Overview
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of Africa’s most biologically diverse and ecologically important forests. Best known as a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorilla, Bwindi is home to more than half of the world’s population, but its history and significance go far beyond tourism. At 330 km2, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is renowned for its dense vegetation, ancient trees, and significant role in conserving the endangered mountain gorillas. In 1991, Bwindi was gazetted as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a decision primarily aimed at conserving the endangered mountain gorilla population. In recognition of its unique biodiversity and critical role in the survival of mountain gorillas, Bwindi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. This status heightened international attention on the forest’s conservation, helping bring in funds for research, anti-poaching efforts, and sustainable tourism. Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it one of the most important conservation areas for this species.
The Nkuringo Sector is located in the southern part of the park and is home to three fully habituated families. Seated near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the sector is known for its beautiful views of the Virunga volcanoes, rugged terrain, and intimate gorilla trekking experiences. The sector lies in Kisoro district, is accessible from Kisoro town, and the area overlooks the Virunga volcanoes and the Kashasha River Valley, offering dramatic views. Nkuringo is one of the best regions for gorilla trekking in Uganda, especially for visitors seeking quieter trails and fewer tourists. Also note that the Nkuringo sector is the most physically demanding in Bwindi due to its steep slopes and high elevation, making it ideal for physically fit travelers, want fewer crowds and value a deeper wilderness experience.
Currently, the Nkuringo gorilla sector has three gorilla families open for trekking as mentioned below:
Nkuringo gorilla family:
The Nkuringo gorilla family was the first family to be habituated in the sector, hence the origin of its name, which means ‘rolling hills’. The group was opened for tourists in 2004 and started with 19 individuals, with the dominant silverback as Nkuringo. Nkuringo later died in 2008, and one of his sons, Safari, with the help of his brothers, assumed leadership, but later Rafiki took full control after Safari went missing. Unfortunately, Rafiki was speared down by hunters in 2020, leaving a vacuum which was filled by Rwamutwe till now.
The Nkuringo gorilla family is the first group to record the birth of twins in December 2004, by much as one of the twins didn’t make it due to an illness after only 18 months. The group spends the bigger part of its time feeding outside the park, hence the establishment of a buffer zone to reduce human-gorilla interaction and conflict. The Nkuringo family offers a compelling blend of rich history, dynamic family stories, and significant conservation impact.
Bushaho gorilla family:
The Bushaho gorilla family was established in 2012, following the departure of several individuals, including silverback Bahati, from the Nkuringo family, who formed a separate group in the same area. Currently, the group has 10 individuals with Bahati as the dominant silverback, and the name was gotten from a place where the group was first sighted. It is believed that Bahati is very entertaining, which played a role in attracting the first group of individuals to join the group. The formation of Bushaho created additional tourism capacity in Nkuringo, easing pressure on the original family and bringing more support to local conservation efforts.
Christmas gorilla family:
The Christmas gorilla family is one of the newly habituated gorilla families whose dominant silverback is Christmas, as he was born on December 25th. Since the group broke away from the Nkuringo gorilla family, they didn’t have to undergo a new habituation process. The group has 9 members, opened for tourism in 2018, with the newest female individual born on January 20th, 2022, increasing the size. In summary, the Christmas Gorilla Family is a relatively new but fully habituated group.