Gorilla Trekking in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla Trekking in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: The Nkuringo region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides a unique and spectacular gorilla trekking experience. This sector, located in the southern section of the park, is home to the famed Nkuringo gorilla family group, which has 19 members and is regarded as one of the most interesting families to see in Uganda. Other gorilla families found in this sector of the park include Bushaho, Posho and Christmas gorilla families
Trekking in Nkuringo is more than just seeing gorgeous mountain gorillas; it’s also about immersing yourself in the breathtaking surroundings and landscapes. The journey to Nkuringo can be an adventure in and of itself, as it is around 45 km from the sign-posted intersection on the Kabale-Kisoro route and normally takes about 3 hours from Kabale. For people coming from Kampala, the journey can take between 11 and 12 hours, with the option of hiring a private vehicle from Kisoro to reach Nkuringo. This is also an exciting activity along with gorilla trekking in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The hiking excursion to Nkuringo is considered the most demanding in Uganda, but it rewards visitors with not only gorilla sightings but also panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Kabale highlands and Congo’s Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes. The Nkuringo gorilla family group only permits eight people per day, giving a personalised and minimally invasive encounter.
Aside from gorilla trekking, the Nkuringo sector offers a Forest Nature Walk, which is usually held in the morning. The walk across the park to the Buhoma sector takes 5 to 7 hours and allows visitors to see the forest’s unique flora and fauna. Tourists can also interact with the native Batwa Pygmies and learn about their traditional ways of life.
The conservation activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are critical to the survival of the mountain gorillas and the ecology in general. Tourists who go gorilla trekking in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest help the local community and conserve these lovely creatures. The park has been able to preserve its rich assets thanks to conservation efforts and community support.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is available all year, with peak seasons from June to September and December to February. However, coming during the low season may provide the advantage of lower gorilla permit costs. Regardless of the season, being in the presence of mountain gorillas is a profound and life-changing experience.
To summarise, gorilla trekking in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is more than just an activity; it is an excursion into the heart of one of Africa’s most ancient forests, a journey that connects us with our primate cousins and the natural world in profound and important ways. It is an encounter that echoes the cry of the wild and awakens the adventurous spirit within all of us. For more information on organising your trek and contributing to conservation initiatives, contact Journeys Uganda.