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Nkuringo Gorilla Sector

Nkuringo Gorilla Sector -

Nkuringo Gorilla Sector

Nkuringo Gorilla Sector: Located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Nkuringo gorilla sector is a lesser-known but equally captivating destination for gorilla trekking enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the sector’s history, geography, and attractions, as well as provide practical information for planning your visit.

History of Nkuringo Gorilla Sector

Nkuringo gorilla sector was habituated in 2004, with the Nkuringo gorilla family being the first to get habituated. And the habituation process started long way from 1997 . The sector was opened to tourism in 2005, providing a new and exciting destination for gorilla trekking enthusiasts.

Geography and Climate

Nkuringo gorilla sector is situated in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, approximately 45 kilometers from the park’s headquarters in Buhoma. The sector is characterized by rugged terrain, with steep hills and scenic valleys.

The climate in Nkuringo is typical of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with two rainy seasons (March to May and September to November) and two dry seasons (December to February and June to August). The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, making it an ideal destination for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Families in Nkuringo gorilla sector

Nkuringo gorilla sector is home to three habituated gorilla families:

Nkuringo Gorilla Family: This family was the first to get habituated in the sector in the year 1997 under the leadership of Nkuringo silverback gorilla. It continued to expand in the year 2004 where the family received twins. More so, the family started with 17 family members at the time of habituation under the leadership of Nkurigo silverback gorilla that died in 2012 at the age of 45 years. The family is now led by of Rafiki

Bushaho Gorilla Family: This family was the 2nd one to be habituated after Nkuringo gorilla family. Bushaho family was formed after some of of Nkuringo family members breaking away from the family and joined other unhabituated members to form Bushaho family. This gorilla family is now led by Bahati silverback gorilla. In addition,  this family is known for its playful and curious nature.

Christmas Gorilla Family: This family was habituated in 2015 and is led by the dominant silverback, Christmas. The silverback Christmas was born on 25th December, therefore, its where the name Christmas  was driven from. This family has 9 members however 6 members is are normally spotted during trekking.

Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo

Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo is a challenging but rewarding experience. The trek can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas and the pace of the group. In this sector of 3 family gorups, 24 gorilla permits are available on a daily basis.

In addition, the trekking process begins with a briefing at the sector’s headquarters, where you’ll receive information on the gorillas, the terrain, and the rules of gorilla trekking.

Once you’ve located the gorillas, you’re allowed to spend one hour observing these magnificent creatures up close. And this is a truly unforgettable experience, and one that will leave you in awe of these incredible animals.

Other Activities in Nkuringo sector

In addition to gorilla trekking, Nkuringo offers a range of other activities, including:

Nature Walks: Take a guided walk through the forest, exploring the sector’s diverse flora and fauna.

Birdwatching: Nkuringo is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

 Community Visits: Visit the local communities, learning about their culture and way of life.

Getting There

Nkuringo gorilla sector is located approximately 45 kilometers from the park’s headquarters in Buhoma. Therefore,  journey takes around 2-3 hours by car, depending on the road conditions.

In addition, there are also regular bus services from Kampala to Kisoro, the nearest town to Nkuringo. And from Kisoro, you can take a taxi or hire a car to Nkuringo.

In Conclusion therefore, 

Nkuringo gorilla sector is a hidden gem in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With its challenging terrain, breathtaking views, and intimate gorilla trekking experience, Nkuringo is an ideal destination for adventure-seekers and nature lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned gorilla trekker or just starting to plan your trip, Nkuringo gorilla sector is definitely worth considering.

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