Organizing a Luxury Gorilla Trip to Nkuringo During High Season

Organizing a Luxury Gorilla Trip to Nkuringo During High Season

Are you dreaming of an unforgettable luxury gorilla trip to Nkuringo during high season? With Excursia Adventures, your dream can become a reality. We specialize in securing gorilla permits, even when demand peaks between June and September, when many travelers flock to Bwindi for an extraordinary trekking experience. Given the high demand during these months, it’s crucial to plan ahead, as permits can sell out quickly.

Discover Nkuringo Sector

Nestled in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Nkuringo is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and the famous Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas gorilla families. Trekking in this area offers not only the chance to encounter these magnificent creatures but also stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes straddling Uganda and Rwanda. However, be prepared: the higher altitude makes trekking in Nkuringo a challenging adventure, ideal for energetic travelers seeking a bit more than just a typical gorilla experience.

Key Considerations for Your Luxury Gorilla Safari

Advance Gorilla Permit Booking

To ensure your spot during the high season, it’s essential to book your gorilla permits at least 3 to 4 months before your planned safari date. The first-come, first-served nature of permits means they can disappear quickly. For a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas, permits cost USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African citizens. For more details on securing your permits for Nkuringo, feel free to reach out to us.

Choosing Luxury Accommodations

Luxury accommodations play a vital role in enhancing your safari experience. Nkuringo boasts several high-end lodges, including Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and Lake Mutanda Lodge. Alternatively, you can stay at lodges in nearby Rushaga, which also offers convenient access to Nkuringo treks.

Comfortable Travel to Nkuringo

Traveling in a comfortable 4×4 Land Cruiser is highly recommended for your journey to Nkuringo, ensuring a smooth ride on the roads. For a quicker and less taxing option, consider flying to Kisoro Airstrip, which is just a two-hour drive from Nkuringo. This significantly reduces the time spent traveling from Entebbe or Kampala, where the drive typically takes 8-9 hours.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Nkuringo, you might be wondering what to wear for the trek. Here’s a helpful guide to ensure you’re well-prepared for the experience:

1. Long-Sleeved Sweater: The temperatures in the park can be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings, so pack a comfortable long-sleeved sweater.
2. Two Pairs of Long Trousers: Choose durable, lightweight trousers that are suitable for hiking. This will help protect you from scratches and bites.
3. Waterproof Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots are essential for navigating the sometimes muddy and slippery trails.
4. Hat and Sunglasses: Depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses can offer protection from the sun, although these items are optional.
5. Camera with Extra Batteries: You’ll want to capture the incredible moments during your trek. Bring a camera with long-lasting batteries, but remember to keep the flash turned off to avoid startling the gorillas.
6. Binoculars: These are great for spotting birds and other wildlife in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, enhancing your overall experience.
7. Gardening Gloves: These will help you grip branches and trees while trekking, providing extra support and safety.
8. Raincoat: Given that Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, rain can be unpredictable. A waterproof raincoat is a must-have to keep you dry.
9. Mosquito Repellent: Protect yourself from insect bites by applying mosquito repellent or wearing it as a spray.
10. Sunscreen: While optional, sunscreen is advisable, especially if you’re trekking during hotter months to avoid sunburn.
11. Avoid Bright Colors: Bright colors can scare away the gorillas, so opt for neutral tones instead. Additionally, avoid wearing black or blue, as these colors can attract tsetse flies.

Getting to Nkuringo for Gorilla Trekking

By Air: The quickest way to reach Nkuringo is by air. Aero Link operates domestic flights to Kisoro Airstrip, where you’ll be picked up by our professional guide for a short drive to your lodge, approximately one hour from the airstrip.

By Road: If you prefer to travel by road, you can take the main highway from Entebbe or Kampala, which takes about 8-9 hours, passing through Kabale town. Alternatively, you can access Nkuringo from Kigali, Rwanda, with a travel time of around 4-5 hours.

Best Time for a Luxury Gorilla Trip to Nkuringo

Nkuringo is open for trekking year-round, but being a tropical rainforest, it can experience rain at any time. The best months for trekking are June to August and December to February, when rainfall is lower, and the trails are less slippery. If you choose to visit between March to May and November, you may encounter heavier rainfall, but many lodges offer discounts during these months.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Luxury Gorilla Trip?

At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves on being a responsible local tour operator in Uganda, specializing in tailor-made safaris. Our dedicated and trustworthy team is committed to providing excellent service, responding to your inquiries within 20 minutes. Our professional tour consultants will help create a personalized travel plan, answer all your questions, and ensure that all your services are booked well in advance to avoid any last-minute inconveniences. We also offer knowledgeable safari guides fluent in various languages to enhance your experience.

We offer a range of luxury gorilla safaris, including the 3-Day Gorilla Fly-In Safari and the 4-Day Gorilla Fly-In Safari, tailored to your preferences. Contact us today to start organizing your luxury gorilla trip to Nkuringo during high season!