How to Trek Mountain Gorillas in the Nkuringo Region of Bwindi

How to Trek Mountain Gorillas in the Nkuringo Region of Bwindi

How to Trek Mountain Gorillas in the Nkuringo Region of Bwindi — Located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Nkuringo region is an exciting destination for gorilla trekking. This area is home to three main gorilla families: Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas, all available for trekking. Sometimes, the Bushaho family moves between the Nkuringo and Rushaga regions, which adds an element of surprise to the experience.

If you’re interested in trekking mountain gorillas in the Nkuringo region, Trek Africa Expeditions can help make it possible. Trekking here provides the opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, whether as an individual or part of a group. A gorilla permit is required for trekking in Nkuringo, costing USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. This permit grants an unforgettable one-hour encounter with these magnificent creatures.

Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Nkuringo

Secure Your Gorilla Permit Early

With only 24 gorilla permits available each day in Nkuringo, booking in advance is essential to ensure your spot. You can reserve your permit with a 100%, 70%, or 30% deposit to secure your place. However, due to the high demand during peak seasons, we recommend booking at least three to four months before your trek. Trek Africa Expeditions can help streamline the permit booking process, ensuring everything is in place for your adventure.

Book Accommodation in Advance

For a comfortable experience in Nkuringo, it’s essential to secure your accommodation early. The area offers luxury options such as Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, while budget-friendly options are limited, with camping being a popular choice. If you prefer budget lodging, you may also stay in nearby Rushaga and travel to Nkuringo for the trek.

Traveling to Nkuringo

Reaching Nkuringo is most comfortable in a 4×4 vehicle due to the terrain. For those looking to shorten the journey, flying to Kisoro Airstrip is a convenient option. From Entebbe or Kampala, the drive typically takes 8-9 hours, but flying cuts this to a two-hour drive from Kisoro to your Nkuringo lodge.

What to Wear for Trekking Mountain Gorillas in the Nkuringo Region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Planning a trek to see mountain gorillas in the Nkuringo region? It’s essential to dress appropriately for the unpredictable rainforest environment of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here’s a handy list of what to wear:

1. Long-Sleeved Sweater: The temperatures can drop, especially in the early mornings, so pack a long-sleeved sweater for warmth.
2. Two Pairs of Long Trousers: Opt for durable, lightweight pants that protect your legs while trekking through dense vegetation.
3. Waterproof Hiking Boots: Invest in sturdy, waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable on wet, uneven terrain.
4. Hat and Sunglasses (Optional): Depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses can protect you from the sun.
5. Camera with Extra Batteries: Capture your incredible memories with a good camera, and don’t forget to bring long-lasting batteries. Just remember to keep the flash off to avoid startling the gorillas.
6. Binoculars: These are great for spotting the diverse bird species and other wildlife in the forest.
7. Gardening Gloves: A pair of gardening gloves will come in handy for gripping onto branches and trees as you navigate the trails.
8. Raincoat: Given that Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, rain can be unpredictable. A lightweight, waterproof raincoat will keep you dry.
9. Mosquito Repellent: Protect yourself from insect bites by applying mosquito repellent before your trek.
10. Sunscreen: Depending on the season, the sun can be intense. Use sunscreen to shield your skin from potential sunburn.
11. Neutral Colors: Avoid bright colors, which can scare away gorillas. Stay away from black and blue, as they can attract tsetse flies. Instead, opt for neutral colors that blend into the environment.

Getting to Nkuringo for Gorilla Trekking

By Air: The quickest way to reach Nkuringo is by flying. Aero Link offers scheduled and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip. From there, our professional guide will meet you and drive you to your lodge in about an hour.

By Road: If you prefer to drive, expect an 8-9 hour journey from Entebbe or Kampala, passing through Kabale town. Alternatively, you can access Nkuringo from Kigali, Rwanda, which takes about 4-5 hours.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves on our professionalism and dedicated field team, ready to assist with all your inquiries. Our company comes highly recommended on TripAdvisor, and our website serves as a reliable resource for planning your gorilla trek in Uganda. As a local Ugandan tour company, we have extensive experience exploring Rwanda and the surrounding areas, ensuring you receive expert guidance tailored to your adventure. Let us help you create unforgettable memories as you embark on your gorilla trekking journey in the Nkuringo region!