did they get such an amazing chef. Every single dish we had at Nkuringo exceeded our expectations. From the sweet avocado salad (which we miss so so much), to the incredible pastas and soups, to the Rolex breakfasts and the desserts, just everything!!! Also the chicken one night. Wow. The food here was amazing. I am writing this right before I sleep now and I am getting so so hungry just thinking about the delicious food we had at the lodge.

Also want to thank Florence, she helped me book and organize everything from our flights to transport to gorilla trek. She made it all so seamless. She met us twice at Papyrus to ensure everything was going well for us. We really appreciate her. Thank you Florence.

I’m sure I’m missing something because everything was amazing. Conclusion is stay here because this is the place you want to be to prepare you to be well rested prior to your gorilla trek and where you want to be after because they will pamper you with food and rest and everything. And even if you’re not doing the gorilla trek, this is also the place to be. Did I forget to mention the views of this place? Insane. The rooms were big and spacious and very comfortable as well. I wish we spent an extra night or two there....

Hands down the best experience we could ask for in Uganda. From start to finish, Grace in reservations guided us with clarity, kindness, and knowledge. She helped is setup out transfers, accomodations, itinerary, permits, visas, and everything else we could ask for (and more). When we arrived, everything was provided for. We transferred to the Papyrus Guest House after arriving after midnight. Paul the driver took care of us and our things. The staff at Papyrus was warm and welcoming. Grace then met and escorted us onto our flight with tickets and clear instructions. The flight from Entebbe to Kisoro was an attraction of its own, sweeping down below the game reserve and Queen Elizabeth Park to see elephants, hippos, and wild ox. Once arriving at Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, we were greeted with hand massages and the manager, Rogers, team. We were assigned to two most incredible helpers throughout our stay: Edward (The General) and Amos. These two gentlemen made our stay providing hospitality, care, and compassion. Everything they did, they did with a smile. The meals were fantastic and they were able to accommodate my vegan dietary preference. My wife enjoyed vegetarian and pescatarian foods. The snacks were delicious, drinks outstandin, and the homemade juices were divine. The highlight apart from the hotel and people were the gorillas. We opted for the 4 hr habituation permit. Our team led by Jen, Levi, Solomon, and our porter Sophia was unreal. Truly an unforgettable experience to sit with such majestic creatures. We stayed with a family of 9, inlcuding a 7 month old baby, which nearly walked right up to us. It was a real privilege to spend time with these primates in their natural habitat and to learn about their lifestyle and jungle culture. Fred the guerilla doctor was also on sight and shared story after story of remarkable insight and depth. We also attended the walking tour of the Batwa tribes (pygmie people), which was both entertaining, informative, and gave us a chance to purchase local crafts.

If you're looking for a place to experience the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the majestic guerillas, and stay in luxury, look no further than Nkuringo. You will not be...