Explore Nkuringo Mountain Gorillas

Nkuringo Mountain Gorillas: A Trekking Adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nestled in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Nkuringo offers a unique opportunity to trek the mountain gorillas in a region that’s not only rich in wildlife but also boasts stunning landscapes. This area is home to the famous Nkuringo and Christmas gorilla families, with the occasional visit from the Bushaho gorilla family, who occasionally move between Rushaga and Nkuringo. While Nkuringo is known for its beautiful scenery, it also presents more challenging terrain, making it a perfect destination for energetic trekkers who seek more than just a gorilla sighting but also an adventurous hike. From Nkuringo, you’ll also be able to take in breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes in both Uganda and Rwanda, adding a captivating element to your safari.

About Nkuringo Mountain Gorillas

Nkuringo Gorilla Family

The Nkuringo family is one of the oldest in Bwindi, having been habituated in 1997, with trekking starting in 2004. The family gets its name from the local area, Nkuringo, meaning “Hills.” Initially comprising 19 members, the group now has 12 members. Sadly, the beloved dominant silverback, Rafiki, passed away in 2008. Known for being the first family to give birth to twins in 2004 (one of whom passed away), this group is a true testament to the strength and resilience of the mountain gorillas in Bwindi.

Bushaho Gorilla Family

Habituated in 2016, the Bushaho gorilla family currently has 9 members. As with other gorilla groups, the family could expand as new members are born or as the dominant silverback attracts females from other unhabituated groups. The opening of the Bushaho family in 2016 brought the total number of gorilla families in Bwindi to 17, making Uganda one of the best destinations to see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

Christmas Gorilla Family

Located in the southern part of Bwindi, the Christmas gorilla family is the third group to be habituated in Nkuringo. The family currently consists of 9 members, with 6 usually spotted during trekking. The group is led by the dominant silverback, Christmas, alongside a blackback, 3 females, and one baby. Known for its playful nature, the Christmas family is also infamous for occasionally visiting nearby communities in search of food.

What to Wear and Bring for Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo

Trekking to see the gorillas in Nkuringo requires navigating steep, muddy trails, often with the possibility of rain. To ensure a comfortable and safe trekking experience, it’s essential to wear sturdy shoes and dress in thick trousers and long-sleeve tops to protect yourself from stinging nettles. Since it can be cold in the mornings, consider wearing a sweatshirt or jersey to keep warm.

While the gorillas are habituated and unbothered by your attire, the muddy conditions mean your clothes will likely get dirty. Don’t worry about wearing something that might get muddy—it’s all part of the adventure! If you plan to grab hold of thorny vegetation, bring along old gardening gloves for extra protection.

Pack light, ideally in a waterproof daypack, as you’ll need to carry minimal gear. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water (at least 2 liters). During the rainy season, a poncho or raincoat is advisable, and if you have camera gear, ensure it’s well protected from the elements. Binoculars are optional, though the trek itself usually takes up most of your focus.

Best Time to Trek Nkuringo Mountain Gorillas

While Nkuringo is open year-round, being located in a tropical rainforest, rain is possible at any time. However, the best months for trekking are June to August and December to February, as these months receive less rainfall, making the trails less slippery and more accessible. If you plan to trek during the rainy season (March to May or November), you may find that accommodation providers offer discounts, although the weather may be wetter.

Why Book Your Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking Experience with Excursia Adventures

At Excursia Adventures, we organize unforgettable, eco-friendly gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. Our team is highly rated on TripAdvisor, and we take pride in offering tailored safaris that combine wildlife adventures, cultural encounters, and hiking experiences. We’re passionate about preserving biodiversity, supporting wildlife conservation, and uplifting local communities.

Whether you’re interested in chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, or exploring other African destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia, Excursia Adventures offers the best experiences to make your African adventure a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Contact us today for more information on trekking the Nkuringo mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park!