Mirima Kibale Lodge Opens Near Uganda’s Kibale National Park

Mirima Kibale Lodge, part of the Nkuringo Eco Collection, has opened in Uganda, offering chimpanzee tracking, birding, cycling, community engagement, and more.

Located on a ridge overlooking Lake Nyamirima, with Lakes Nyinabulitwa and Nyinabikere forming part of the surrounding landscape, Mirima sits approximately 10 miles from Kibale National Park’s Kanyanchu Visitor Centre. The setting places guests close to the forest while also offering access to crater lakes, farms, wetlands, and surrounding communities.

Though chimpanzee tracking is the major reason travelers visit Kibale, the region offers opportunities to spend time beyond the forest.

At Mirima, guests can take part in a nature walk along Lake Nyamirima, explore nearby crater lakes, go birding or cycling, paddle by canoe, visit the Top of the World viewpoint, or take part in community and cultural walks through villages, gardens, and homesteads.

Visits to nearby tea and coffee plantations and the opportunity to experience Batooro music, dance, and storytelling provide further ways to connect with the area.

Bigodi Wetland also offers birding, primate viewing and opportunities to learn from local community guides.

For travelers with the flexibility to extend their stay, Nkuringo Safaris recommends allowing around three nights in the Kibale region when the itinerary permits. The additional time allows chimpanzee tracking to become part of a broader experience of the destination rather than the sole focus of a visit.

“Travelers may come to Uganda because they want to see chimpanzees or gorillas, but there is much more to experience around those encounters,” says Lydia Eva Mpanga, founder and president of Nkuringo Safaris. “Having more time allows travelers to walk, meet people, explore the landscape, and experience Uganda at a different pace.”

Nkuringo Safaris’ connection to the area dates to 2007, when Mpanga founded the company in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi. What began as a modest camp developed into Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, located on the edge of the gorilla highlands.

The company’s experience in the region continues to inform its approach to private journeys that combine wildlife with walking, cultural encounters, and time in the communities and landscapes through which travelers pass.

Connected to the Landscape

Mirima’s setting is complemented by practical environmental and community initiatives.

The lodge was constructed using locally sourced materials and local artisans. It uses solar power with backup generation, harvested rainwater and filtered drinking water in glass bottles, and has eliminated single-use plastics.

Approximately 90% of Nkuringo Eco Collection staff are recruited from surrounding communities, while the company purchases from Ugandan farmers, artisans, builders, and suppliers whenever possible.

At Mirima, initiatives include sustainable agriculture, local skills development, healthcare and sanitation work, school-fees support and Pack for Purpose. The Mirima Kibale Lodge Water Project, delivered in partnership with Gorilla Junction Foundation, is another initiative connected to the surrounding community.

Travel advisors interested in learning more about the property can contact Grace Mubeezi, marketing & trade partnerships manager.