Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo compared to Ruhija

Are you planning to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking and you are trying to choose which sector you want to go for your trek to see the mountain gorillas, in this article we explain the difference between Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo compared to Ruhija? Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is divided into two parts, the southern and northern parts. The southern part is made up of Rushaga and Nkuringo gorilla trekking gates and the northern part is made up of Ruhija and Buhoma gorilla trekking gates. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the only 4 national parks home to the endangered mountain gorillas in the world, other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. The park is also home to one of Africa’s oldest forests with a diverse biodiversity with various species which include 350 birds, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 moths and 120 mammals, the park is also home to several primates including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey and the major one the Mountain Gorillas.

About Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi

Nkuringo sector is located in the southern part of Bwindi, Nkuringo is home to 3 gorilla groups for trekking and these include Nkuringo family, Bushabo family and Christmas family available for trekking. At times, Bushaho gorilla family crosses from Rushaga to Nkuringo Nkuringo sector, which means you can find them either way. Nkuringo sector is best for strenuous and challenging hikes to see the gorillas in Bwindi

About Ruhija sector of Bwindi

Ruhija is located in the Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park besting for long and short hikes as well as birding, the sector is home of 4 Gorilla families which include Bitukura, Kyanguriro, Mukiza and Oruzogo family and all are available for tracking. The region stands at an elevation of over 2350 meters above sea level making it the coldest area in Bwindi. The region offers excellent hiking opportunities and has charming trails for those interested in nature walks like the Rwamunyonyi peak. Other primates in Ruhija include monkeys, and mammals include elephants and antelopes.

Difference between Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo compared to Ruhija

When it comes to gorilla trekking whichever sector of the Bwindi you choose to do our gorilla trekking you will be able to see the mountain gorillas but there are many other things you can base on to Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo compared to Ruhija. Where best to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi, these include the following;

In terms of accessibility, getting to Bwindi by road Ruhija is closer compared to the Nkuringo. Ruhija can be accessed by turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro road you will see the sign posted of Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow up to your booked lodge for your stay during your gorilla trek in Ruhija. Nkuringo of Bwindi can be reached using the road turning off at Muko along Kabale-Kisoro High way. By Air both parts have no close airstrips nearby, Kihihi Airstrip that can be used to access the Ruhija and Kisoro Airstrip that can be used to access Nkuringo the drive time is approximately 1 to 2 hours. However, it is slightly cheaper to fly to Kihihi compared to flying to Kisoro as well the flight schedules are many and flexible for Kihihi compared to Kisoro because of the weather conditions in Kisoro.

In terms of Lodges, Both Nkuringo and Ruhija have Budget, Mid-Range and Luxury Upmarket Lodges where you could choose to stay during your trek. Nkuringo is the best place for gorilla trekking for those interested in staying in luxury lodges compared to Ruhija.

In terms of Gorilla families, Ruhija has more gorilla trekking families and gorilla permits compared to the Nkuringo. This makes Ruhija have many gorilla permits available daily for gorilla trekking compared to Nkuirngo sector of Bwindi.

In terms of the best gorilla trekking experience, the whole truth is that both Ruhija and Nkuirngo sectors of Bwindi have mountain gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. Chances of seeing gorillas in Ruhija and Nkuringo are 98% so which ever part of the park you visit you will be able to see these great apes in their natural environment. What only make Nkuringo sector of Bwindi unique is you an option to spend 4 hours much time with the mountain gorillas through gorilla habituation experience which is only done between Rushaga and Nkuringo. Also Nkuringo is steeper and strenuous than other sectors of the park making it great for adventurers and hikers seeking a challenging hike to see the gorillas.

In terms of distance walked to see gorillas in Nkuringo and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi? The issue of walking longer or short distance depends on the given gorilla family allocated to you. In both in Nkuringo and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi gorilla families are allocated depending on the interest and physical fitness of given individuals. If for example, you want a shorter trek, you will have to inform the park authorities on the very day of trekking so that you are allocated such family. If you want a medium or longer trek, then you do the same. It should be noted that while they will try to give you a family that requires shorter walks, the behavior of gorillas might affect the experience if for example gorillas decide to move further as you look for them you will still need to move further to follow them.

Best time for gorilla trekking in Nkuringo and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi

Bwindi impenetrable forest is open for trekking all year round but it is also important to note that the forest is a tropical rain forest and can receive rain at any time. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation. Compare Gorilla Trekking in the Southern and Northern Bwindi

Why book your gorilla trek in Nkuringo and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi with Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor made gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It has a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 30 minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences. Compare Gorilla Trekking in the Southern and Northern Bwindi There some Mountain Gorilla Safari Packages and these include; the 3 day Gorilla Fly in safari, the 3 day Gorilla safari, 5 Day Gorilla and Game safari, it all depends on your preference. Feel free to contact us about Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo compared to Ruhija