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.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Traditional Grassroots Safari Experience
If you’re looking to rough it out on a Safari, Shipungo Safari and Tours is the company for you. Tough to beat from a cost benefit perspective, but there are still opportunities to improve the overall service. They provided a great support team for photo Safari, with experienced guide. The vehicle is fine, although demonstrating some age. The food prepared met expectations. The purpose of the trip was wildlife photography, the mission was accomplished. Strongly recommend that they install radio in the vehicle to communicate within the local guide network, this would go a long way to finding animals, but above for safety concerns, in the event of an emergency situation in an isolated or remote location
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly recommended!!!
Gorilla tours helped us to take an amazing tours as our request. The driver guide, Ali was so kind and always tried to meet our difficult requests. Thanks to Ali, our trip become awesome one. I would like to ask him to drive me again the next time I come to Uganda for sightseeing!
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Safari experience!
We just spent 6 days on Safari (incl.: parks of Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti) and was the best trip we ever made!
Our guide, Gilbert, was extremely knowledgable about the ecosystem, explaining us everything with a lot of detail. Also, he was very experienced in finding the best spots to observe the different animals, as well as a very skilled driver through the different terrains of the parks. We highly recommend Lion King Adventures for their attention to detail, professionalism and wonderful staff.
NO
Safari in Mikumi
We had 2 very nice days with safari in Mikumi and a visit to masai village. The guide was a good driver, he told us about the animals, and were always trying his best to make our safari perfect. The communication before the trip were on email, and we got quick answers on our questions.
We will really recommend this company, and would choose it again! Thank you for an amazing trip, Thomas!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What a fantastic and professional team of dedicated people
I recently travelled to Kenya and had the pleasure of meeting Colin and his dedicated team. I was met at the airport by the lovely Solomon, who gave me the best welcome to Africa. Unfortunately the tour operator in the UK had not informed One Horizon that I was a wheelchair user. After a bit of a struggle I managed to get into the vehicle. The following morning Solomon and Colin arrived at the hotel and within less than 24 hours two wooden ramps and a step appeared so that I and my fellow travel companions were able to access the vehicle. The whole team were on hand to assist for the duration of the holiday. And what a holiday, we experienced the real Africa in all it's challenges and its resilient people. We went to several projects that One Horizon sponsor and support. What an eye opener. I can't express how much I would recommend that you book with One Horizon, you will have the best experience. I can't wait to return and this time I will book direct with One Horizon. Thank you One Horizon, hope to see you all again soon.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Eager
Very helpful and accommodating.
Our guide, Ricky and Florid, were very eager to help and be involved.
The game viewing was incredible, accommodation we stayed in was very nice, we chose the mid range option.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So caring, informative and super helpful
The trip was amazing, the team was so helpful from picking me up from my hotel and drop off, payment was totally flexible. The guide was amazing and very informative. Best experience ever!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most Amazing trip!
Most amazing trip!
We had the most unforgettable experience with Kudu Safaris.
Great customer service from start to finish, very easy to organise. Staff went above and beyond to make this a trip of a lifetime.
Fantastic itinerary, Juma is a superb driver and guide with incredible knowledge of the animals and answered all of our questions.
Travel and accommodation were both great quality. All meals eaten were of high standards.
Would highly recommend visiting Nairobi National Park as well, with the skyline in the background and animals it makes for an unforgettable experience.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best choice ever
Maria and Reinhardt are attentive, friendly and caring hosts.
We were cared for by family. Plenty of good food, great excursions and transfers were organized directly.
Almost every wish is fulfilled individually. In addition, Reinhardt is an excellent tracker, so that we were able to find leopards on the first evening compared to other guides. The lodge is modern, clean and tastefully decorated. Nothing is missing. Whether mini-bar, bathrobes or toiletries, just like in a hotel. The beds were particularly good.
We would definitely come back and recommend this lodge and 5 day safari to anyone who wants a memorable stay.
Thank you very much again.
