This is one of the four sectors offering asylum to the endangered mountain gorillas in the vast Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Located in the southwestern part of Uganda in East Africa. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established in 1991 to protect the wildlife. The park is a prime safari destination in the country with over half of the total mountain gorilla population in its four sectors of Nkuringo, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Buhoma. When visiting, activities, and accommodation are at the respective sectors for time saving.
The Nkuringo sector is located in the southern region of the park, with a much hilly terrain. Since its opening in 2004 after a habituation experience that was in place since about 1996, the gorillas in this sector are among the most visited. The region has about four habituated gorilla families notably the Christmas, Posho, Bushaho, and Nkuringo families. Trekkers are gifted with a breathtaking view of Mount Nyiragongo and Nyimuragira. Access Nkuringo from Kampala takes about 7-8 hours through the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro route and then approximately 40 kilometers from the Kabale-Kisoro road. One can also use a chattered flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi Airport in Kisoro district and connect to the sector by road.
There are about 3 gorilla families present for trekking. These include.
Nkuringo family
There are over 12 family members who have been led by several silverbacks notably Nkuringo who led the family up to 2008. He was replaced by Rafiki who was later killed in June 2020. Presently the family leadership has several blackbacks such as Tabu, Kamara, Muhoozi, and Rwamutwe next in line. A blackback is an adolescent male gorilla without a silver-like lining at the back. The group is composed of about 4 male blackbacks, 4 adult females, and 4 infants.
Christmas gorilla family
This is another family in the Nkuringo sector available for trekking. It is home to about 6 members led by an alpha male silverback called Christmas who was born on Christmas day. As of the 2021 survey, the group had 1 silverback, 2 juveniles, 2 females, and 1 adolescent. One female called Kiza joined the family in 2022 from the Nkuringo family after the death of Rafiki and gave birth to a baby.
Bushaho gorilla family
As of 2021, this was the largest group in the sector with over 12 members. A silverback called Bahati leads this family. After Nkuringo and its family members disappeared, researchers found Bahati in a new group new group they were habituating.. The group is one of the most entertaining and the silverback always loves displaying its physical strength. But unless disturbed, the Bushaho gorilla family is often peaceful and friendly.
Posho gorilla family
Posho is one of the four gorilla families in the Nkuringo sector. This 14-member family is still under habituation and led by a gentle silverback called Magara. After adopting human presence, the Uganda Wildlife Authority can now open it to the public for trekking.
Permit cost of gorilla trekking in Nkuringo.
The gorilla trekking permit for the Nkuringo sector is USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens including Ugandans. This money is non-refundable and covers the park entrance, payment to the guide, and contribution to the communities living around the park.
Only those aged 15 years and above can access this sector for trekking. A maximum of 8 healthy people track a Gorilla family. The hike to the mountain gorillas is quite tiresome because of the hilly nature of this sector. The trekking exercise takes about 1-8 hours and an additional hour to watch them feed, play, and walk around their territory. The trekking process starts at approximately 7 am with document verification and pre-trekking briefing by ranger guides. Afterward, they will assign you a gorilla family to trek and a ranger guide to lead you through the thick forests to the gorillas. Gorillas are social creatures who live and depend on vegetables, greens, fruits, and stems deep in the jungle.
Best time and accommodation choice at Nkuringo gorilla sector
Gorilla trekking is done all year round, with the dry months being the best because of the dry terrain. December to March and June to September are the best months for activities around the sector. This is because of the low or no rains that can affect the hikes. Lodges in this sector range from budget to luxury, with amazing ambiance.
In conclusion, the Nkuringo sector is one of the most recommended regions of the park for gorilla trekking. It is one of the most accessible for tourists from Kigali Rwanda. Book your permit about 3 months in advance to secure the limited permits per day.