The Ivy River Trail in Nkuringo Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The Ivy River Trail in Nkuringo Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the oldest route through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and an important footpath for locals traveling from Nteko to Buhoma. It offers an immersive experience in one of Uganda’s most iconic landscapes. Here’s an overview and suggestions for other activities in the area:

Ivy River Trail Highlights

• Length: Approximately 13 km (8 miles).
• Duration: 4-5 hours, depending on pace.
• Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections.
• Scenery: Dense tropical rainforest, pristine streams, and a variety of flora and fauna.
• Wildlife: Chance to spot monkeys, colorful birds, and forest mammals.
• Experience: A guided hike, often combined with a cultural experience or gorilla trekking.

The Ivy River Trail in Nkuringo Bwindi Impenetrable Forest connects Nkuringo to Buhoma and is popular for those looking to explore Bwindi on foot while experiencing its biodiversity. It is ideal for acclimatization before or after gorilla trekking.

There are three ways to hike the Ivy River trail: the first one leaves Nkuringo, walking 8 kilometers to Nteko village, and another 5 kilometers down the steep valley to Ivy River and back. The second starts at the Nteko outpost, 8 km from Nkuringo, where your driver would have dropped you, and you’ll hike down the valley to the river and back. The third one is the most interesting, starting from Nteko, down the valley, and across the jungle to the Buhoma sector on the northern side of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The Ivy River Trail in Nkuringo Bwindi Impenetrable Forest puts you in the center of beautiful rural landscapes with several viewpoints overlooking lush mist-shrouded valleys before snaking into the jungle over the Ivy River, where monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, and some of Bwindi’s world-renowned bird and butterfly species can be sighted.

Other Things to Do in Nkuringo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

1. Gorilla Trekking
   • Nkuringo is one of the four main sectors for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
   • Offers a chance to track habituated gorilla families.
   • Requires a permit (booked in advance).
2. Bird Watching
   • Bwindi is a birding haven with over 350 species, including the Albertine Rift endemics.
   • Key species: African green broadbill, Rwenzori turaco, and Shelley’s crimsonwing.
3. Batwa Cultural Experience
   • Learn about the Batwa pygmies, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi.
   • Participate in storytelling, dances, and traditional practices.
4. Forest Walks and Nature Trails
   • Explore shorter trails around Nkuringo, like the Kashasha River Trail or Munyaga Waterfall Trail.
   • Ideal for spotting wildlife and enjoying the tranquility of the forest.
5. Village Walks
   • Visit Nkuringo Village to experience local Ugandan life.
   • Activities include craft making, farming tours, and interacting with the community.
6. Canoeing on Lake Mutanda
   • A short drive from Nkuringo, Lake Mutanda offers serene canoeing experiences.
   • Stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and surrounding landscapes.
7. Photography
   • Capture the dramatic scenery of Bwindi’s misty hills and lush forest.
   • The Ivy River Trail and gorilla trekking offer unparalleled photo opportunities.
8. Cycling Adventures
   • Rent a bike and explore the Nkuringo area.
   • Guided cycling tours are available for those looking for a mix of adventure and scenery.
9. Relax at Lodges
   • Many lodges in Nkuringo provide stunning views, wellness experiences, and locally sourced cuisine.
   • Perfect for unwinding after an adventurous day.

Important things to consider when planning Nkuringo gorilla trekking of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Booking and securing your gorilla permit for Nkuringo in advance

Nkuringo sector has 24 gorilla permits available for sell every day. For you to trek Nkuringo gorillas you will need to book your permit in advance so that you are assured of your spot for trekking the gorillas in this region. For you to block these permits you can either pay 100%, 70% or 30% in advance the total of each permit. Each gorilla permit costs USD800 for Foreign non residents, USD700 for Foreign residents and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens and this gives an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas of this family. We recommend you block the gorilla permits atleast 3 to 4 month prior your gorilla safari date. This is because during high season permits sell out in advance on first come first serve basis. Contact us here for more details on how to book all gorilla permits for tracking Nkuringo gorillas in advance to enable you trek gorillas in this region.

Booking your accommodation where to stay in Nkuringo in advance

This is very important to consider when planning for a gorilla trek to Nkuringo, for you to have a great experience and comfort during your safari it is great to stay in luxury accommodations options include Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. Nkuringo has few budget lodge options from which you can choose from and options and the best budget option is camping. You can as well stay at budget Lodges in Rushaga and from here you will be able to trek gorillas in Nkuringo.

Comfortable travel to Nkuringo

You should consider travelling in 4×4 Land cruisers this will give you comfort on the road to Nkuringo. There is also an option of flying to Kisoro Airstrip which is close to Nkuringo; this will help cut the long drive from Entebbe/Kampala which is normally 8-9 hours drives to only 2 hour drive that you spend from Kisoro Airstrip to your lodge in Nkuringo.

What to wear during Nkuringo gorilla trekking of Bwindi impenetrable National Park

 You might be probably wondering what to wear for your trek, below is a compiled list on what to wear;

• A long armed sweater since the park gets cold
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• Water proof hiking boots
• A hat and sun glasses depending on the weather though this is optional
• Cameras and long lasting batteries since photography are very important to keep your memories alive. Always remember to keep our flash off.
• A pair of Binoculars. This will help you to see the vast birds Bwindi impenetrable forest has among other primates
• Gardening Gloves; these will help you when you a holding onto trees are branches through the trek.
• A rain coat; Since  Bwindi impenetrable forest is  rainforest, the rain is unpredictable so to be on a safer side, you will be required to carry along  a coat.
• A mosquito Repellent; since it is a forest, it has different dangerous insects so its advisable to carry it along or wear it
• A sun screen; Well this is optional but depending on the season, it might get too hot and you end up getting sun burns on your skin so to avoid that, you will need a sun screen.
• You should not wear very bright colors since this will charge or scare away the gorillas.
• Black and Blue colors are also not recommended since they attract Tsetse flies So I would recommend neutral colors.

How to get Nkuringo Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

By Air: You can get to Nkuringo by air which is faster and less tiresome. Aero link is a domestic airline offering both schedule and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip from where you connect to Nkuringo. There is no direct flight to Nkuringo but you can be dropped off to Kisoro Airstrip where you will be picked up by our professional guide and dropped at your lodge. The drive time from Kisoro to a nearby lodge is approximately 1 hour.

By Road: Nkuringo can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Nkuringo. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours drive.

Why The Ivy River Trail in Nkuringo Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Through Eco Adventure Safaris.

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing gorilla trekking safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda. We are also highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia.