Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo sector; Nkuringo sector is one of the four gorilla trekking sectors located in southern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park. Nkuringo sector is a home of 3 habituated gorilla families namely Nkuringo gorilla family, Bushaho gorilla family and Christmas gorilla family which are open for trekking daily. A part from Nkuringo sector, gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park is done in other sectors like Buhoma sector in the north, Ruhija sector in the east and Rushaga sector in the south. Gorilla trekking is also done in Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in Congo.
Gorilla trekking experience in Nkuringo sector
The activity starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing, you will be sub-divided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and an experienced park guide who is well conversant with gorilla trekking trails.
Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo sector takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view different wildlife species, birds, tree species among others and once the mountain gorillas are located, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, lifestyle, habits, watch them feed, breastfeed, play, groom young ones, take photos and record videos.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Nkuringo sector
It can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season, there is less rainfall in the park therefore gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits
Gorilla trekking permits are legal documents that are issued to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit habituated gorilla families in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Gorilla trekking permits cost 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African Citizens.
How to book gorilla trekking permits in Nkuringo sector
Gorilla trekking permits in Nkuringo sector can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) where you will be able to contact the park headquarters in Kampala via email or telephone calls inquiring about permit availability. Gorilla trekking permits in Nkuringo sector can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris where you will contact us with the dates, month and year when you wish to visit the mountain gorillas. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability on your preferred dates and if there are permits available, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
How to get to Nkuringo sector
Nkuringo sector is located in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park and can be accessed by both road and air transport means.
When using road transport means, you will drive from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and then to Nkuringo sector which takes about 8 to 9 hours’ drive.
You can also access Nkuringo sector from Kigali Rwanda where you will fly to Kigali international airport and then connect to Nkuringo sector through Cyanika border in Kisoro or Katuna border in Kabale which takes about 4 to 5 hours’ drive.
Nkuringo sector can as well be accessed by air transport means where you will book charter or scheduled domestic flights from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip and then connect to the park headquarters by road.
What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Nkuringo sector
When going for your gorilla trekking safari in Nkuringo sector, there are a number of items that you should pack or carry including insect repellent, hiking shoes, long sleeved shirt and trouser, drinking water and energy snacks, camera and extra batteries, waterproof rain jacket/ poncho, walking stick, a pair of binoculars, warm sweater, backpack among others.
Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Nkuringo sector
Nkuringo sector has a number of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, midrange and luxury where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari including Gorilla heights lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds mountain gorilla lodge, Bwindi backpackers lodge, Mutanda eco community Centre, Nshongi camp, Chameleon hill lodge among others.
