Things to do in Nkuringo after gorilla habituation experience

Are you planning to visit Bwindi for the gorilla habituation experience, here are the things to do in Nkuringo after gorilla habituation experience? Nkuringo sector is one of the sectors where gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. The sector is home to three gorilla families open for gorilla trekking which include Nkuringo Gorilla Family, Bushaho Gorilla family and Christmas Gorilla Family.

About Gorilla families in Nkuringo sector

Nkuringo Gorilla Family

This was the first family that was habituated in 1997 and habituation process started, the group was opened up for tracking in 2004, the group gets its name from the local area it was first spotted Nkuringo meaning “Hills”. When it was first opened the group comprised of 19 members but over the years the members have reduced to now just 12 members in the group. The group was lead by Rafiki which is a Swahili word which means “Friend”, after his death in 2008, the group is also known to be the first group to have given birth to twins in 2004 but one of the twins passed away later.

Bushaho Gorilla family

Bushaho gorilla family has 9 members known for now. Still, just like other gorilla families, it may expand in size depending on newborn babies, whether the dominant Silverback will be able to conquer other members from other unhabituated mountain gorillas in that region. Now that Bushaho gorilla family was opened in 2016 bringing the total number of gorilla families in all four regions of Bwindi has now increased to 17 meaning that Uganda is one of the best countries to see these endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

Christmas Gorilla Family

The Christmas gorilla family is located in the southern part of Bwindi in Nkuringo region. This is the third mountain gorilla family to be habituated in Nkuringo, making it three gorilla groups open for gorilla trekking in this region. The Christmas group is reported to have up to 9 members with 6 mainly seen when trekking this family. The group is headed by a dominant silverback known as Christmas, One black back, three females and one baby. This group is available for tracking and its known for its tendencies of coming to neighboring communities searching for food.

The activity in this sector is gorilla trekking which is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, however there are other various activities and Things to do in Nkuringo after gorilla habituation experience and these include;

Batwa Cultural Experience

On Batwa cultural experience tour you will be guided by one of the Batwa guides giving you an opportunity to learn about traditional forest life of the Batwa in Bwindi Forest which is historically the home of the Batwa, you will also enjoy the traditional dances of the Batwa and Stone Age including making traditional fire among others.

Nature walk

The Nature walk is done in Bwindi forest it is a very exciting activity to do apart from gorilla trekking which gives you an opportunity to learn more about tree species as well other wildlife species in the forest. In Nkuringo you will visit the River Ivi-Nkuringo trail where you will also have a sight of the falls plummeting 33 meters.

Birding

Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park is one the best birding spots in Uganda home to an impressive 350 species and the main birding area in Nkuringo is the pocket forest known as Nombe is located some 5km and Buniga forest 300meters from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. We recommend you carry your birding book in case you have limited safari time and you will identify some birds that visit the gardens at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.

Local community visits through local villages which provide insights into the lives of the Bakiga and Batwa pygmy people living beside the Bwindi forest. Other activities include yoga at the Lodge, Mountain bicycle ride, volunteering which is done in the local community schools and projects and Butterfly watching which is done at night among others.

Where to stay in Nkuringo Sector

Lodges in Nkuringo sector include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Lake Mutanda Lodge. You can as well stay in Rushaga sector and access Nkuringo in 45minutes drive lodge options include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge among others.

What is the best time to visit Nkuringo sector for Gorilla Trekking

The best time to visit Nkuringo for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of mountain gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown

How to get to Nkuringo for Gorilla Trekking

By Road; Nkuringo can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Nkuringo. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours drive.

By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to access Nkuringo. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to your Lodge you are booked for your stay.

Why book your Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo with Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your gorilla trek in Nkuringo contact us and we advice you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla safari packages to Nkuringo sector of Bwindi ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to checkout our TripAdvisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda with us. Things to do in Nkuringo after gorilla habituation experience