Nkuringo Sector Guide: Bwindi Gorilla Trekking and Scenic Views.

The Nkuringo sector is situated in the southwestern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It has an altitude of about 6,000m above sea level. It is one of the four unique sectors in Bwindi, offering remarkable and amazing gorilla trekking experiences to the tourists. Gorilla trekking in this sector started in 2004, offering 9 permits per day for each tracking group. The Nkuringo sector on a Uganda safari is unique in that it is one of the sectors known for having a gorilla family that has twins and the famous silverback called Rafiki, which later passed on due to poaching. It is known for having rugged, steep terrain, making the gorilla trekking safaris challenging. Therefore, for tourists who are interested in challenging and physically demanding treks, the Nkuringo sector is the best spot. This sector enables tourists to view the breathtaking scenic landscapes, like the Virunga Volcanoes and the overview of the thick, dense ancient rainforest.

Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo.

The gorilla trekking safaris in the Nkuringo sector start with the briefing at the headquarters. Here tourists are informed about the safety rules and guidelines to follow while in the jungle. Among the rules are maintaining a 7-meter distance from the mountain gorillas, minimizing voices while in the forest, and others. Trained guides and rangers then divide you into groups of 8 people, and each gorilla family is allocated to each group. The guides then led you through the forest trails, spotting the various wildlife like the colobus monkeys, forest elephants, and birds, among others.

When a gorilla family is spotted, you are given one hour to observe the behaviors of these endangered species. Some of the gorilla families in Nkuringo include the Nkuringo gorilla family, the Christmas gorilla family, and the Posho gorilla family, among others. The habituated gorilla families sometimes allow tourists to get closer to them, providing a life-changing experience.

Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking permits can be purchased from a well-licensed tour operator. The trekking permits range from $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. These permits are issued to persons above the age of 15 years since children below that age are highly affected by diseases like flu and colds that may affect the mountain gorillas.

Other activities in the Nkuringo sector.

Birding in Nkuringo hosts the rare Albertine bird species, making it a paradise for birders. Tourists spot various bird species, which include the African Green Broadbill and Rwenzori Turaco, among others. Birding is a guided activity that is done through the various forest trails, like the Ivy River trail, Buniga forest trail, among others. It provides insights for photography and nature spotting.

Guided nature walks

This is an activity that is done on foot by walking at your own pace, exploring the rich biodiversity of the ancient forest. During these guided nature walks, tourists spot the various bird species, butterfly species, and mammals like the forest elephants, among others. They allow tourists to connect with the breathtaking natural forest.

Cultural experiences

Whereby you visit the local communities near the Nkuringo sector, exploring the insight of the traditional livelihood and way of living of these people. Tourists learn traditional practices like hunting since they are forest dwellers; beer making from local breweries; preparation of food on firewood; and storytelling, among others. These visits provide support to the communities and also enable tourists to explore the rich culture of these people.

Best time to visit Nkuringo sector

The Nkuringo sector can be visited all year round. The best for trekking and exploring the ancient rainforest is during the dry season in the months of July to August and from December to February. During these months, the roads to this sector are easily accessible, forest trails are less muddy and slippery, the forest skies are clear for photographs, and the rains are fewer.

While during the rainy season in the months of March to May and from September to November, the forest trails are muddy and slippery making it difficult to navigate through the thick forest, the vegetation and the skies are unclear making it difficult to carryout photography.

Accommodation in Nkuringo sector

Location and geography of Nkuringo

By road: The Nkuringo sector can be accessed from Kampala via the Masaka-Mbarara route, which takes about 8 to 9 hours to reach the park. Then you will get a car that drives you from Kabale town to the Nkuringo sector, and this takes about 2 hours. This sector can be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda, from Kigali International Airport to the Rwanda border, either the Gatuna or Cyanika border to this sector. This drive takes about 3 to 4 hours.

By air: tourists should book domestic planes from Uganda Aero Link from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airport and then connect to Kisoro Airstrip. These flights take about 3 to 4 hours. When you reach Kisoro airstrip, a car drives you to the Nkuringo sector since there is no direct flight to this sector.

What to pack

You may be asking yourself about what to carry for your adventurous Uganda safari in the Nkuringo sector; below is a list of items that you can pack:

• Long-sleeved dull-colored clothing to protect your body from scratches.
• Waterproof hiking boots to help you navigate through the steep terrain.
• Sunglasses and hat depending on the season of your tour.
• A pair of binoculars, which helps you spot tiny and small creatures in the forest.
• Cameras to great life changing memories.
• Raincoat since rain occurs at any minute in Bwindi
• Insect repellent to prevent insect bites
• Sun screen

Accommodation facilities in Nkuringo sector.

These facilities range from budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations. They provide high-end services for comfort and relaxation after your trekking experience in the Nkuringo sector. These include Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Nshongi Camp, Bwindi Backpackers, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Guest House, among others.

Safety tips in Nkuringo sector

Safety measures are a priority in the Nkuringo sector because they protect both wildlife and the tourists from any danger. The following are the safety guidelines:

• Maintaining a 7-meter distance from the mountain gorillas to prevent the spread of diseases to the endangered species.
• Following the rangers’ instructions since they guide you on how to interact and approach the wildlife in the forest.
• Staying along the forest trails to prevent getting lost while in the jungle.
• Avoid littering in the park to prevent mountain gorillas from consuming the plastics.

In conclusion

The Nkuringo sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers an unforgettable experience through following the safety guidelines that promote conservation efforts and local communities.