Top things to do in Nkuringo after the gorilla trekking experience. Batwa Cultural Experience and Involvement

One of the destinations where gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the Nkuringo sector. Three gorilla families are available for gorilla trekking in the sector: Christmas Gorilla Family, Bushaho Gorilla Family, and Nkuringo Gorilla Family.

Nestled in the southernmost point of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Nkuringo area is the highest among the large impenetrable Bwindi National Park and hence attracts those who like challenging gorilla treks or walks. One must first value gorilla families in this area, as well as what is known about the Nkuringo part of this large, inaccessible forest, before considering the top things to do.

Given that gorilla trekking is the main form of tourism in the area, it would be advisable to first study the many mountain gorilla groups present here, along with their composition and background. Operating reasonably priced and expertly tailored gorilla safaris in the Nkuringo section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Katland Safaris has safari advisors on hand to address all your questions.

When contacted, we verify availability of all services, including gorilla permits, talk with you about all possible choices to fit your schedule, pocketbook, and interests, and of course, construct for you a dream package for your trip. See Katland Safaris, your dependable friend when it comes to planned unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences, for more information regarding gorilla visits to the Nkuringo district of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

About Gorilla families in the Bwindi Nkuringo sector

The group derives its name from the local location where it was first sighted, Nkuringo, meaning “Hills.” This was the first family that was habituated in 199,7 and the habituation process began. 3004 was opened for tracking.

The organization consisted of 19 members when it originally began, but over the years, the membership has dropped to only 15. Rafiki, a Swahili term meaning “Friend,” commanded the group; after he died in 3008, the group is also reported to be the first to have produced twins in 2004, although one of the twins died subsequently.

Bushaho Gorilla family

There are now nine members of the Bushaho gorilla family known of. Still, depending on newborn offspring, it may grow in size, much like other gorilla families; if the dominant Silverback can subdue other members from other unhabituated mountain gorillas in that area will determine its size.

Opening in 2016, the Bushaho gorilla family brings the overall number of gorilla families in all four Bwindi districts to 17, so Uganda is among the finest nations to see these endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

Christmas Gorilla Family

The Christmas gorilla family lives in the Nkuringo area of southern Bwindi. Three gorilla families allowed for gorilla trekking in Nkuringo are the third mountain gorilla family to be acclimated there. According to reports, the Christmas gang consists of up to nine people, mostly observed on family treks.

Leading the group is a powerful silverback named Christmas, one black back, three females, and one baby. This gang is easily tracked and is well-known for its habits of visiting nearby towns in quest of food.

Although there are other interesting activities and great things you can do in the Nkuringo sector after your gorilla trekking, the activity in this sector is mostly gorilla trekking, which is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Experience with gorilla habituation

Apart from the regular gorilla hike accessible in Nkuringo, one may also engage in a gorilla habituation experience, a four-hour day trip designed for people who would rather spend more time with mountain gorillas still under habituation.

Only four persons are permitted daily visits between two families set aside for this wonderful experience. Although a gorilla habituation experience costs two times more than the usual gorilla trekking ticket, it is well worth it as it allows you more time with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Although we offer example itineraries on our website, do not hesitate to get in touch with us should you have concerns about the gorilla habituation experience in the Nkuringo section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Batwa Cultural Involvement

One of the Batwa guides will lead you on the Batwa cultural experience tour; you will have the chance to learn about Batwa traditional forest life in Bwindi Forest, historically Batwa territory; you will also enjoy the traditional dances of the Batwa and other customs, including making traditional fire, among others.

It should be mentioned that before it was gazetted as a national park in 1993, the Batwa tribe of little people, who called Bwindi Impenetrable National Park their home. Their sustenance consisted of wild honey gathered from this forest, hunting woodland animals, and gathering plants.

Once this forest was gazetted, the Batwa people had to leave it to join others on the mainland for survival; it was once a place of caverns and hideouts where they used to remain. At first, life was difficult; however, with time, they began to settle in with government and non-governmental organization assistance.

Nature’s path

Apart from gorilla trekking, the nature walk in Bwindi forest is a very interesting activity that provides you with the chance to learn more about tree species as well as other animal species in the forest. Visiting the River Ivi-Nkuringo route in Nkuringo will let you see the falls plunging 33 meters.

For a wonderful experience, it is thus advisable to go on a forest walk following one of the pre-designed paths. One may do this either on the next day or after your gorilla trekking trip. The benefit of forest or nature hikes is that they are not pre- scheduled. This walk may be planned at any time; it has no age restriction or carrying capacity.

One of the top birding locations in Uganda, Birding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has an astounding 350 species. The major birding hotspot in Nkuringo is the pocket forest known as Nombe, situated five kilometers and three hundred meters from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.

If you have limited safari time and will be identifying certain species that frequent the grounds at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, we advise you to include your birding book. Having a long history with local bird guides, Katland Safaris is in a position to provide you with a bird expert in the Nkuringo area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

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Where in the Nkuringo Sector should one stay?

Nkuringo sector lodges include Lake Mutanda Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. You might also remain in the Rushaga area and reach Nkuringo in forty-five minutes via vehicle. Among the lodge possibilities are Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, and Gorilla Safari Lodge.

When should one travel to the Nkuringo Sector for Gorilla Trekking?

Anytime of the year, one may visit the  Nkuringo side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drier months of January, February, June to early September are the ideal times to visit Nkuringo for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This facilitates travel to the park and provides a clear view of mountain gorillas, given that the vegetation cover is not too great.

How would one get to Nkuringo for Gorilla Trekking?

By Road: Nkuringo is reachable from Entebbe/Kampala’s major highway, about an 8 to 9 hours’ journey. You will travel from Kabale town to Nkuringo. About four to five hours’ driving from Kigali, Rwanda, one may also reach the Park.

From Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airport, you may fly to Kisoro airstrip. Aero Link and Fly Uganda, local airline companies, provide scheduled and chartered flights. You will have to arrange for transport from the airfield to your chosen Lodge with your tour organizer.

Why arrange your Gorilla Trekking with Katland Safaris in Nkuringo?

Contact us and let Katland Safaris plan your gorilla trip in Nkuringo; we will assist with the booking procedure. We can also schedule for you several gorilla safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range, to luxury alternatives based on the Nkuringo region of Bwindi. These include the gorilla permits. Visit our travel advisor evaluations and read from a community of contented customers at will.

You know you will have an unforgettable Uganda safari trip with us. Our priorities are giving great client pleasure and service. Our staff of outstanding tour guides is always ready to assist with all your safari queries. With us, you will be guaranteed an outstanding gorilla trip in Uganda