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.
The family is led by a silverback named Christmas because he was born on Christmas Day.
This group has 9 members: 1 silverback, 1 blackback, 3 females, and 1 baby gorilla. More members are expected to join the family over time.
Tourists who book Kigali-to-Bwindi gorilla trekking 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,” which means “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. Some options include:
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
- Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
- Chameleon Hill Lodge
To trek a mountain gorilla family, visitors need to get a gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a tour company.
Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 per person. Gorilla habituation permits, which allow for a longer experience, cost $1,500 per person.
Best Time to Visit 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.
