Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector

Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector

Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector is one of the gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi impenetrable national park found in the south western region of the park,  Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector is named after rolling hills a place where gorillas of the sector where sighted. The park is strategically situated with spectacular views of Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes found in Virunga national park of democratic republic of Congo.

According to trekkers, Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector is a difficult sector to trek due to its rugged terrain which requires the trekkers to be physically fit to participate in the trekking. Though it is difficult the beautiful scenic views and the excitement of encountering the mountain gorillas compensates  the difficulty of trekking.

Mountain gorilla in Nkuringo gorilla trekking sectors

Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector hosts four habituated gorilla families which are trekked, these families include Nkuringo gorilla family, bushaho gorilla family, bikyingi gorilla family and Christmas gorilla family. These families wonder around in the forests of the park and they are as explained below

Nkurigo gorilla family

Nkuringo gorilla family habituated in 1997 is named after rolling hills, this family consists of 2 silverbacks including Rafiki the leader of the family, Nkuringo gorilla family is recognized to be one of the few families in the Nkuringo gorilla sector and Bwindi impenetrable national park to register the birth of twins that is Muhoza and Katungi in 2004. 

Bushaho gorilla family

Bushaho gorilla family is a thrilling gorilla family in Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector with 8 family members, this family is under the leadership of bahati a powerful silverback in the family. Bushaho gorilla family is where mountain gorilla habituation experience takes place.

Bikyingi gorilla family

Bikyingi gorilla family is a large gorilla family found and being trekked in Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park, bikyingi gorilla family comprises of 21 family members with one silverback bikyingi. Silverback bikyingi is the leader of this family and he is known as a very friendly leader to his family members.

Christmas gorilla family

Christmas gorilla family is a newly established gorilla family in Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park, this family consists of 9 members with one silverback Christmas who is the leader of the group. 

Activities in Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector

Mountain gorilla trekking

Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector is an exciting sector and prominent for mountain gorilla trekking experience, this sector is a home to four mountain gorilla families that is Christmas family, Nkuringo family, bushaho family and bikyingi family. These family underwent through habituation process which allows visitors to visit them with no harm, mountain gorilla trekking Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector starts as early as 8:00 am in the morning from the sector’s headquarters with briefing about the rules and regulations to be followed. In a group of 8 people you ascend in to the forests in search for mountain gorillas, after finding the gorillas you are only allowed one hour with them. like other mountain gorilla trekking sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park to get involved in trekking in the sector you have to be with a mountain gorilla trekking permit, the permit is bought at the headquarters of Uganda wildlife authority at a price of US $ 700 per person.

Mountain gorilla habituation experience

Mountain gorilla habituation experience is a unique experience only offered in Uganda in the whole world, mountain gorilla habituation experience takes place only in Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector. Though Nkuringo gorilla trekking has many mountain gorilla families that is Nkuringo gorilla family, bushaho gorilla family, bikyingi gorilla family and the newly habituated gorilla family. its only two families which are gazetted for habituation experience that is Bikyingi and bushaho gorilla families, mountain gorilla habituation offers a tourist more time to be with the gorillas almost a fully day and allows only a group of 4 people. To participate in mountain gorilla habituation experience you need a habituation permit which costs US$ 1500, the permit is bought at the offices of Uganda wildlife authority.

Bird watching

Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector is an ideal habitant for numerous bird species most especially forest bird species which live in the forest of the sector, birds found in Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector include African emerald cuckoo, white tailed blue flycatchers, short tailed warbler, yellow eyed black catcher, Kivu ground thrush, Africa blue flycatcher, yellow eyed black flycatcher, garners warblers, African blue flycatcher, black bee-eaters and many more. Bird watching experience in this sector is a chance for spotting many bird species living in this sector on this safari it is very helpful to carry a binocular with you as it helps you spot the birds easily through the thick forests.

Nature walks and hiking

Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector is a perfect sector for nature lovers, the sector is greatly dominated by forests containing numerous tree species and many wildlife which are encountered while walking and hiking in the forest. On this activity you encounter many animals such as monkeys, baboons, forest pigs and many more. 

Cultural encounters

While visiting Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector you get an opportunity to go for culture encounter in the batwa pygmy people and bakiga community, on the visit in these communities you have an opportunity to explore the amusing local traditions, norms and cultures of these people. On this activity you enjoy traditional dances, songs and reciting of poems performed by the batwa and bakiga people.

How to get to Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector

Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector is situated in 11-12 hours’ drive from Kampala district, this gorilla trekking sector is accessed using many routes such as Kampala via Kisoro via kabale route. The sector is also accessed from kabale distance, from Kisoro town it is a 3 hours’ drive to the park, Nkuringo sector can also be accessed from Buhoma gorilla trekking sector using kabale- Butogota route.

Accommodation in Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector

Mountain gorilla trekking is Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector is an amusement and exciting activity and while doing it accommodation is offered by numerous lodges which offer excellent accommodation, these include clouds mountain gorilla lodge, Nkuringo gorilla campsites, Hammerkop Bunkhouse, Nkuringo gorilla lodge and many more. These accommodation facilities offer more than beds, they also offer meals.