What to expect during Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi

Are you planning a trip to Bwindi and you want to go gorilla trekking in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, we explain what to expect during Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi which offers a unique and thrilling experience, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Here’s What to expect during Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi:

1. Preparation and Briefing: Before embarking on the trek, visitors typically receive a briefing from park officials. This includes information on gorilla behavior, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the trek.
2. Challenging hike: Nkuringo sector of Bwindi is the best place to go for those interested in a challenging hike during your trek to see the gorillas.
3. Tracking Experience: The trek itself can vary in duration and difficulty depending on the location of the gorilla family you are visiting. Nkuringo Sector is known for its steep terrain, so be prepared for a challenging hike. However, the park guides will tailor the trek to the abilities of the group, ensuring everyone can participate safely.
4. Encounter with Gorillas: Once the gorilla family is located, visitors are allowed to spend a designated amount of time (usually around an hour) observing and photographing them from a close but safe distance. This is an incredibly intimate experience, allowing you to witness the gorillas’ natural behaviors and interactions.
5. Respectful Behavior: It’s essential to follow the guidelines provided by park rangers to ensure the safety of both visitors and gorillas. This includes maintaining a respectful distance, avoiding direct eye contact with the gorillas, and minimizing noise and sudden movements.
6. Guidance from Park Rangers: Throughout the trek, you’ll be accompanied by experienced park rangers who are knowledgeable about the gorillas’ behavior and habitat. They will guide you through the forest, interpret signs of gorilla activity, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
7. Environmental Awareness: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is not just about encountering these majestic animals but also about appreciating the rich biodiversity of the forest ecosystem. You’ll have the opportunity to observe various plant and animal species along the way, gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of gorilla conservation efforts.
8. Memorable Experience: Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo Sector is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. The chance to come face to face with these critically endangered creatures in their natural habitat is both humbling and awe-inspiring, making it a highlight of any trip to Uganda.

Remember to book your gorilla trekking permit well in advance Through Eco Adventure Safaris, as permits are limited and often sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, be sure to pack appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, insect repellent, and plenty of water.

Nkuringo region 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.

Important things to consider when planning Nkuringo gorilla trekking of Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Booking and securing your gorilla permit for Nkuringo in advance

Nkuringo sector has 24 gorilla permits available for sell every day. For you to trek Nkuringo gorillas you will need to book your permit in advance so that you are assured of your spot for trekking the gorillas in this region. For you to block these permits you can either pay 100%, 70% or 30% in advance the total of each permit. Each gorilla permit costs USD800 for Foreign non residents, USD700 for Foreign residents and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens and this gives an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas of this family. We recommend you block the gorilla permits atleast 3 to 4 month prior your gorilla safari date. This is because during high season permits sell out in advance on first come first serve basis.

Booking your accommodation where to stay in Nkuringo in advance

This is very important to consider when planning for a gorilla trek to Nkuringo, for you to have a great experience and comfort during your safari it is great to stay in luxury accommodations options include Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. Nkuringo has few budget lodge options from which you can choose from and options and the best budget option is camping. You can as well stay at budget Lodges in Rushaga and from here you will be able to trek gorillas in Nkuringo.

Comfortable travel to Nkuringo

You should consider travelling in 4×4 Land cruisers this will give you comfort on the road to Nkuringo. There is also an option of flying to Kisoro Airstrip which is close to Nkuringo; this will help cut the long drive from Entebbe/Kampala which is normally 8-9 hours drives to only 2 hour drive that you spend from Kisoro Airstrip to your lodge in Nkuringo.

What to wear during Nkuringo gorilla trekking of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

 You might be probably wondering what to wear for your trek, below is a compiled list on what to wear;

• A long armed sweater since the park gets cold
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• Water proof hiking boots
• A hat and sun glasses depending on the weather though this is optional
• Cameras and long lasting batteries since photography are very important to keep your memories alive. Always remember to keep our flash off.
• A pair of Binoculars. This will help you to see the vast birds Bwindi impenetrable forest has among other primates
• Gardening Gloves; these will help you when you a holding onto trees are branches through the trek.
• A rain coat; Since  Bwindi impenetrable forest is  rainforest, the rain is unpredictable so to be on a safer side, you will be required to carry along  a coat.
• A mosquito Repellent; since it is a forest, it has different dangerous insects so its advisable to carry it along or wear it
• A sun screen; Well this is optional but depending on the season, it might get too hot and you end up getting sun burns on your skin so to avoid that, you will need a sun screen.
• You should not wear very bright colors since this will charge or scare away the gorillas.
• Black and Blue colors are also not recommended since they attract Tsetse flies So I would recommend neutral colors.

How to get Nkuringo Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

By Air: You can get to Nkuringo by air which is faster and less tiresome. Aero link is a domestic airline offering both schedule and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip from where you connect to Nkuringo. There is no direct flight to Nkuringo but you can be dropped off to Kisoro Airstrip where you will be picked up by our professional guide and dropped at your lodge. The drive time from Kisoro to a nearby lodge is approximately 1 hour.

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.

Why book Nkuringo gorilla trekking with Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing gorilla trekking safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda. We are also highly rated and reviewed on Trip Advisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us about What to expect during Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi.