Kanungu

Kanungu is a town in south-western Uganda, serving as the administrative headquarters of Kanungu District. It is the main gateway to the northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija and Buhoma areas) and is also close to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. The town sits in the lush Kigezi highlands.

The Bakiga people are the dominant ethnic group, and Rukiga is the primary language.

By Plane

The nearest airstrip is Kihihi Airstrip, about 20 km away, with flights from Entebbe for Bwindi-bound travellers.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to Kanungu.

By Car / Road

Matatus from Rukungiri, Kabale, and Kasese serve Kanungu. Roads are marram but passable. From Kampala, the journey is 6–7 hours via Mbarara.

Boda-bodas and 4x4 vehicles are the main forms of transport. Most visitors use tour operator vehicles for national park transfers.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (northern sector) — Just west of Kanungu, the park's Ruhija and Buhoma sectors offer gorilla trekking

• Kanungu Market — Local trading centre

• Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija or Buhoma sectors)

• Visit the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park to see tree-climbing lions

• Community walks in the Bakiga villages around Kanungu

• Local restaurants — Matoke, Irish potatoes, beans, and cabbage

Local bars serve Nile Special and Club beer. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Kanungu Guest House (basic rooms from 15,000 UGX)
• Mid-range: Bwindi Engagi Lodge (from US$80) and Silverback Lodge (from US$90)
• Upscale: Bwindi Lodge (from US$250 per person, luxury inside the park)

Kanungu Market sells fresh produce and crafts. Gorilla tracking souvenirs are available at lodge gift shops.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (20 km west, 40 min) — Gorilla trekking
• Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha) (60 km north, 1.5 hrs) — Tree-climbing lions
• Rukungiri (30 km south) — Kigezi highlands town
• Kabale (70 km east, 2 hrs) — Lake Bunyonyi and the highlands