Uganda offers different gorilla groups to trackers
in its only gorilla destination in Bwindi impenetrable forest. Among the groups
are the Habinyinja, Bitukula, Mubare, Nkuringo, Mishaya, and Ruhija among others.
This time round, let’s talk about the Nkuringo
group. When you get closer to the starting point where trekkers set off for
Nkuringo group, it’s only the UWA park grass searched offices with a decent
outside toilet just outside near the offices.....use it! Bwindi is an
incredible and amazing forest which is not like any other forest you have ever
seen! And a home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
It not an easy climb to get to this group, at one
point along the trekking trail, you will have to cross some small rivers/
creeks, then walking up huge, steep mountains, then in dark, black, lightless
parts of the forest with 7 ft. Ferns, making the trek so adventurous!
There at times when they move very far almost at
the edge of the park just 3kilometers from the border of Uganda and Democratic
Republic of Congo. It is a total of 7 hours of which 6 hour are spent while
having a serious climb in search for these apes and the 1 hr is spent with the
gorillas.
There is some small path to climb, but most of the
time is spent hiking through the forest with little or no path and making tight-fittings to the steep mountain edge so you didn't slide 1000 ft down the mountain.
A hiking stick and hiring a porter are very
important and highly recommended to all trekkers however a USD20 pay is almost
nothing to the different times they will save your life several times as you
try to slide on a wet, steep and slippery terrain.
It’s well known that this is the most challenging
group of gorillas to be trekked however it is liked by many clients who prefer
hiking because it has the most difficult terrain to climb.
To add on that, it is the most incredible trek with
lots of scenic views of bwindi
impenetrable forest including dramatic views of several tree species, forest
elephants, other primates like the black and white colobous monkeys, live
baboon, blue checked mangabey and many more.
A point of advice goes to those who are week and
more so trekkers who are old aged that is to say 50-60 yrs and above, that they
should always opt for the easy groups in the Buhoma side of the park and always
do some bodies exercise a month before the trekking day as this will make you
fit to complete the trek. Most tourists acknowledge that it is an awesome hike
to the gorillas but it’s too fantastic when the rain gets you there along with
the gorillas in the wild.
Clients that have visited the Nkuringo gorilla
group say that once they where there, they went closer for about 6-8 meters
from the silver back of this gorilla group and other 9 gorillas were above in
the tree branches. But they where able to capture a video of some which where
walking close to them and also took memorable pictures of the others gorillas
which were swinging in the tree branches as well as the nearby silverback. They
added that “I could have stayed with them all day! The forest is wonderful and
very primordial in looking....the gorilla encounter is something few people
have ever get to do. It was really a remarkable trek!”
After the gorilla trek, there are several
activities you may do among which is a visit to the Batwa/pygmy people just
near the staring point of Nkuringo group. This rewards magnificent views along
with a chance to explore their unique culture plus a great opportunity of
opportunity of interacting with them as your safari guide will be translating
for you as you interact with them, learn about their former culture of staying
in the forest, their new life on the government.
"Reservation"
and their adjustment to wearing clothing, living in permanent structures now,
and changing from hunting to farming.
You will also get to see their craft work which you will admire,
cultural dances, demonstrations of their bow/spear technique...making really an
amazing tour! It is only a cost of $25 for a visit to these people but it is
much more worth it! This Batwa visit is always done a day after the trekking
day or in the evening after trekking the gorillas however if all done on the
same day, that is to say gorilla trekking with Batwa visit, you really don’t
get enough time to explore much more of their culture
You may also take a forest walk in Bwindi
impenetrable forest for sights of different bird species as well as the flora
and fauna with in this forest.
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