Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking Guide – Explore Southern Bwindi

Nkuringo sector is one of the two gorilla trekking regions in the southern part of Bwindi National Park and one of the five areas where visitors can trek to see mountain gorillas in Uganda.

Currently, three gorilla families in Nkuringo have been habituated for trekking: Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas.

How to Book Nkuringo Gorilla Permits

Nkuringo gorilla permits allow visitors to explore these habituated families in the southern part of Bwindi. The cost of a permit in Nkuringo is the same as in other gorilla trekking regions in Uganda.

Each permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and 250,000 UGX for East African citizens.

You can book Nkuringo permits through a registered tour operator or directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is recommended to secure your permit at least 2-4 months before your trekking date to ensure availability.

Nkuringo has three habituated gorilla families, allowing for 24 permits per day since each family can only be visited by 8 people per day, and all trekkers must be aged 15 and above.

Other Activities in Nkuringo

Besides gorilla trekking, Nkuringo offers other activities including nature walks along trails such as the Kashasha River Trail (6-7 hours, 17 km), Ivy River Trail, Buniga Forest Trail, Nkuringo Village Walk, Suma Waterfall Trail, and bird-watching.

Best Time to Visit

Nkuringo can be visited for gorilla trekking and other activities throughout the year. However, the dry seasons are the best for trekking, offering easier hikes and clearer trails.

The long dry season runs from June to September, and the short dry season is from December to February.

During the dry season, there is little or no rain, and the slopes and trails remain dry, making trekking more comfortable. Since this is also the peak season, it is important to book your gorilla permit early.

The wet season also has advantages, such as fewer visitors and lower accommodation rates, but the trails can be muddy and slippery.

The long rainy season is from March to May, while the short rainy season is from October to November.

Getting to Nkuringo

Nkuringo is located on the southern border of Bwindi, at the edge of the Albertine Rift, 34 km from Kisoro Town and 83 km from Kabale. From Entebbe or Kampala, it takes about 8-9 hours by road via the Kampala-Kabale route or 9-10 hours via Kisoro-Mutanda.

From the Gatuna/Katuna border to Kabale is 24 km, and from Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park via Kihihi to Nkuringo is about 5 hours.

Alternatively, you can walk to Nkuringo from Buhoma using the Ivy River Trail or the Kashasha Trail.

By air, you can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a one-hour drive on a dirt road to Nkuringo.

You can also fly to Kihihi Airstrip in Kabale and continue by road to Nkuringo.

What to Carry

For gorilla trekking in Nkuringo or other sectors of Bwindi, pack the following essentials:

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Insect repellent
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Light waterproof daypack
• Sweater
• First aid kit
• Camera
• Toiletries
• Face masks
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Gardening gloves

Accommodation in Nkuringo

Nkuringo has a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury lodges. Options include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Wagtail Eco-Safari Lodge, and Mutanda Lake Resort, all offering comfortable stays for visitors.

If you'd like to customize a tour and add more days or destinations below, contact us directly through our main contact page by clicking the button below.