Nkuringo means 'round hill', and the sector is exactly that: a ridge on the south-western edge of Bwindi with the forest dropping steeply away below it and the Virunga volcanoes lined up across the valley. It has the best view of any trailhead in the park and, reliably, the hardest walk.
Why the trek is harder here
The briefing point sits high on the ridge and the gorillas usually feed low in the valley. That means you descend a long way — sometimes 600 vertical metres — find the family, spend your hour, and then climb all of it back out in the afternoon heat. Treks of six to eight hours are normal rather than exceptional.
Be honest with yourself about this one
Nkuringo rewards strong hikers and punishes everyone else. If you are not confident, trek from Buhoma or Ruhija instead and come to Nkuringo for the view and the lodges. If you do trek here, take two porters and start well hydrated. A vehicle can sometimes meet you at the bottom of the valley to save the climb out — ask us to arrange it in advance.
The gorilla families
The Nkuringo family was habituated in 1997 after repeatedly raiding village crops, and remains the sector's main group. Christmas and Bushaho also trek from here, with Bushaho available for the four-hour habituation experience. Numbers are small, permits are limited, and they go early.
Getting there
- From Kisoro: about 1.5 hours on a steep murram road.
- From Kigali: 4–5 hours via Cyanika — as quick as Rushaga.
- From Buhoma: around 4 hours by road, or a 3–4 hour walk through the forest along the Ivi River trail, which is a superb day in itself.
Where to stay
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge sits on the ridge with what is probably the best view from any lodge in Uganda, and is part-owned by the local community. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Gorilla Heights Lodge cover the mid-range, and there are simple guesthouses in Nkuringo village. Lake Mutanda, 45 minutes away, is a lovely alternative base. More in our lodge guide.
What else to do
The Ivi River trail to Buhoma, canoeing on Lake Mutanda beneath the volcanoes, and the Nkuringo community walk, which is one of the better-run village experiences in the region. Nkuringo also makes a natural pairing with Mgahinga for golden monkeys and the Batwa Trail, an hour and a half away.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the Nkuringo gorilla trek?
It is the most demanding sector in Bwindi. The trailhead is high and the gorillas usually feed low in the valley, so you descend steeply and climb back out. Six to eight hours is common. Strong hikers only, or arrange a vehicle pickup in the valley.
Which gorilla families are in Nkuringo?
Nkuringo, Christmas and Bushaho. Bushaho is also used for the four-hour habituation experience.
Can you walk from Nkuringo to Buhoma?
Yes — the Ivi River trail crosses the forest in three to four hours with a ranger escort and is one of the best walks in the park. Your luggage goes round by vehicle.
Next
Keep planning
- All four Bwindi sectors — compared side by side
- Permits and costs — US$800 and what it covers
- Bwindi lodges — including lodges in this sector
- 3-day Bwindi safari — trek from any sector
Enquire
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