Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve was established in 1991 to protect the ancient forest habitat which surrounds the volcanic crater lake. It is one of the few crater lakes in the region which has retained its lush forest habitat. It is extremely rich in biodiversity and supports a variety of birds and primates, including the Great Blue Turaco, black and white colobus, and the endangered Uganda red colobus.
As a Nature Reserve, you’re welcome to visit Nkuruba for the day (day visitor fees apply) or book your accommodation with us and enjoy close encounters and great photo opportunities with our indigenous primates. Nkuruba provides the perfect base for chimp trekking in the nearby Kibale National Park or hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Bird enthusiasts will find the Nature Reserve and its lush forest a haven for many species including the Great Blue Turaco and the Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill.
Our Community Campsite is situated within the Nature Reserve and offers a variety of accommodation, from camping under trees frequented by monkeys or spending the night in our secluded Lakeside Cottage overlooking the picturesque lake.
Things To Do
Visiting our Nature Reserve provides the perfect base to explore one of the world’s densest concentrations of volcanic crater lakes, including our own Lake Nkuruba. Why not visit the largest population of chimpanzee in Uganda and trek with them in the nearby Kibale National Park, just 5 km from Nkuruba. Our guides can organise your permits, bookings and transport to the National Park, leaving you to enjoy one of Uganda’s wildlife highlights!
Also from Nkuruba, our guides can organise a day’s hike in the stunning Rwenzori Mountains, affectionately known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’, or visit the fabulous Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run wildlife sanctuary bordering Kibale National Park. Nkuruba provides the perfect resting point for visitors travelling further south to view the tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park or trek with gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Our friendly Tourist Guides can take you on Guided Walks through Nkuruba Forest, once part of the larger Kibale Forest, and on short hikes to nearby attractions such as the stunning ‘Top of the World’ viewpoint, the beautiful Mahoma waterfall or the bustling Rwaihamba village market. Alternatively, just sit back, relax and unwind in the tranquil surroundings of our beautiful lakeside camp. Enjoy a meal in our open air restaurant or take a stroll through our wildlife-rich Nature Reserve.
