3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo

Overview  3 days Uganda gorilla trekking Nkuringo takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to track the endangered mountain gorillas. This is one of the best short gorilla safari packages and it allows you to explore habituated gorilla families in the Nkuringo sector in the Southern side of Bwindi National Park. This short Uganda safari trip includes gorilla trekking and a cultural visit to Batwa Community. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a magical national park is located in extreme southwestern Uganda. In 1991, Bwindi was primarily established to protect a section of the massive mountain gorillas which currently remain not more than 1063 in the world. This splendid Uganda safari park extends on a land area of 331sq.km and stretches along the edge of the rift valley area. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is composed of 4 regions- Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma each of which has got habituated families accounting for the park’s 20 gorillas groups. The 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking Nkuringo sector will begin and end in Kampala/Entebbe or alternatively, travel from Kigali in Rwanda via Katuna or Chanika border to Nkuringo sector for gorilla tracking. 

Brief Itinerary for 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking Nkuringo safari

• Day 1: Travel to Nkuringo sector of Bwindi National Park
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking Nkuringo region & Batwa community visit
• Day 3: Return to Kampala or Entebbe 

Detailed itinerary for 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking Nkuringo

Day 1: Travel to Nkuringo sector of Bwindi National Park

Have an early morning breakfast at a hotel in Kampala and after, you will meet with your Uganda safari guide/leader for a briefing about 3 days of Uganda gorilla trekking Nkuringo safari. After the briefing, begin the long journey of 8-9 hours’ drive via Mbarara-Kabale/Kisoro route with en-route stopover be made at the Equator for photography & at Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch. 

Enjoy en-route views of the rolling hills in Kigezi Highlands, Southwestern Uganda. Upon early arrival, check into your accommodation at the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. 

Accommodation choices 

• Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge/Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge/Gorilla Heights Lodge
• Mid-range: Nkuringo Gorilla Camp/Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Budget/basic: Bwindi Backpackers Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla trekking Nkuringo region & Batwa community visit

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in the Nkuringo sector: Enjoy early morning breakfast and after, get to the Nkuringo area for briefing about gorilla trekking regulations from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park official. The park office will also allocate to you any of the 3 groups (Nkuringo, Christmas, and Bushaho) of gorillas to track in a group of 8 visitors and the actual trek begins at 8:00 am. 

Trek takes you through challenging elevation, rainforest, and depending on your level of physical fitness, expect to spend 2-6 hours. This is inclusive of one hour of face-to-face interaction, taking pictures, and learning more about the behaviors of mountain gorillas. 

Being a long day experience, you will need some packed lunch/snacks and bottled water to keep you fit. After your interaction in the wild with endangered gorillas, walk back to the briefing point (Nkuringo) to get your gorilla trekking certificate then connect to the lodge for some relaxation.

In the evening, you will be part of a rewarding Batwa cultural experience in the Nkuringo area. Learn more on how Batwa lived for over 500,000 years as hunters and gatherers, get entertained from dances and music performances then return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight stay. 

Accommodation choices 

• Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge/Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge/Gorilla Heights Lodge
• Mid-range: Nkuringo Gorilla Camp/Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Budget/basic: Bwindi Backpackers Lodge

Day 3: Return to Kampala or Entebbe

Following a hefty breakfast, check out of accommodation at the Nkuringo region. After, drive back in a 4WD vehicle to Kampala or Entebbe with lunch stopover to be made at Igongo Cultural Centre and proceed to the Equator for photography. Purchase some souvenirs the proceed to Kampala marking the end of 3 days of Uganda gorilla trekking Nkuringo.

End of Uganda gorilla safari in Nkuringo

3 days Uganda gorilla trekking Nkuringo inclusions

• Gorilla permit (USD700)
• Visit Batwa community 
• Fulltime English-speaking driver/guide
• All trip activities for 3 days except optional ones
• All relevant Uganda government taxes
• Travel on the ground using 4WD

3 days Uganda gorilla trekking Nkuringo exclusions

• Airfares
• Visa fees
• Laundry 
• Souvenirs
• All optional activities on your 3 days gorilla tour Nkuringo
• Telephone bills
• Cigarettes 
• Tips
• Insurance 

What to pack/carry for your gorilla safari in Nkuringo

• Gorilla permits
• Daypack
• Camera with no flashlight & should be good
• Insect repellent
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Sweater
• Rain jacket 
• Gardening gloves