Found in the southern region of Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park, Nkuringo is one of the four sectors in Bwindi were the might mountain gorillas live. The sector complements the other three sectors of Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east and Rushaga in the south, which together make up the mighty Bwindi. Nkuringo is a home to the famous Nkuringo gorilla family, which offers great trekking experience to travelers. Those who have trekked mountain gorillas in Nkuringo sector testify that Nkuringo gorilla group is the most interesting family to interact with. The family is headed by Bahati who broke up from Nshongi family in Rushaga sector forming his own group. Nkuringo family also known as the most strenuous family to trek is comprised of 19 family members. Like in other gorilla groups, Nkuringo family is open to eight travelers everyday hence 8 gorilla permits available. The gorilla family was habituated in 2009 and that’s when the first group of travelers visited the family. Nkuringo sector also reward travelers with spectacular views of the Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira in Virunga national park democratic republic of Congo.
Besides gorilla trekking, Nkuringo sector is good for nature/forest walks. These are usually done in the early mornings and evening starting from different points. Travelers connecting from buhoma sector if travelers used the Kabale-butogota-buhoa-Nkuringo route have high chances of enjoying a nature forest to Nkuringo. A forest walk Nkuringo help travelers to enjoy the peaceful, calm natural environment as well as a high chance of meeting other animals such as baboons, monkeys and forest pigs which make your safari more enjoyable.
Bird watching is another activity you should not miss out of your gorilla safari to Nkuringo. Bird watching is well done during the forest walks and travelers enjoy the sweet singing of bird’s up in the trees. Expect to see birds like African emerald cuckoo, white tailed blue flycatcher, short tailed warbler, yellow eyed black catcher Kivu ground thrush, Africa blue flycatcher, black bee eater, yellow eyed black flycatcher and garners warbler. Binoculars are highly recommended for closer views of birds even those at afar distance.
Also, endeavor to visit Batwa and Bakiga community villages to learn more about local traditions, norms and cultures. Experienced local guides through banana plantations, and other gardens, which make it more interesting, lead the community trails. On reaching the local people, travelers are allowed to take part in local activities such as doffing, preparing local food and other house works that are part of the community. Traditional dances, songs and poems are performed as a way of welcoming travelers to the community.
Regarding access, Nkuringo sector is easily accessed from kabale district. The distance is roughly 45 kilometer using kabale kisoro highway taking roughly 3 hours drive from kabale. Travelers can also drive direct to kisoro from where they connect direct to Nkuringo. Also, the sector can be reached via Buhoma when travelers us the kabale Butogota route. Those who are using public transport are advised to hire private cars since no buses nor taxis drive direct to Nkuringo. The strenuous hike to Nkuringo sector require travelers to be physically fits and highly determined but the experience is life changing and memorable.
Accommodation in Nkuringo sector
If you are trekking mountain gorillas in Nkuringo sector, you are assured of excellent food and sleeping services. Luxury, midrange and budget lodges have been established in Nkuringo to ensure travelers comfort and safety in this region. The popular lodges in Nkuringo include clouds mountain gorilla lodge, Nkuringo gorilla campsite, Nkuringo gorilla camp, Nkuringo gorilla lodge and hammerkop bunkhouse among others. However, travelers are reminded of the difference in lodge prices depending on the quality of the service and the status of the lodge.
Conclusively, Nkuringo region is an exceptional sector to visit on your gorilla safari to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Trek mountain gorillas, do nature forests, watch birds and visit local communities in Nkuingo sector all rewarding you with a memorable life changing experience.
