Gorilla & Nkuringo Hiking Trail – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
High Altitude treks
LOCATION
days
Experience the ultimate combination of wildlife adventure and cultural immersion with the Gorilla & Nkuringo Hiking Trail. This multi-day journey weaves through the lush montane forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, while linking remote villages along the Nkuringo sector. Hikers enjoy breathtaking forest scenery, encounters with rare wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences with local communities, all while trekking through challenging terrain.
DETAILED itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Nkuringo Sector Arrive at the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi and meet your guide for a briefing on gorilla trekking and the multi-day hiking itinerary. Spend the afternoon exploring the local village, learning about Batwa culture, and preparing for the trek. Accommodation: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge / Community Guesthouse Meals: Dinner Day 2: Village Trek & Gorilla Trek Preparation Begin your hike from village to village, passing through coffee plantations, terraced fields, and forest edges. Stop at local communities to interact with residents, learn traditional practices, and enjoy scenic viewpoints. Afternoon briefing prepares you for the gorilla trekking the next day. Trekking Time: 4–6 hours Highlights: Village visits, forest edge trails, panoramic valley views Accommodation: Nkuringo Lodge or Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 3: Gorilla Trekking – Nkuringo Sector Wake up early for gorilla trekking. Guided by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, trek into the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Spend up to one hour observing these gentle giants, learning about their behaviors and interactions. After the trek, descend to the lodge for rest or continue hiking to nearby villages depending on your itinerary. Trekking Time: 6–8 hours (including gorilla trek) Highlights: Mountain gorilla encounter, birdwatching, forest flora Accommodation: Nkuringo Lodge / Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4: Extended Village Hike Continue your village-to-village hike along forest trails, connecting communities while traversing ridges and valleys. Engage with local residents, witness traditional farming methods, and enjoy panoramic views of Bwindi’s unique montane landscape. Trekking Time: 5–7 hours Highlights: Remote village life, forest ecosystems, community interactions Accommodation: Nkuringo Lodge / Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 5: Descent & Departure Conclude the hiking adventure with a descent to the Nkuringo trailhead. Transfer to Kisoro or Bwindi access points for onward travel, carrying memories of gorilla encounters, cultural experiences, and scenic trekking across one of Uganda’s most iconic landscapes. Trekking Time: 3–5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
All Year Round
INCLUDED
Professional guide(s) Accommodation (type and quality) Meals (if applicable) Park fees / entry permits Equipment (if any) Transport (if provided)
ADDTIONAL NOTES
What to Bring Hiking boots and gaiters Lightweight trekking gear and warm layers Rain jacket and poncho Daypack with water and snacks Camera and binoculars Best Time to The optimal periods for hiking and gorilla trekking are during the dry seasons: June–September and December–February, offering more accessible trails and better wildlife viewing conditions. Traverse Bwindi’s mystical forests, connect with local communities, and meet mountain gorillas face-to-face. The Gorilla & Nkuringo Hiking Trail offers a strenuous but unforgettable journey through Uganda’s most treasured wilderness.]
LIVE. LAUGH. TREK.