Can I Trek the Nkuringo Gorilla Family Exclusively?

Can I Trek the Nkuringo Gorilla Family Exclusively?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to trek the Nkuringo gorilla family exclusively! By securing all 8 permits for the day, you can enjoy a private trek with this iconic group of gorillas, either as an individual or with your own travel group. This exclusive experience gives you the unique opportunity to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas of the Nkuringo family without sharing the encounter with other tourists.

The Nkuringo gorilla family has a fascinating history. It was habituated in 1997 and opened for trekking in 2004. The family gets its name from the local area, Nkuringo, which means “Hills” in the local language. Initially, the group had 19 members, but due to natural changes, the number has now reduced to 12. Despite this, conservation efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority have helped the group thrive. This family is also known for being the first to give birth to twins in 2004, although one of the twins sadly passed away later.

How to Trek the Nkuringo Gorilla Family Exclusively

To secure an exclusive trek with the Nkuringo gorilla family, you need to book all 8 permits for the day. Each permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas. The cost of each permit is:

• USD 800 for foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for foreign residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African citizens

If you are planning to travel alone, you will need to block all 8 permits by paying for each one in advance. This means paying a total of USD 4,000 for foreign non-residents, and this secures the group exclusively for you.

Steps to Secure Your Exclusive Trek with the Nkuringo Gorilla Family

1. Book Early: Since Nkuringo gorilla family has only 8 permits available each day, it is important to book them in advance. We recommend booking 3-4 months ahead, especially during the high season, as permits can sell out quickly on a first-come, first-serve basis.
2. Advance Payment Options: You can pay for your permits using one of three options—100%, 70%, or 30% of the total cost. Once payment is made, the permits are reserved for you.
3. Contact Us: Reach out to us to help you secure all the permits for your exclusive trek with the Nkuringo gorillas. We’ll guide you through the booking process and ensure you have everything in place for a smooth experience.

Important Considerations When Booking an Exclusive Gorilla Trek

• Permit Availability: As mentioned, there are only 8 permits available each day for the Nkuringo family. You’ll need to block all these permits to have the gorillas to yourself.
• Advance Planning: To avoid disappointment, it’s best to secure your permits 3-4 months in advance, especially during busy seasons like June to October and December to March.

Getting to Nkuringo

To make your journey to Nkuringo as comfortable as possible, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, which will give you a smooth ride through the scenic landscapes. Alternatively, you can opt for a flight to Kisoro Airstrip, which is only about 2 hours away from Rushaga (the closest sector to Nkuringo), greatly reducing the travel time compared to the typical 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe/Kampala.

Additionally, Nkuringo can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda, via the Cyanika border, which is about a 4-5 hour drive.

What to Wear When Trekking the Nkuringo Gorilla Family

Planning to trek the Nkuringo gorilla family exclusively? It’s essential to dress appropriately for the trek to ensure comfort and safety in the forest. Here’s a list of recommended items to wear and bring along for your adventure:

1. Long-sleeve sweater or jacket: The park can get quite cold, especially in the morning, so it’s good to have something warm.
2. Two pairs of long trousers: These will protect you from scratches, insects, and the dense vegetation.
3. Waterproof hiking boots: The terrain can be slippery and muddy, so sturdy, waterproof boots are a must.
4. Hat and sunglasses: Depending on the weather, these will protect you from the sun. This is optional but recommended for comfort.
5. Camera and extra batteries: Don’t forget your camera to capture those magical moments with the gorillas! Make sure to carry extra batteries, and always keep your flash off to avoid startling the gorillas.
6. Binoculars: Perfect for spotting the vast variety of birds and other wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
7. Gardening gloves: These are useful for holding onto trees and branches while navigating the dense forest.
8. Raincoat: As Bwindi is a rainforest, rain can be unpredictable. A raincoat will keep you dry and comfortable.
9. Mosquito repellent: To protect yourself from insects, especially during evening hours.
10. Sunscreen: While it might not always be sunny, the forest can still be hot, so sunscreen will help prevent sunburn.
11. Neutral-colored clothing: Avoid bright colors, as they can alarm the gorillas. Black and blue are also not recommended because they attract Tsetse flies. Stick to earthy, neutral tones like green, brown, or khaki.

How to Get to Nkuringo for Your Exclusive Gorilla Trek

By Air:
Flying to Kisoro Airstrip is the quickest way to reach Nkuringo. Aero Link offers both scheduled and chartered flights to Kisoro from Entebbe. After landing, our guide will pick you up at the airstrip and drive you to your lodge in Nkuringo, which takes approximately 1 hour.

By Road:
If you prefer traveling by road, Nkuringo is about 8-9 hours from Entebbe/Kampala. You’ll pass through Kabale town before heading to Nkuringo. Alternatively, you can also access Nkuringo from Kigali, Rwanda, which is about a 4-5 hour drive via the Cyanika border.

Best Time to Trek Nkuringo Gorilla Family Exclusively

The best time for an exclusive trek with the Nkuringo gorilla family is during the drier months of January, February, June, July, August, and September. These months have less rain, making trekking easier and offering clearer views of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Exclusive Gorilla Trek?

At Excursia Adventures, we specialize in creating tailor-made safaris to give you a unique and unforgettable experience. Our dedicated team of professional tour consultants is available to answer your questions within 20 minutes and ensure all arrangements, from permits to accommodations, are handled in advance.

We also offer expert safari guides who are knowledgeable and can accommodate your language preferences. Let us help you plan your perfect Nkuringo gorilla trek with personalized care and attention to detail.

Contact us today to book your exclusive gorilla trekking adventure!