Nkuringo Gorilla Permits | Check Availability & Numbers

Booking Nkuringo gorilla permits means trekking with mountain gorillas in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi. Nkuringo gorilla permits cost $800 per person in Uganda. Only eight permits are issued for each gorilla group per day.

The Nkuringo region is found in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in Kisoro District. It is located at a higher altitude of about 6,800 feet above sea level, making it one of the best places for scenic views. From here, you can see the Virunga mountain ranges.

This sector is a good choice for photographers and travelers who enjoy adventure, but it requires good physical fitness due to the steep terrain.

Nkuringo is also close to the Rushaga sector, where gorilla habituation experiences are available.

Permits should be booked well in advance, around 3 to 4 months before the trekking date, especially during the dry season when demand is high.

Gorilla permits for this sector are limited.

Popular Gorilla Families to Trek in Nkuringo

Nkuringo Gorilla Family: The Nkuringo gorilla family was the first habituated group in this sector and opened for trekking in 2004. It was originally led by a silverback named Nkuringo, who died four years after habituation. The name “Nkuringo” means “round hill” in the local language. This family once had twins, though sadly one died in infancy. The group is now led by a silverback named Safari and has 19 members. They are known for their playful nature, making them one of the most enjoyable families to visit.
Christmas Gorilla Family: The Christmas gorilla family is a newly habituated group in the Nkuringo sector. It is led by a silverback named Christmas and includes 6 members: 1 silverback, 1 blackback, 3 females, and 1 baby.

If lodges in Nkuringo are full, you can stay in the nearby Rushaga sector.

You can reach the Nkuringo sector by road, with a drive of 10 to 11 hours from Kampala.

There are also daily scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a short drive to Nkuringo.

You can also drive from Kigali in Rwanda to Bwindi National Park.

Nkuringo sector can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February.