Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi: Nkuringo Sector is one of the 4 sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which travelers can visit to encounter mountain gorillas. The sector is usually referred to as the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. It is also the largest protected area for the mountain gorillas in the world situated at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Other sectors of Bwindi are the Ruhija, Buhoma, and Rushaga sectors. All these sectors have several gorilla families that travelers encounter on their safaris.
Nkuringo Sector was named after the first gorilla family in this region known as the Nkuringo family. Gorilla trekking in this sector started in 2004 after the habituation process that had started in 1996. Nkuringo is a local word meaning “rolling hills” since the area is made up of rolling hills. This Nkuringo family started with 12 members which was first sited in the community. The family used to destroy people’s crops and it was then habituated for the community to benefit from this family.
The Nkuringo family was under the leadership of the Nkuringo Silverback. This silverback died in 2008 and Safari and Rafiki took over the family. In this same year, the family welcomed twins Muhozi and Katungi. However, Katungi died before he was two years old. Currently, the Nkuringo family is under the leadership of the silverback Ruterena.
Gorilla families in the Nkuringo Sector?
There are other gorilla families that travelers encounter in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These include;
Bushaho gorilla family: This family was originally part of the Nkuringo family. It broke away and started a family with some unhabituated gorillas. It is made up of 9 members and currently increasing with new babies. Bushaho family was opened for tracking in 2016. Bushaho gorilla family is led by the silverback Bahati and it is found near the Nkuringo trail. it is small in size and very active in the jungle.
Christmas gorilla family: The Christmas gorilla family is another gorilla family that lives in the Nkuringo Sector. It was named after the dominant male Christmas – a giant male that was born on Christmas. The family is made up of 9 members that travelers can encounter on their safaris.
How much is a permit to track gorillas in the Nkuringo Sector?
While planning a gorilla trekking safari to the Nkuringo Sector, are supposed to have acquired a gorilla trekking permit. This is a legal document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These permits are only sold to tour operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in the Nkuringo Sector is 800 USD for foreign nonresidents, 700 USD for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX for East African residents. You are supposed to book permits in time to ensure availability since there is a limited number every day. In this sector, there are about 24 gorilla permits available each day for travelers to engage in.
What to pack for gorilla trekking in Nkuringo Sector
While planning tracking the gorillas in the Nkuringo sector, there are several things that travelers should pack to ensure successful gorilla trekking. Some of these things that travelers can pack include;
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Water bottle to keep you hydrated
- Rain jackets
- Insect repellant
- Camera to capture the moments
Accommodation in the Nkuringo Sector
There are several accommodation facilities that you can stay in during a gorilla safari. Some of these lodges are located within the sector while others are outside the sector. These accommodation facilities range from budget to luxury. They include Mutanda Lake Resort, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Guest House, Virunga Campsite, and Albertine Gorilla Campsite. Travelers are also recommended to book in time to ensure availability during the safaris.
What makes the Nkuringo Sector unique?
To those who have been in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi, they have enjoyed an amazing gorilla safari. Below are some of the things that make the Nkuringo region standout in Bwindi;
- Scenic trekking experience with several breathtaking landscapes
- Steep terrain that offers an adventurous trekking experience
- Less crowds compared to other sectors where you have more intimate time with the gorillas.
- Diverse flora and fauna for travelers encounter several wildlife.
What are other activities done in the Nkuringo Sector?
While in the Nkuringo sector, gorilla trekking is a primary activity that travelers engage in during the safaris. This sector also has other activities that travelers can engage and some of these activities include;
Nature walks
Nkuringo Sector offers an amazing safari to nature walk lovers. The activity is done on foot and allows tourists to explore the sector in depth. It is done under the guidance of a ranger guide who takes you encounter of several wildlife. There are several trails in the sector to engage in the sector. Some of these trails include the Ivy River Trail, Kashasha Trail, and the hiking trail from Mutanda to Nkuringo.
Cultural tours
While in the Nkuringo sector, travelers can also engage in cultural tours that take you through the visit to the Batwa and Bakiga communities. This cultural encounter takes you through the encounter and learning of the lifestyle of the Batwa and Bakiga communities. Some of the activities that travelers engage in these communities include coffee roasting, traditional weaving, craft making, cultural dances, and many others.
