The Christmas gorilla family is one of the newly habituated groups in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The addition of the Christmas gorilla family has increased the number of permits available in the Nkuringo sector from 16 to 24 per day. Book a Uganda trek to see how a visit here fits into your safari.
The family is led by a silverback named Christmas, so named because he was born on Christmas Day. This group has 9 members: 1 silverback, 1 blackback, 3 females, and 1 baby gorilla, with more members expected to join over time.
Tourists who book Kigali-to-Bwindi tours can also trek this family.
Other Gorilla Families in Nkuringo
Nkuringo Gorilla Family
The Nkuringo gorilla family was the first group in this sector of Bwindi to be opened for tourism, in 2004. The family is named “Nkuringo,” meaning “round,” because they were first seen on Nkuringo Hill in Bwindi.
This group was habituated to stop conflicts with the local community, as the gorillas used to forage in their gardens. Habituation protected the gorillas and also allowed the community to benefit from tourism.
Nkuringo, the silverback who originally led the group, died in 2008. The group now has 19 members, including 2 silverbacks, and is one of the few gorilla families to have had twins.
Where to Stay in Nkuringo
There are many lodges and hotels in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi where tourists can stay, including Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, and Chameleon Hill Lodge.
To trek a mountain gorilla family, visitors need to obtain a gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a tour company. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 per person, while gorilla habituation permits, which allow for a longer experience, cost $1,500 per person.
Best Time to Visit the Christmas Gorilla Group
Mountain gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year, but some months are better than others.
The best time to trek the Christmas gorilla family is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During this time, the roads leading to the park are easier to navigate, the trekking trails are in better condition, and the vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot gorillas and take photos.
Why the Christmas Family Matters for Nkuringo Trekkers
As one of Nkuringo’s newer habituated families, the Christmas group has meaningfully eased permit pressure in a sector that’s long been popular with travelers combining a Kigali arrival with Uganda gorilla trekking. With more permits now available across both the Christmas and Nkuringo families, visitors have a better chance of securing a spot in this sector, known for its striking views of the Virunga volcanoes and its comparatively challenging terrain.
