The Nkuringo sector sits on a high ridge on the south-western edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with some of the finest views in Uganda: forested valleys below and the Virunga volcanoes on the horizon. It is the most physically demanding place to trek gorillas in Bwindi — the trail drops steeply into the valley, so the hardest climb comes at the end of the day — but it is quieter than the northern sectors and very rewarding for fit trekkers.
Nkuringo Sector Gorilla Trekking Highlights
›Spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes from the ridge
›Gorilla trekking with the Nkuringo family and others
›Bwindi’s most demanding treks — best for fit hikers
›Fewer visitors than Buhoma or Rushaga
›Close to Rushaga, Lake Mutanda and Kisoro
"The best moments here aren't the ones you plan for — they're the ones your guide sees coming a few seconds before you do."
Nkuringo at a Glance
Fact
Details
Location
South-western Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, on the Nteko ridge
Gorilla families
A few, including the Nkuringo family, habituated in the early 2000s
Trek difficulty
Demanding — steep descent and a hard climb back
Getting there
About 1–1.5 hours from Kisoro; around an hour from Rushaga; 4–5 hours from Kigali
Views
The Virunga volcanoes and the forest below
Best for
Fit trekkers who want scenery and a quieter trail
Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo
After the morning briefing at the Nkuringo park office, groups head down from the ridge into the forest, often on steep slopes through farmland and then thick vegetation. Reaching the gorillas can be quick or take several hours, and the climb back to the ridge comes when you are already tired, so a porter and walking stick make a real difference. The permit price (currently US$800 for foreign non-residents), the hour with the gorillas and the rules are the same as elsewhere in Bwindi. Read a first-hand account of trekking to the Nkuringo family and our gorilla trekking guide.
Is Nkuringo Right for You?
Choose Nkuringo if you are fit, enjoy a challenging hike and want views and a quieter experience. If you are unsure about your fitness, or travelling with older family members, Buhoma is usually a better fit. Many travellers combine Nkuringo with neighbouring Rushaga, which has more families and the habituation experience. See how difficult gorilla trekking is and how to prepare.
Things to Do Around Nkuringo
Ivi River Trail: a full-day guided forest hike north to Buhoma.
Community walks: visits to local farms, crafts and a traditional healer in the villages on the ridge.
Lake Mutanda: canoeing and walks on a beautiful lake with volcano views, near Kisoro.
From Kisoro: about 1–1.5 hours on a winding, scenic road; Kisoro airstrip has flights from Entebbe.
From Rushaga: around an hour.
From Kigali, Rwanda: about 4–5 hours via the Cyanika border and Kisoro.
From Entebbe: a full day by road, usually broken at Lake Mburo or Lake Bunyonyi.
Where to Stay in Nkuringo
There are fewer lodges than in Buhoma, but several are built along the ridge to make the most of the views over the forest and volcanoes, from community-run options to comfortable upmarket lodges. Book early, as rooms are limited. Some travellers stay in Rushaga or Kisoro instead.
Best Time to Trek in Nkuringo
Trekking runs all year, but the drier months — June to September and December to February — make a real difference here, as the steep slopes become slippery and tiring in the rain. Clear mornings in the dry season also give the best volcano views. See gorilla trekking in the rainy season.
Start Planning
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Good To Know
Nkuringo Sector Gorilla Trekking FAQs
It is generally considered the most demanding, because of the steep descent and the long climb back up to the ridge at the end of the day.
Yes, even if you are fit. A porter carries your bag and helps on the steepest sections, and the fee supports local families.
On a clear day, yes: the Virunga volcanoes line the horizon above the forest, and many lodges look straight out at them.
Yes. They are about an hour apart, so many travellers trek in one and do the habituation experience or a second trek in the other.
Two nights is ideal, so you can rest after the trek and enjoy the views.
Plan Your Nkuringo Trek
Tell us your dates and a little about your fitness. We will check Nkuringo permit availability, or suggest a better-suited sector, and plan your stay with lodges and onward travel.
