Which Gorilla Family to Trek in Nkuringo Region on My Safari?

Choosing the Perfect Gorilla Family for Your Nkuringo Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Exploring Gorilla Tracking in Nkuringo Region

If you’re embarking on a thrilling gorilla tracking tour within Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, you’ll find yourself with the exciting task of choosing which gorilla family to track. This lush park is divided into four sectors, each offering unique gorilla tracking experiences. Among these sectors is Nkuringo, situated in the southern part of Bwindi forest and home to three distinct gorilla families.

Nkuringo Sector: An Adventurous Gorilla Trek

Tracking mountain gorillas in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest promises an adventurous and challenging experience. Nkuringo is a location that captures the essence of untamed beauty, where the scenery transforms throughout the day, from the mystical morning mist to the enchanting sunset.

Meet the Gorilla Families of Nkuringo

Nkuringo Gorilla Family

Comprising 12 individuals, the Nkuringo Gorilla family tells a story of resilience and survival. This family once had 19 members but saw members dispersing over time. Sadly, the silverback leader was brutally murdered by poachers in June 2020. The group now consists of 2 Blackbacks, 2 Adult females, 3 Sub-adults, 2 juveniles, and 2 infants. Remarkably, Nkuringo Gorilla family made history by recording the birth of Gorilla ‘twins’ in December 2004. They are known for foraging outside the park for a significant portion of their time.

Christmas Gorilla Family

The Christmas Gorilla family’s habituation process commenced in early 2012. It was initiated to monitor former members of the dispersed Mishaya family, which had fragmented in the forest. Located in Nkuringo tourism sector, this family consists of 9 individuals, including 1 Silverback, 4 adult females, 1 sub-adult, 1 juvenile, and 2 infants.

Bushaho Gorilla Family

Following the dispersal of individual gorillas from the Nkuringo Gorilla family, an exploratory search was conducted in early 2012. It was discovered that Silverback ‘Bahati,’ who had earlier dispersed, was leading a parallel family. The group was comprised of some former Nkuringo family members and non-habituated gorillas. What began as a follow-up exercise led to the habituation of this parallel family, now named ‘Bushaho’ after the local topography where they often forage. The Bushaho family is led by Bahati and consists of 8 individuals, including 1 silverback, 1 blackback, 3 adult females, 1 sub-adult, 1 juvenile, and 1 infant.

Beyond Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo

While gorilla trekking is the highlight of any visit to Nkuringo, there’s much more to explore in this captivating region. Nkuringo offers breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that are best experienced in person, providing an opportunity for memorable moments beyond photographs. You can embark on nature walks, including the “Top of the World” trail, where you can gaze into the vast landscape, extending into Congo. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Nkuringo village and learning about the customs and traditions of the indigenous people.

Additionally, you can indulge in various activities, such as day walking safaris to the Buhoma area or Kisoro via a Lake Mutanda boat ride. Nkuringo also offers the opportunity to track not only the Nkuringo Gorilla family but also the Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye Gorilla groups. You can engage in cultural tours of local villages, guided forest walks, birdwatching, scenic hikes, mountain biking, and more.

For more information about which gorilla family to track in the Nkuringo region and to secure guaranteed gorilla permits, reach out to Trek Africa Expeditions. They will assist you in planning an unforgettable gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.