Fly-in to Nkuringo to See Mountain Gorillas: Nkuringo sector is situated in the Southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National park. The park is located in the South western part of Uganda, 550km from Kampala. Bwindi at large has the highest number of mountain gorillas left in the world. These are divided amongst four of its sectors namely; Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga and Nkuringo sector.
Gorilla families
Nkuringo sector has three habituated gorilla families open for trekking. Nkuringo gorilla family was the first gorilla group in this sector that was habituated in 2004. Bushaho gorilla family consists of 11 members including some of the members who left the Nkuringo family like Bahati silverback.
Bahati is now the dominant leader of 4 adult females, 2 semi-adult females, 1 black back and 3 infants. There is also the famous Christmas gorilla family which has 9 members. However, trekkers can only see 6 members during trekking. The gorilla group gets its name from a dominant silver back which was born on Christmas and has 1 silver back, 3 adult females, 1 infant and 1 black back.
Gorilla trekking
For those interested in gorilla trekking, it should be remembered that Uganda is one of the few countries with the endangered gorilla species in the whole world. Trekking usually starts at exactly 8:00AM where guides and trackers escort the trekkers into the jungle. Trekkers have only one hour to observing the gorillas, learn about their lifestyles, behaviors and habits. Also, during the activity, trekkers can take plenty of photos of the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking permit
Gorilla trekking requires you to have a permit and this is the only way that you can go trekking. Permit costs are US 700$ for the foreign nonresidents, US 600$ for foreign residents and UG 250000 for east African residents. You should book the gorilla trekking permit in advance before departing from your country. This is important to avoid inconveniences and disappointments especially during the peak seasons of the year when there is less rainfall. The months of January, February, June, July, August and September usually sell out very fast and therefore early booking is necessary.
Organizing a Fly-in to Nkuringo to See Mountain Gorillas
Flights
Aero link is a domestic flight in Uganda which operates both scheduled and charter flights to Bwindi national park. As you plan to track in Nkuringo sector which is in the Southern part of Bwindi, you should book flights to Kisoro airstrip. You can book these flights from Kajjansi airstrip and Entebbe international airport.
Aero link operates two flights one in the morning leaving at 8AM and the other leaving at 12PM. It always requires a passenger to check in 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your flight. Aero link allows a language of only 15KGs and any excess attracts a cost of 3 dollars per kilogram.
There are also private chattered flights available for different timing and routings where a kid below 2 years is for free and children below 12 years pay 70% of the adult’s fare.
Best time to go for trekking after your fly-in to Nkuringo plan
The fact that Bwindi national park is a tropical rain forest and it is under the tropics, expect rainfall anytime of the year. This should always find you prepared with your rain jackets, waterproof hiking boots, long sleeved dull shirt, long trousers, a pair of gardening glove, insect repellants, a hat and sunscreen, camera and binoculars to make your hiking experience better.
Alas, the dry season has always been the best time to go trekking when there is less rainfall or no rainfall expected to interrupt you during your trek. The months of January, February, June, July, august and September present the best time for trekking. However, sometimes the rainy season is the best for trekking because the gorillas don’t move a lot. This is because food is readily available which in turn makes them easy to trace and see. Additionally, there are discounts on the accommodation facilities from the various lodges.
Accommodation facilities in Nkuringo
Nkuringo sector has most of the high end luxury lodges excellent for a stay as they offer a number of different services. There are also other accommodation facilities ranging from mid-range to budget facilities. These accommodation facilities vary in prices and services starting from budget accommodation, midrange accommodation and luxury accommodation in Nkuringo sector. Since it is a famous area for visitors, there are plenty of hotels here from which you can make your choice. Ensure that you book your accommodation in time to avoid disappointments especially during the peak seasons of the year.
Lodges in Nkuringo sector include the following; Rushaga gorilla camp, four gorilla lounge Nkuringo; Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lounge, clouds mountain gorilla lounge. Most of these are exquisite lodges (hand craft in nature) with excellent views of the forest and the lake.
Booking a fly-in to Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector.
Once you decide to book your trip with Pamoja tours and travel company, we will help you make travel arrangements for all your needs. Our company has gained experience over years in organizing the best and most memorable trips with tailor-made booking safari. The first thing to do when it comes to booking a safari is getting a legit and experienced safari operator. We will help you book all your permits and other services necessary in advance.
