Trekking Gorillas in the Nkuringo Region of Bwindi

Trekking Gorillas in the Nkuringo Region of Bwindi

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure trekking mountain gorillas in the Nkuringo region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Nestled in the southern part of the park, Nkuringo is home to three distinct gorilla groups: the Nkuringo family, Bushaho family, and Christmas family. Occasionally, the Bushaho family crosses over from the Rushaga area, so you may encounter them on either side.

Experience Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo

With Trek Africa Expediitons, you can experience the thrill of trekking mountain gorillas in Nkuringo, whether you’re traveling solo or as part of a group. To participate in this extraordinary experience, you’ll need to obtain a gorilla permit. The costs are as follows:

• USD 800 for foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for foreign residents
• 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African citizens

This permit grants you the opportunity to spend one hour in close proximity to these magnificent creatures, making it an experience of a lifetime.

Important Considerations for Your Nkuringo Gorilla Trek

Secure Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

Nkuringo has a limited number of 24 gorilla permits available for sale each day. It’s essential to book your permit ahead of time to ensure your spot. You can reserve your permit by paying 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total cost in advance. Each gorilla permit costs:

• USD 800 for foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for foreign residents
• 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African citizens

We recommend securing your permits at least 3 to 4 months prior to your trekking date, especially during peak seasons when permits can sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact us for more details on how to book your gorilla permits for trekking in Nkuringo.

Book Your Accommodation in Advance

Finding the right place to stay is crucial for an enjoyable gorilla trekking experience. Nkuringo offers a variety of accommodations, including luxurious options like Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. If you’re traveling on a budget, there are a few budget-friendly lodges and camping options available. You could also consider staying at budget lodges in Rushaga, from where you can easily trek to Nkuringo.

Travel Comfortably to Nkuringo

For a smooth journey, consider traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, which will provide comfort on the sometimes bumpy roads to Nkuringo. Alternatively, you can fly into Kisoro Airstrip, which is conveniently located near Nkuringo. This option significantly reduces your travel time from Entebbe/Kampala—typically an 8-9 hour drive—to just 2 hours from Kisoro Airstrip to your lodge in Nkuringo.

What to Wear When Trekking Gorillas in the Nkuringo Region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Planning a gorilla trek in the Nkuringo region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? You might be wondering what to wear for this adventure. Here’s a helpful guide to ensure you’re comfortable and prepared for the trek:

1. Layered Clothing: Wear a long-sleeved sweater or fleece, as the temperatures in the park can get quite chilly.
2. Long Trousers: Bring at least two pairs of long trousers to protect your legs from thorns and insects.
3. Waterproof Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential for navigating the rugged terrain.
4. Hat and Sunglasses: Depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses can help protect you from the sun, although these are optional.
5. Camera with Extra Batteries: Capture your unforgettable moments! Remember to keep your flash off to avoid startling the gorillas.
6. Binoculars: These are great for spotting the diverse birdlife and other primates that inhabit Bwindi’s lush forest.
7. Gardening Gloves: Wearing gloves will provide extra grip when holding onto trees or branches during your trek.
8. Raincoat: Given that Bwindi is a rainforest, rain can be unpredictable. A waterproof raincoat is a must-have.
9. Mosquito Repellent: Protect yourself from insect bites by applying mosquito repellent.
10. Sunscreen: This is optional, but it can help prevent sunburn, especially if you’re trekking during a hot season.
11. Neutral Colors: Avoid wearing bright colors, as they may startle the gorillas. Black and blue are also not recommended because they attract Tsetse flies. Opt for neutral shades instead.

Getting to Nkuringo for Gorilla Trekking

By Air: The quickest way to reach Nkuringo is by flying. Aero Link offers scheduled and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip. While there are no direct flights to Nkuringo, you can be dropped off at Kisoro, where our professional guide will pick you up and take you to your lodge. The drive from Kisoro to Nkuringo takes about an hour.

By Road: If you prefer to travel by road, the journey from Entebbe/Kampala takes approximately 8-9 hours. You’ll pass through Kabale town before heading to Nkuringo. Alternatively, you can access Nkuringo from Kigali, Rwanda, which is around a 4-5 hour drive.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking Experience

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in organizing remarkable gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Our excellent ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor speak to our commitment to providing unforgettable experiences. We blend gorilla trekking with eco-friendly, high-end adventures, contributing to biodiversity preservation, wildlife conservation, and local community upliftment.

In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer a variety of activities such as chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. This ensures you enjoy a truly memorable African safari experience across popular destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

Feel free to contact us to start planning your gorilla trekking adventure in the Nkuringo region of Bwindi!