Planning a Budget Gorilla Safari to Nkuringo During the Low Season

Planning a Budget Gorilla Safari to Nkuringo During the Low Season

If you’re planning a budget-friendly gorilla safari to Nkuringo during the low season, Trek Africa Gorillas makes it easy and affordable! The low season in Uganda runs from April to May and November, when fewer tourists visit. This means you’ll enjoy a more peaceful experience with less crowded parks, giving you more privacy during your trek and at other attractions. It’s also a perfect time to take advantage of lower rates for accommodation and services. Trek Africa Gorillas will help you find the best budget-friendly lodges in Nkuringo, ensuring you have a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Why Trek Gorillas in Nkuringo?

About the Nkuringo Sector

Located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Nkuringo sector is famous for its rugged terrain and higher altitudes, making trekking here both challenging and rewarding. It is home to the Nkuringo Gorilla Family, the Bushaho Family and the Christmas Family, all available for trekking. Due to the steep slopes and difficult terrain, the area is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy hiking and have a good fitness level.

While trekking, you can enjoy stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes that straddle the border between Uganda and Rwanda, offering you the chance to explore even more of this beautiful region. Nkuringo provides a truly immersive experience, combining mountain gorilla trekking with awe-inspiring landscapes.

How to Get to Nkuringo

By Air

The quickest and most comfortable way to reach Nkuringo is by air. You can fly with Aero Link, a domestic airline offering scheduled and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip. From there, it’s about a 1-hour drive to Nkuringo, where one of our professional guides will pick you up and transfer you to your lodge.

By Road

If you prefer to drive, Nkuringo is accessible via the main highway from Entebbe/Kampala (approximately 8–9 hours). The journey takes you through Kabale town, leading to Nkuringo. You can also reach Nkuringo from Kigali, Rwanda, which is about 4–5 hours by car.

Low Season Travel Tips for a Budget Gorilla Safari

1. Book Your Gorilla Permits in Advance

Although gorilla permits are typically available during the low season, it’s still important to book them at least 3 to 4 months in advance to ensure availability and avoid any last-minute hassles. A permit is required to trek the mountain gorillas in Nkuringo and the costs are as follows:

• USD 800 for foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for foreign residents
• 300,000 UGX for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan)

With a permit, you’ll have the chance to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, creating unforgettable memories. For more information on how to book your gorilla permits for Nkuringo, feel free to contact us.

2. Stay in Budget Lodges

When planning a budget safari, finding the right accommodation is crucial. Nkuringo offers a limited selection of budget-friendly lodges but camping can also be an excellent and cost-effective option. Additionally, you can consider staying at budget lodges in Rushaga, which is a short drive away from Nkuringo and offers convenient access to the gorilla trekking areas.

3. Travel Comfortably to Nkuringo

To ensure a smooth journey to Nkuringo, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. These vehicles are perfect for navigating the rugged terrain and offer comfort during your journey.

If you’re looking to save time, consider flying to Kisoro Airstrip, which is only about a 2-hour drive from Nkuringo. This option cuts down the travel time from Entebbe/Kampala, which typically takes 8 to 9 hours by road. From Kisoro, it’s just a short drive to your accommodation in Nkuringo.

What to Wear and Pack for Gorilla Trekking During the Low Season

Wondering what to wear during your gorilla trekking adventure in Nkuringo during the low season? The weather in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers and bring the right gear. Here’s a guide to help you prepare:

• Long-Sleeved Sweater: The temperatures in the park can get cold, especially early in the morning. A long-sleeved sweater will help keep you warm.
• Two Pairs of Long Trousers: You’ll need durable, long trousers to protect your legs from the dense forest and any thorny plants along the trail.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: Since the trails can be muddy, waterproof hiking boots are essential to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
• Hat and Sunglasses (Optional): Depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses will help protect you from the sun. These are not necessary but can be useful if it’s sunny.
• Camera and Extra Batteries: Don’t forget your camera to capture the magic of gorilla trekking. Be sure to carry extra batteries, as you might not find power sources in the forest. And remember, keep your flash off to avoid startling the gorillas.
• Binoculars: These are great for spotting the many bird species in Bwindi Forest and other wildlife. Bring a pair to enhance your experience.
• Gardening Gloves: These will help you hold onto trees and branches as you navigate the rugged terrain safely.
• Raincoat: Since Bwindi is a rainforest, rain is always a possibility. Be sure to pack a raincoat to stay dry if the weather changes unexpectedly.
• Mosquito Repellent: The forest is home to various insects, including mosquitoes. It’s wise to apply repellent before your trek and wear long sleeves to protect against bites.
• Sunscreen (Optional): Depending on the season, the sun can be intense, so bring sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn.

What to Avoid:

• Avoid wearing bright colors like red, which could attract or scare away the gorillas.
• Black and blue colors are not recommended because they attract Tsetse flies. Stick to neutral tones like khaki, brown or green.

Why Book with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we customize budget-friendly gorilla safaris to Nkuringo during the low season. Our team is dedicated to providing you with a seamless, enjoyable experience. We pride ourselves on offering personalized services, ensuring that all your questions are answered promptly (within 20 minutes) and your trip is fully organized to prevent any inconveniences.

We also offer knowledgeable safari guides based on your language preferences, ensuring a smooth and insightful experience.

Feel free to contact us for more details on our budget gorilla safari packages to Nkuringo during the low season. We’re here to help you plan your adventure!