Can You Book All Permits for Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo?

Can You Book All Permits for Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo?

Can You Book All Permits for Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo? — If you’re looking to trek mountain gorillas in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and want an exclusive experience, you’re in luck! With Trek Africa Expeditions, it is indeed possible to book all the permits and trek Nkuringo gorillas privately, either as an individual or with your travel group. This exclusive arrangement ensures a more personal and immersive encounter with these magnificent creatures.

How to Secure Exclusive Trekking Permits

To secure all permits for a private trek in Nkuringo, you can make a payment of 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total cost of each permit in advance. The current prices for gorilla permits are as follows:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800
• Foreign Residents: $700
• East African Citizens: 300,000 Ugandan Shillings

This arrangement allows you to spend one full hour with the mountain gorillas during your trek. For example, if you are a foreign non-resident planning to book all 24 permits available daily in Nkuringo, the total cost would be:

• 100% payment: $19,200
• 70% payment: $13,440
• 30% payment: $5,760

To ensure you get the dates you want, it’s advisable to book your permits at least 3 to 4 months in advance, especially during peak season when permits can sell out quickly. For assistance with booking your gorilla permits, feel free to contact us here.

About Nkuringo Sector

Nkuringo is situated in the southern part of Bwindi and is home to several gorilla families, including the Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas families. Due to its higher altitudes, trekking in this area can be quite strenuous, making it more suitable for younger, adventurous travelers looking for an active experience beyond simply observing gorillas. The breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes in Uganda and Rwanda also make this sector a stunning destination.

Key Considerations for Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo

Booking Your Gorilla Permits

Nkuringo has three gorilla groups available for trekking, with a total of 24 permits sold each day. To ensure a private experience, you will need to secure all permits well in advance. Here’s a quick summary of the permit costs:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $700 each
• Foreign Residents: $600 each
• East African Citizens: 250,000 Ugandan Shillings each

Given the limited number of permits, we highly recommend that you book as early as possible.

Choosing the Right Accommodation

For a comfortable stay during your exclusive trek, consider booking a lodge in Nkuringo. Some top lodging options include:

• Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort, and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
• Budget: There are some budget lodges available, as well as camping options.

If you prefer, you can also stay in the nearby Rushaga sector, which offers lodges like Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Comfortable Travel to Nkuringo

To reach Nkuringo comfortably, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, which will provide a smooth ride on the sometimes challenging roads. Alternatively, you can opt to fly into Kisoro Airstrip, significantly reducing your travel time from Entebbe or Kampala. The flight cuts down the usual 8-9 hour drive to just a 2-hour journey from the airstrip to your lodge in Nkuringo.

What to Wear During Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo

If you’re gearing up for a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you might be wondering what to pack for the trek. Here’s a handy guide to help you dress appropriately for the experience.

Essential Clothing and Gear

• Long-Sleeved Sweater: The temperatures in the park can drop, so a warm, long-sleeved sweater is essential for staying comfortable during your trek.
• Two Pairs of Long Trousers: Choose durable, breathable fabrics that can withstand the rigors of trekking while providing protection against the elements and insects.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: A sturdy pair of waterproof boots is crucial for navigating muddy and uneven terrain. Make sure they are well broken-in to avoid blisters.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses can help shield you from the sun. This is optional, but it’s a good idea if it’s sunny.
• Camera with Extra Batteries: You’ll want to capture the unforgettable moments of your gorilla encounter. Bring a camera with long-lasting batteries, and remember to keep the flash off to avoid startling the animals.
• Binoculars: These are great for spotting the diverse birdlife and other wildlife in Bwindi.
• Gardening Gloves: These can be useful for gripping tree branches or vines during your trek, providing extra protection for your hands.
• Raincoat: As Bwindi is a rainforest, rain can be unpredictable. A waterproof raincoat is a must-have to keep you dry.
• Mosquito Repellent: Insect repellent is essential to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects in the forest.
• Sunscreen: Although it’s optional, wearing sunscreen is wise, especially during the hotter months, to prevent sunburn.

Color Choices

When selecting your trekking outfit, it’s important to avoid bright colors, which can scare away the gorillas. Additionally, black and blue colors are not recommended, as they attract tsetse flies. Instead, opt for neutral tones that blend in with the natural surroundings.

Getting to Nkuringo for Gorilla Trekking

By Air: For a quicker and more comfortable journey, consider flying. Aero Link offers scheduled and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip. While there are no direct flights to Nkuringo, you can take a flight to Kisoro, where our professional guide will pick you up for the short one-hour drive to your lodge.

By Road: If you prefer to travel by road, expect an 8- to 9-hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala. This route will take you through Kabale town before reaching Nkuringo. Alternatively, you can travel from Kigali, Rwanda, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Best Time to Trek Gorillas in Nkuringo

The optimal time for gorilla trekking in Nkuringo is during the drier months—specifically, January, February, and from June to early September. These periods offer easier access to the park and improved visibility for viewing mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, as the vegetation isn’t overly dense.

Why Book Your Exclusive Gorilla Trekking Experience with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is renowned for organizing remarkable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. We boast a strong reputation on platforms like TripAdvisor, thanks to our commitment to providing eco-friendly, high-end adventures that promote biodiversity conservation and support local communities. In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer a variety of experiences, including chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters, ensuring a memorable African safari.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about booking your exclusive trek in Nkuringo, feel free to contact us here. We look forward to helping you create unforgettable memories!