Bwindi National Park Nkuringo
A GORILLA TREKKING HAVEN IN BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi National Park Nkuringo Overview
Bwindi National Park Nkuringo is one of the tourist favourite gorilla trekking regions, located in the Southern part of the park. Nkuringo region is among the 4 popular sectors where gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is conducted. The additional 3 regions in Bwindi include Buhoma, Ruhija and Rushaga.
Nkuringo sector like the rest of the gorilla regions hosts a good number of habituated gorilla families. Nkuringo is famous for its remarkable uniqueness offering more than the magical gorilla encounters. At Nkuringo, there is the possibility of viewing the Virunga Volcanoes, Crater Lakes and the forest in the surroundings.
Gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi National Park Nkuringo Region
Nkuringo region is a perfect region to enjoy a life-changing gorilla trekking experience. Nkuringo lies in the high elevation and montane hilly region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is a favourite region by visitors who enjoy challenging trekking adventures. While in the Nkuringo sector, the gorilla families to visit include Christmas, Nkuringo and Bushaho.
The Nkuringo gorilla group is the oldest habituated gorilla group in the Nkuringo sector, comprising about 19 mountain gorillas. These include adult females, silverbacks, juveniles, sub-adults, and black-backs.
Christmas –a newly opened habituated gorilla family in Bwindi, offering refreshing gorilla trekking experiences. The group is led by the silverback gorilla – Christmas and takes his name from the fact that he was born on Christmas day.
Bushaho –a habituated family with about 10 mountain gorillas and this group is headed by Bahati Silverback. It broke off from the Nkuringo gorilla group.
Gorilla permits
With 3 habituated gorilla groups, about 24 gorilla permits are available for booking by visitors on gorilla tours in the Nkuringo sector. One gorilla trekking permit in Nkuringo costs USD 700 for foreign non-residents, USD 600 for foreign residents and shs. 250,000. Like all regions or any gorilla safari destination, gorilla permits for the Nkuringo sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park must be booked in advance before the actual date of trekking gorillas.
ACTIVITIES TO DO
Nkuringo sector provides exceptionally unique guided nature walking experiences. On a guided nature walk, you get a chance to explore different primates such as baboons, birds and other monkeys.
Birding in Nkuringo allows you search for diverse bird species that make Bwindi a great birding destination. The park’s bird species to look for include the African blue flycatchers, Kivu ground thrush, African emerald cuckoo, yellow eyed black catcher, Grauer’s warblers, black bee-eaters, white-tailed blue flycatchers, and more.
Aside from visiting mountain gorillas, Nkuringo sector safaris also offer tourists a chance to explore the unique cultures and traditions of locals in the nearby communities. These include Bakiga and Batwa communities –get to learn about the distinct norms, traditions, cultures combined with great entertainment from cultural dances and music performances.
Where to stay
The existing places to stay in the Nkuringo sector range from budget to mid-range and luxury. The lodges in and around Nkuringo region include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Nkuringo Gorilla Campsites.
Getting there
Access to Nkuringo sector in Bwindi is possible on road and preferably, use a 4×4 tourist vehicle. You drive starting from Entebbe/Kampala through the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale-Nkuringo, about 8 to 9 hours’ drive. Alternative routes: Kampala-Kabale via Butogota or Kigali via Katuna/Chanika borders to Nkuringo sector, about 4 to 5 hours’ drive. You can also connect from Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha to Nkuringo. If you want to save time, you can also take a flight about 2 hours starting from Entebbe airport/Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro/Kihihi airstrip.
In summary, Nkuringo sector should be a must-visit region for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park. This sector offers incredibly thrilling gorilla treks alongside several other experiences such as birding, forest/nature walks and cultural safaris.
