Plan gorilla trekking in Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. Nkuringo is in the southern region at 6,800 feet and has three gorilla families Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas. Bwindi was made a national park in 1991 to protect mountain gorillas and now holds about 459 gorillas. Trekking starts with a morning briefing and groups of 8 people led by a park ranger. Permits cost USD 800 for foreign non residents. Visit in dry months June to August and December to February for easier hiking and better trekking conditions in the forest.
Nkuringo sector is located in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is known as the premier national park for gorilla trekking in Africa, as it has the highest number of habituated gorilla individuals. The park is home to over 459 mountain gorillas, which accounts for almost half of the population remaining in the wild.
Bwindi was established as a national park in 1991 to protect these endangered primates. The park covers an area of 331 square kilometers and is one of the most biologically diverse forests in the world, with over 350 bird species, 120 mammal species, 220 butterfly species, reptiles, various plants, and more.
Nkuringo is located in the rolling hills of Bwindi, at an altitude of 6,800 feet above sea level, making it one of the more challenging sectors to trek. The Nkuringo sector is home to three gorilla families: Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas gorilla families.
Highlights of Nkuringo Sector Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Nkuringo sector is in the southern part of Bwindi in southwestern Uganda
- Bwindi became a national park in 1991 to protect mountain gorillas
- The park has about 459 mountain gorillas
- Nkuringo is at about 6,800 feet above sea level
- The area has steep slopes and can be hard to trek
- Nkuringo has 3 gorilla families
- Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas
- Nkuringo gorilla trekking starts with a morning briefing around 7 a.m.
- Visitors are grouped in 8 people per gorilla family
- A park ranger leads the group in the forest
- Nkuringo trekking takes a few hours depending on where the gorillas are
- Nkuringo gorilla permits cost USD 800 for foreign non residents, USD 700 for foreign residents & UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
- Bwindi has over 120 mammals, 350 birds, and 220 butterfly species
- The park is open all year for trekking
- Best time is June to August and December to February
- Dry months make hiking easier on the slopes
Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla trekking in the Nkuringo sector is a fascinating activity that begins early in the morning, around 7 a.m., at the Nkuringo park headquarters.
Tourists receive a briefing on the rules and regulations for a successful trekking experience.
Tourists are then divided into groups of eight people, which is the maximum number allowed to trek each gorilla family per day.
A well-trained park ranger leads the group into the wilderness to track the gorillas.
The park ranger provides valuable information about the gorillas, ensuring tourists have a memorable and educational experience.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Nkuringo Sector
- USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents
- USD 700 per person for foreign residents
- UGX 300,000 per person for East African citizens
Best Time to go Trekking Gorillas in Nkuringo Sector
The best time to visit is during the dry season, as there is little rainfall, and the slopes are less slippery, making the hike to see the mountain gorillas easier.
The dry months are from June to August and December to February.
