The Nkuringo family is found in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It was one of the largest groups habituated in the park. The family was first led by a silverback named Nkuringo, who later died, and leadership passed to another silverback called Safari.
This group was habituated in 2004. Its name comes from a local word meaning “round hills,” because it was first seen near Nkuringo Hill, which has a round crest. Nkuringo is also one of the few gorilla families in Bwindi to have had twins.
Trekking this family is a special experience as it also offers chances to see other primates, birds, and good opportunities for photography.
Trekking the Nkuringo Gorilla Group
Nkuringo is one of the hardest families to trek because of the steep terrain. Experienced hikers often request this group during the morning briefing. However, tourists cannot choose a specific family when booking permits. Allocation is done on the day of trekking, based on age, fitness, and other factors. If you book a permit in the Rushaga sector, you may get the chance to trek the Nkuringo family.
A gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person. For those who want more time with gorillas, the habituation experience in Rushaga sector costs $1,500 per person and allows four hours with the gorillas.
Gorilla trekking is possible all year round, but the best time is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February, when the trails are easier to hike.
Mountain gorillas live in social groups of 5 to 30 individuals, led by an alpha male called a silverback. Female gorillas care for their young until they are about 5 to 6 years old. When a baby gorilla is born, it is very vulnerable, just like a human baby. It survives on breast milk and spends most of the time clinging to its mother’s belly or back.
By the age of four years, young gorillas stop breastfeeding and begin to eat plants with the help of their mothers. At this stage, they also stop sleeping in their mother’s nest and start building their own, usually close to the mother.
Female gorillas reach sexual maturity earlier than males. Females become active at around 8 years, while males become active at about 12 years. When males grow into silverbacks, they may challenge the group leader to take over or leave with some members to form a new family. Some silverbacks choose to live alone as lone males.
Book your Uganda tours with these recommended Uganda tour companies for a well planned safari. Use the Voucher: UTBlog for up to 25% Discounts on Trips.
