Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nkuringo, located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offers an incredible opportunity to trek with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This blog explores everything you need to know about Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, from permits and travel tips to what to wear and where to stay.

The Nkuringo region is home to three gorilla families available for trekking: the Nkuringo family, the Bushaho family and the Christmas family. Occasionally, the Bushaho family crosses from the Rushaga region into Nkuringo, giving trekkers a chance to see them as well.

If you’re interested in trekking the mountain gorillas of Nkuringo, Trek Africa Gorillas makes it easy to book your tour and experience this magical adventure. You can fly directly into Kisoro Airstrip, just a short distance from Nkuringo, for a quick transfer to the park. A gorilla permit is required for your trek and prices vary depending on residency status:

• USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 700 for Foreign Residents
• 300,000 Ugandan Shillings for East African Citizens

The permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas, an unforgettable experience.

How to Get to Nkuringo for Gorilla Trekking

By Air:
You can fly to Kisoro Airstrip with a domestic airline, such as Aero Link. From Kisoro, it’s about a 1-hour drive to Nkuringo. While there’s no direct flight to Nkuringo itself, this option significantly shortens the travel time.

By Road:
Driving to Nkuringo from Entebbe or Kampala takes about 8-9 hours, passing through Kabale. Alternatively, you can travel from Kigali, Rwanda, which takes about 4-5 hours.

Key Considerations for Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking

1. Book Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

Nkuringo sector offers 24 permits daily, so it’s essential to secure your permit in advance to guarantee your spot. You can book the permit by paying 30%, 70% or 100% of the total cost. We recommend booking at least 3-4 months ahead, especially during peak seasons when permits sell out quickly. For assistance with booking your permits, feel free to contact us.

2. Plan Your Accommodation in Nkuringo

Nkuringo offers several lodging options, from luxury accommodations to budget-friendly choices. To enhance your experience, consider staying at upscale lodges like Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. Budget travelers can find affordable options in Rushaga or even opt for camping.

3. Travel Comfortably to Nkuringo

Travel to Nkuringo can be long and challenging but there are ways to make it more comfortable. We recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser for a smoother road journey. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Kisoro Airstrip, cutting down your travel time. From Kisoro, it’s a 1-hour drive to Nkuringo, making it a much faster option than the 8-9 hour road trip from Kampala or Entebbe.

What to Wear for Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking

Proper gear is essential for a comfortable and safe trek. Here’s a checklist of what to wear:

• A long-sleeve sweater to keep warm, as the park can get cold
• 2 pairs of long trousers for protection against thorns and insects
• Waterproof hiking boots for muddy or slippery trails
• A hat and sunglasses for sun protection (optional)
• Cameras and extra batteries for photography (remember to turn off the flash)
• Binoculars to spot birds and other wildlife in the forest
• Gardening gloves to help when holding onto branches
• A raincoat since Bwindi is a rainforest with unpredictable weather
• Mosquito repellent to protect against bites
• Sunscreen for sun protection in case the weather heats up
• Neutral-colored clothing to avoid scaring the gorillas (avoid bright colors, black and blue as they attract Tsetse flies)

Why Book Your Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas is a trusted provider of gorilla trekking tours in Uganda and Rwanda, offering exceptional experiences that prioritize eco-friendliness, wildlife conservation and community upliftment. Our highly rated services also include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises and cultural encounters. Whether you’re visiting Uganda, Rwanda or other African destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia, we ensure a high-quality, sustainable adventure that you’ll remember forever.

Contact us today for more information on Nkuringo gorilla trekking and let us help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!