Nkuringo Sector

The Nkuringo sector of Bwindi opened for gorilla tracking in 2004. Covering the southwestern part of the forest, it’s just 40km north of Kisoro, but extremely undeveloped on account of its location on a dead end road ending at the nearby DRC border. Nkuringo is an extremely beautiful area with good potential for hiking. The approach along the Nteko Ridge provides grandstand views across the Kashasha river valley to the Bwindi forest which cloaks its northern slopes. Nkuringo means round stone and refers to a knoll-like forested hill beside the river, dwarfed by loftier ridges above it. To the south and west, superb panoramas include the western Rift Valley and the entire length of the virunga volcanic range.

Getting There

As the crow flies, Buhoma is just 10 km from Bwindi’s second gorilla tracking location at Nkuringo on the southern edge of the forest. However this distance is covered by the Impenetrable Forest. However this distance is covered by the Impenetrable Forest and the lovely walk between the two sites takes at least four hours. The Nkuringo trailhead lies on the isolated Nteko Ridge which enjoys grandstand views across Bwindi forest to the north and towards the Virunga volcanoes in the south.

Gorilla tracking is the primary activity at Nkuringo. Visitors should be fit as the park boundary lies in a steep valley 600m below the road. This provides good exercise before and after tracking gorillas.

Gorilla Groups

One group of gorillas has been habituated at Nkuringo. This consists of 21 individuals, two silverbacks, four black backed males, four adult females, six sub adults and juveniles and five infants, including twins born in 2009. The group ranges over a 10km section of the Kashasha river valley which forms the boundary of the national park. They are usually encountered in the forest but do also range along the public lands to eat crops on the southern slopes of the valley.

Gorilla families in Nkuringo region

The Nkuringo area is in the southern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is one of the best regions to catch a glimpse at the mountain gorillas in the wild.

Christmas gorilla family

Christmas gorilla group is one exceptional gorilla group to explore, especially for those of you who are interested in new experiences. This gorilla group is comprised of 9 individuals and Christmas is its leader.

Bushaho group

Bushaho gorilla family is currently open for trekking although it was previously set for habituation experience. It is made of 11 members, including 4 adult females, 2 sub-adult females, 3 infants, 1 silverback and 1 blackback. Habituation process for this group began in 2012.

Nkuringo gorilla family

Nkuringo group is named after Nkuringo sector of Bwindi National Park. It underwent habituation process in 2004 under the leadership of Nkuringo silverback who passed on 2008. Currently, 19 members make up this incredible habituated group.

In summary, every habituated gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has something unique to offer trekkers on Uganda gorilla safari.

Things to Do in Nkuringo

Gorilla tracking: The staging point for gorilla tracking is the small UWA office in Ntungamo trading center on the Nteko Ridge above the park boundary. You need to check in at 8:00am. Nkuringo is the most physically challenging of all gorilla tracking locations. Unlike existing tracking sites at Buhoma and Mgahinga, there is no vehicle access from the Nteko ridge to the park boundary which follows the Kashasha River. The closest road is the Rubugiri Ntungamo Nteko road on the ridge 600m above the river. Trackers face a steep one hour descent simply in order to cross the river and enter the forest. After the arduous but rewarding business of gorilla tracking, you will face a one two hour climb back up to the ridge. This is not a problem for the fit, but Nkuringo is definitely not for the unfit or faint hearted. A number of routes have been improved by the addition of steps and gentler switchback turns. The gorillas range along the Kashasha valley so you can walk or drive to the most convenient descent. Its hotter on the open hillside than in the forest so do take plenty of water with you. Porters can be hired to carry your bag to and from the forest if required for only 10 dollars.

Hiking

Nkuringo is a superbly scenic area with great potential for hiking outside the forest. It is suggested, that though, that is not an area for haphazard exploration, though in all probability the available options are pretty limited. The steep nature of Nteko Ridge means that the main alternatives for a pleasant stroll are either west along the ridge top road towards DRC or east towards Rubugeri. Bear in mind that Ntungamo lies about 8km from the Congolese border and it is a sensitive area. Tourism development has been subject to all manner of evaluation to ensure visitor safety. It’s most unlikely that you would wander off into DRC, or indeed be allowed to.

Nkuringo community walk

This worthwhile activity run by the local community provides insights into Bakiga life and culture with visits to a traditional healer, blacksmith, brewer and homestead in the activity of Ntungamo village. The walk can be arranged through Ntungamo campground.

Nkuringo Community
Villagers at Nkuringo operate a community walk that visits a traditional healer, rural homestead, blacksmith and brewers.