Nkuringo Sector under Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Of the four gorilla trekking areas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Nkuringo is one Three living gorilla families occupy the southern section of the park, where the sector is situated. Excellent views of the Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira of the Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo can be seen here. Given the rough terrain of the sector, trekking gorillas from here is extremely challenging. To effectively follow gorillas from this region, one must have some degree of physical ability and fitness.
One can reach Nkuringo from Kabale district by three-hour road trip to Kisoro. Buhoma also allows one to access this area of the park from the Kabale Butogota path. Additionally planned are charter flights from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro: Aerolink, fly Uganda and the like. Unlike the 8–9 hours’ journey from Kampala to the park, total flight duration is one hour.
The industry offers several activities that would assist any visitor learn about the daily life of the local people, the Batwa trails which would enlighten one on the life of the people who were able to co-exist with the mountain gorillas for so many years, and most of all gorilla trekking, an activity that would have you meet our closest cousins.
The one activity most visitors to the park go for is gorilla treking. Travelers can follow three gorilla populations in this area. There was only one gorilla family accessible for hiking in this area not too far in past. But the count has gone to three.
The very first gorilla family to settle in the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was Nkuringo gorilla family. The “rolling hills” where the family was discovered gave the Nkuringo gorilla group their name. Many of the family members, meantime, broke off to start their own households. Though Katungi passed before he could be two years, this gorilla family was blessed to get twins named Katungi and Muhoozi. The Nkuringo group boasts fourteen members right now. Though it is difficult, the climb to follow this group has been most fulfilling because of the sights.
There are seven individuals in the Christmas gorilla group: one blackback, one silverback dubbed Christmas, three females and one newborn.
Following the split of the Nkuringo gorilla family, several gorillas travelled to unidentified locations and required search for. Not too long after, one of the silverbacks left the Nkuringo group Bahati was discovered accompanied by a family. Currently comprising eight members, the gang was dubbed Bushao and became acclimated.
One needs a gorilla permit if one is to be allowed to monitor gorillas in the Nkuringo sector just like anywhere else. For foreign non-residents, the gorilla tracking permit costs just $700; for foreign residents, it costs $600; for East African citizens, it costs UGX250,000. One may obtain the permits either through a travel operator or from the UWA offices in Kampala. Gorilla permits sell out very first since most tourists have a must-do list including gorilla trekking. Travelers should thus schedule far in advance, at least three to four months if they wish to monitor these endangered monkeys. The gorilla permit lets a visitor follow the gorillas and spend just one hour with them.
The Nkuringo sector presents amazing nature/forest hikes through lovely tails, even though the Nkuringo Sector Gorilla Family is on a different path. Usually in the morning or the evening, these treks let visitors appreciate the peaceful surroundings. Look for animals including bush pigs, monkeys, baboons, even forest elephants on the hikes.
One can also enjoy bird viewing in Nkuringo. During the forest treks, visitors should pay attention to see some of these birds say the black bee eater, garners warbler, the African emerald cuckoo among others. During this exercise, binoculars could prove rather useful.
Nkuringo has luxury, middle-class, and economy hotels; you can be guaranteed comfort, security, and first-rate service during your stays. Book your hotel only once you have verified your gorilla tracking permit. Your choice of accommodation will mostly depend on the region of your permit; you wouldn’t want to have to deal with a lengthy drive to Rushaga after booking your stay in Nkuringo.
