Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi

Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nkuringo Sector is one of the gorilla trekking Sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Nkuringo sector is found in the south of the park and has 4 gorilla families. The gorilla groups in Nkuringo include Bikyingi Gorilla Family, Nkuringo Gorilla Family, Bushaho Gorilla Family, Christmas Gorilla Family and Posho Gorilla Family which is still under the habituation process. The above are among the 20 gorilla families in Uganda, though this number will change as more groups are added on the list for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

For photographic purpose, Nkuringo area has some of the best views one must enjoy while on a gorilla safari. The incredible environs are stunning and happen to change according to the weather. From the early morning misty sceneries to a sunny middle hours to an amazing sunset, you never fail to be impressed by sights and sounds of the area. Nkuringo is indeed magnificent as ordinary text  cannot explain fully its beauty except a physical visit to the area will give you a rarer experience.

Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo Sector

Gorilla trekking safaris in Nkuringo area are of double benefits as one can visit the primates at the same do other community tour activities. Taking a walking excursion in Nkuringo is another chance to adventure into the forest and the communities on foot. In case you love nature, a jungle hike from Buhoma Sector to Nkuringo side of Bwindi is greatly awesome as you will cover 13 kilometers of walking through the impenetrable jungle. When you are in Nkuringo, you may trek from Lake Mutanda to the town of Kisoro. If you have another activity in Mgahinga National Park, you may still continue there to do a golden monkey trekking, volcano climbing or nature tours. Trekking gorillas in Nkuringo coupled with walking excursions offer the most exciting experience on an Africa safari. In case you have more time after gorilla safaris, choose Nkuringo safari activities for bigger enjoyment benefits.

The uniqueness of Nkuringo gorillas is the possibility of tracking them from Kigali City in Rwanda. The area is much closer to Rwanda than to Entebbe or Kampala. You only need 4 hours by road from Kigali to Nkuringo. Yet you need 9-10 hours from Kampala to Nkuringo. If you have little time, you may choose the Rwanda route. With enough time, driving from Kampala to any part of Bwindi is also rewarding as you go through a good landscape, attractions like Uganda equator and Lake Mburo, towns plus communities. transferring from Kigali, you go through Ruhengeri, the northern town near the Volcanoes National Park via Cyanika border to Kisoro and finally to Nkuringo.

To visit gorillas of Nkuringo sector, there are several accommodation facilities where you may stay as base for trekking. Budget, midrange and Luxury lodges that exist around the area will satisfy your preferences. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is among the few accommodation facilities the serve tourists in this region of Bwindi forest.

Other Gorilla Trekking Sectors of Bwindi

Apart from Nkuringo Sector, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in  southwestern Uganda, renowned for its gorilla trekking experiences has three more regions for the activity. Below are the three areas out of the four main sectors for gorilla trekking:-

Buhoma Sector

The Buhoma sector is the most popular and the first established sector in Bwindi. It is located in the northern part of the park, near the town of Kisoro. Buhoma is home to several gorilla families, including the Mubare group, which was the first gorilla family habituated for tourism. The trekking in Buhoma involves steep terrain, but it is a rewarding experience with great views of the rainforest.

Ruhija Sector

Situated in the eastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija Sector is less crowded and offers a more remote trekking experience. It is home to notable gorilla groups such as the Kyaguriro, Bitukura, and Oruzogo families. The terrain is hilly and often challenging, but the trek through the lush forest is incredibly scenic and diverse.

Rushaga Sector

This sector is located to the south of Bwindi and is known for its high concentration of gorilla families, including the famous Nshongi, Busingye, Mishaya, and Kahungye groups. The Rushaga Sector is easily accessible and is often considered the best sector for those seeking a chance to trek different gorilla families. The terrain in Nkuringo is varied, with both relatively flat areas and hilly sections.

Each of these sectors offers a unique gorilla trekking experience, with varying levels of difficulty, terrain, and group sizes, making Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a must-visit for those interested in seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Regardless of the sector, a gorilla permit is required for trekking, which can be booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a trusted tour operator. The permit allows one to track a specific family group and spend an hour with them once located. Trekking in these sectors is a truly unforgettable experience, with lush forests and a chance to see the endangered mountain gorillas up close.