What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Before you start Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you’ll get a briefing. This is when park officials give you important information. They’ll talk about how gorillas behave, how to stay safe, and what you’ll do during the trek.

Challenging Hike

Nkuringo Sector is known for being a good place if you like a tough hike. The terrain here is steep, so it’s not an easy walk. But if you’re up for a challenge, this could be the perfect place for you.

Tracking Experience

The trek itself can be different depending on where the gorilla family you’re visiting is located. Sometimes it can take a while, and the path might be hard to walk on. But don’t worry, the park guides will make sure the trek is suitable for everyone in the group.

Encounter with Gorillas

Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll have some time to watch them. Usually, it’s around an hour. You’ll be able to take photos and see the gorillas up close, but still from a safe distance. It’s an amazing experience to see them in their natural habitat and watch how they live.

Respectful Behavior

It’s really important to be respectful towards the gorillas and follow the rules. This means not getting too close, not making loud noises, and not staring at them. We want to make sure both the gorillas and visitors stay safe and comfortable.

Guidance from Park Rangers

During the trek, you’ll have park rangers with you who know a lot about gorillas. They’ll help you through the forest, point out interesting things, and make sure everyone stays safe. You can trust them to make the trek enjoyable for everyone.

Environmental Awareness

Gorilla trekking isn’t just about seeing gorillas. It’s also about appreciating the forest and all the different plants and animals that live there. You’ll see a lot of interesting things along the way, and it’s a chance to learn more about the environment.

Memorable Experience

Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo Sector is something you’ll never forget. It’s amazing to see these rare animals up close and watch them in their natural habitat. It’s a special experience that you’ll always remember.

Booking Your Gorilla Permit

It’s crucial to secure your gorilla trekking permit well in advance through Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd. Permits are limited and often sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. Nkuringo sector in the southern part of Bwindi is home to three gorilla groups for trekking: Nkuringo family, Bushabo family, and Christmas family. Sometimes, the Bushaho gorilla family crosses from Rushaga to Nkuringo, making them available for trekking in either area.

To ensure your spot, you’ll need to book your permit in advance. There are 24 gorilla permits available for sale every day in Nkuringo. Prices vary based on residency: USD 800 for Foreign non-residents, USD 700 for Foreign residents, and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens. It’s recommended to book permits at least 3 to 4 months prior to your safari date, especially during high season when permits sell out quickly.

Accommodation Options

Booking accommodation in advance is essential for a comfortable experience during your gorilla trek. Luxury accommodation options include Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. Budget options are available as well, including camping and budget lodges in Rushaga, which also allow access to Nkuringo for gorilla trekking.

Transportation to Nkuringo

For comfortable travel to Nkuringo, consider using 4×4 Land Cruisers. Alternatively, you can opt for a faster route by flying to Kisoro Airstrip, which is close to Nkuringo. This significantly reduces travel time from Entebbe/Kampala from 8-9 hours to just 2 hours from Kisoro Airstrip to your lodge in Nkuringo.

What to Wear

It’s important to dress appropriately for your trek. Here’s a list of recommended clothing and gear:

• A long-sleeved sweater for the cold park conditions
• Two pairs of long trousers
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Optional: a hat and sunglasses, depending on the weather
• Cameras with long-lasting batteries (remember to keep the flash off)
• Binoculars for birdwatching and primate spotting
• Gardening gloves for gripping branches during the trek
• A raincoat for unpredictable rain in the forest
• Mosquito repellent for protection against insects
• Optional: sunscreen to prevent sunburn Avoid wearing very bright or black/blue colors, as they can disturb wildlife or attract Tsetse flies. Neutral colors are recommended.

Getting to Nkuringo Sector

There are two main ways to reach Nkuringo:

• By Air: Aero link offers flights to Kisoro Airstrip, from where you can be transferred to Nkuringo. The drive from Kisoro to nearby lodges takes approximately 1 hour.
• By Road: Nkuringo can be accessed via the main highway from Entebbe/Kampala, an 8-9 hour drive passing through Kabale town. It’s also reachable from Kigali, Rwanda, a 4-5 hour drive.

Why Choose Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd?

Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd specializes in organizing unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris to Uganda and Rwanda. We offer eco-friendly adventures that preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife, and support local communities. In addition to gorilla trekking, Our safaris include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. Contact them for an exceptional African safari experience in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.