Nkuringo is one of the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is found in the southernmost and hilly part of the Park. Of all the four sectors of Bwindi, Nkuringo has the fewest gorilla groups but its challenging terrain makes it exciting for tourists to trek gorillas.

Tourists who choose to track Gorillas in the Nkuringo sector are introduced to three habituated gorilla groups that include Nkuringo, Bishaho, and Christmas with only 24 gorilla permits available per day. Tracking Gorillas in the Nkuringo sector requires participants to be physically fit because the sector is found in the high altitude areas characterized by rugged terrains hence challenging for the old and persons that are not physically fit.

Nkuringo Gorilla group

Nkuringo group was opened for tracking in 2004 and derived its name for a round hill-locally known as Nkuringo because it’s where the group was first sighted.

Christmas Gorilla Group

Christmas Gorilla Group was opened for tracking in 2018 with only 9 members-one silverback named Christmas, three females, one blackback and one infant.

Bishaho Gorilla group is another gorilla group opened for tracking in the Nkuringo sector.

Where to stay in Nkuringo sector

Tourists tracking gorillas in the Nkuringo sector can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. Trekkers can also stay in the safari Lodges of the nearby Rushaga sector that include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and many others. Tourists tracking gorillas in the Nkuringo sector can choose to stay in the nearby Town of Kanungu, Kisoro or Kabale with facilities such as Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel, Virunga Campsite, and many others are offering comfort in its fullest.

How to get to Nkuringo sector

Nkuringo on the southern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is about 8-10 hours’ drive from Kampala or Entebbe. The sector can be accessed through air and road transport whereby with the latter you can use Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro to Nkuringo sector. For tourists opting for air transport, flights can be arranged from Entebbe International Airport/Kajjansi Airstrip to Nyakabande airstrip (Kisoro) then proceed to Nkuringo by road.

Other activities available in the Nkuringo sector

Besides tracking gorillas in the Nkuringo sector, it is also known for bird watching, hiking/nature walks and cultural tours that introduce tourists to the real beauty of this rarely visited sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Best time for tracking Gorillas in Nkuringo

Bwindi’s Nkuringo sector is one of the coldest places of the Park, especially in the morning and night hours. However, this is worsened during the wet months of March, April, May, October, and November where rains are at the peak, making them unfavorable for tracking gorillas in Nkuringo. The dry months are the best although the Mountain gorillas are available for tracking all year round.