Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park : Like Ruhija, Buhoma and Rushaga sectors, Nkuringo is part of the four major spectacular gorilla trekking sites in Bwindi Impenetrable national park. It is located in the southern region of the park. Nkuringo is located in southwestern region of Uganda, barely eight to nine hours away from Kampala city, Bwindi Impenetrable national park is one of the top gorilla destinations the world has ever had. This is because it provides permanent shelter to almost half of the world’s gorilla population.
Much as Nkuringo is Bwindi Impenetrable national park’s most difficult sector to trek, one cannot underrate its tremendous beauty enjoyed by photographers and travelers. It is characterized by stunning vegetation cover, which allows visitors to have outstanding experience in the sector. We cannot forget to mention how the sector is blessed with spectacular floral and mammal species diversity. Indeed, it is a place where beauty is manufactured!
In Nkuringo sector, twenty four gorilla permits are issued on a daily basis and these allow visitors to explore at least one of the three habituated gorilla families found in the sector.
Trekking gorillas in Nkuringo is an all-year-round activity and only eight people are allowed to trek a single gorilla family at a given day. With exception of the porter fees, the price of a single gorilla permit offers one hour experience with these human-like creatures, caters for park entrance fees, conservation fees and ranger/guide fees.
In order to withstand the physical fitness challenges during gorilla trekking in Nkuringo sector, you are advised to prepare yourself in advance for example by doing some physical exercises like jogging, press-ups and being in perfect medical conditions. This is because trekking in Nkuringo gorilla sector is one of a kind event that needs some physical energy in comparison to other sectors of the park.
Gorilla trekking adventures in Nkuringo sector were officially opened in 2004 after the successful habituation of the pioneer family, “the Nkuringo” family. This family was first spotted below Nteko valley around River Kashasha and was later on made available for trekking. A few years later, two more gorilla families were habituated, making it a total of three families available for trekking in Nkuringo sector.
Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo sector.
Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo sector kicks off immediately after breakfast and a short briefing about what it takes to make the expedition adventurous without breaking any trekking laws and regulations. This happens at the sector headquarters of Bwindi Impenetrable national park, just like any other gorilla trekking destination in the country.
Before penetrating the forest for trekking, trekkers are grouped into three clusters with each cluster comprising of only eight people. The eight people are allowed to trek a single gorilla family at ago. Each group is led into the forest and gorilla trekking expedition commences there and then. The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years.
Trekkers enjoy the beauty of diving into the thick forests from where they take a glance at a number of flora, animal and bird species of different kinds. This is a moment where you feel like life should always be like that since nature speaks the best language human beings have never spoken before. It is a moment turned into memory.
The ever-challenging terrain of Nkuringo sector makes it a bit harder to discover these apes than any other sector of the park; however, a time comes when you unfold the beauty of the expedition by spotting your destined family of gorillas, and it’s all worthwhile. Here you are given a full hour to spend with these gentle human-like creatures and watch them play, feed, mate and socialize. You are given an opportunity to take as many pictures as possible during this hour before retreating to your lodge for relaxation.
Gorilla trekking permits can be obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters or through a professional, trusted local tour agency. Each permit goes for 250000UGX for East African Community members, 700$ for foreign non-residents and 600$ for foreign residents.
What else can one do in Nkuringo Sector?
Minus gorilla trekking, Nkuringo sector also presents a lot on every traveler’s table, ranging from cultural tours, guided forest walks and birding expeditions, Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park
Accommodation options in Nkuringo sector.
Are you a luxury, midrange or budget traveler? Nkuringo sector has your perfect accommodation facility well sorted. Some of the accommodation facilities are either within the sector or in the nearby Rushaga sector or near Lake Mutanda
It is possible for one to spend a night in Rushaga sector or Lake Mutanda and still trek gorillas in Nkuringo sector. Gorilla Close up lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort, Bwindi Backpackers lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge and Chameleon Hill Lodge are some of the reliable places of residence for any one on a gorilla safari in southern Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
