The gorilla families in Nkuringo area/sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Lying in the Southern part of Bwindi, the Nkuringo sector happens to be one of the best gorilla trekking regions in Uganda.

Like the rest of the sectors in Bwindi, Nkuringo also has already habituated gorilla families to be trekked by tourists on a premium Uganda gorilla safari.

The gorilla families in Nkuringo include Bushaho, Christmas, Nkuringo, and Posho. Each of these 4 gorilla families in Nkuringo has an interesting story to tell the world.

Nkuringo sector is situated at a high altitude, and embarking on a complete trek requires some level of fitness. It is a perfect gorilla trekking region for adventure seekers.

The beauty about trekking mountain gorilla families in Nkuringo is that not only do you have a chance to get up close with the gentle giants. But also you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountain ranges.

Nkuringo Gorilla Family

The Nkuringo gorilla family is the oldest habituated gorilla group in the Nkuringo region of Bwindi National Park. Habituation of the Nkuringo family began in 1997 and was completed by 2004, when it was opened for tourism. It derives its name from the Nkuringo area where it was initially sighted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority park trackers.

The word Nkuringo in the Rukiga language means hills. Interestingly, the Nkuringo family opened for gorilla trekking with over 19 members. Unfortunately, the group composition started dropping due to splits, reducing its size to about 12.

Unlike some gorilla groups, Nkuringo family often spends most of the time feeding outside the park. Initially, it comprised 3 silverback gorillas: Safari, Christmas, and Rafiki –who were led by the Nkuringo silverback gorilla.

Sadly, the Nkuringo silverback died in April 2008 at around 45 years. Rafiki, a silverback, was seen in Nkuringo, but unfortunately he died in June 2020. Around 2004, the Nkuringo family recorded its first-ever set of twin baby gorillas, but one of them died.

Bushaho gorilla family

Bushaho was established in 2012, becoming the 2nd gorilla family in the Nkuringo region of Bwindi. The group started with both habituated and non-habituated gorilla members. After completing the habituation process, Bushaho was officially opened for gorilla trekking in 2016. Today, Bushaho consists of adult females, 2 sub-adult females, a blackback, and a dominant silverback gorilla.

Christmas

Christmas gorilla family is part of the amazing groups in the Nkuringo sector. It is the 3rd gorilla family to open for gorilla trekking in the Nkuringo area. Originally, it was composed of 9 mountain gorillas under the leadership of the Christmas silverback gorilla. Christmas was initially part of the Nkuringo group.

Posho

Posho family is the newest gorilla group in the Nkuringo region. It falls under the leadership of the Magara silverback gorilla, with a composition of 14.

Beyond Gorilla Families in Nkuringo Area/Sector

A visit to the Nkuringo sector rewards you beyond treks with mountain gorillas. There are multiple experiences and other attractions to enjoy in the Nkuringo region.

Hiking Experiences

Nkuringo sector lies in a unique landscape where you can enjoy the best of hiking adventures. The diverse hiking opportunities present include Kashasha River Trail (17km), Buniga Forest hikes, Ivy River trail, Nkuringo village walk, and birding trails.

Obtaining Nkuringo Gorilla Permits

A visitor can only get a chance to explore the habituated gorilla families in Nkuringo when he or she has a valid permit. A valid gorilla permit can be obtained through a licensed tour company (Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd). Not to miss the opportunity, the gorilla permits should be obtained in advance, about 2 to 4 months before the actual gorilla trekking date. The price of Nkuringo gorilla permits stands at USD 800 per person.

Best Places to Stay in and around Nkuringo

While choosing the place to stay on a gorilla safari in Nkuringo, always consider the options close to the briefing centre. This can ease your connectivity, and you won’t miss the orientation exercise that happens early in the morning.

The key accommodation facilities to book around the Nkuringo region include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and Mutanda Lake Resort.

When to Visit Gorilla Families in Nkuringo

The dry season: Best months to align your itinerary are June, July, August, and September. The second phase of the dry season in Nkuringo occurs around December, January, and February.

The wet season: This happens from March to May or October to November. It is a period when fewer travelers are recorded in the Nkuringo region.

Getting to the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi

Driving to Nkuringo from Kampala or Kigali

Depart from Entebbe or Kampala through the Masaka-Mbarara route and expect to spend between 8 and 9 hours.

Departing from Kigali to Nkuringo can take you 4-5 hours, and you cross the Cyanika border.

Setting off from Queen Elizabeth National Park via Kihihi, Kanungu, and Rubanda, about 5 hours.

In general, road connectivity to Nkuringo is best done in a 4×4 car.

Air Transport

Fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airport. In about 1 hour drive, you can reach the Nkuringo region. Currently, Aero Link offers domestic flights to most of the destinations in Uganda, including Bwindi.

Planning Gorilla Trekking Tour to Nkuringo

Want to explore gorilla families in Nkuringo? Book your gorilla safari tour with Flawless Adventure Planners for you to visit the habituated families in the Nkuringo trailhead of Bwindi. Nkuringo is a perfect region to explore mountain gorillas, especially for adventure seekers or if you want sectors with fewer crowds.