Christmas Gorilla Group
Christmas Gorilla Group is the newest Gorilla group in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This group is the third gorilla group available for gorilla trekking in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi. Christmas gorilla group aptly named after the dominant silverback, “Christmas”. Who was born on Christmas day in the Nkuringo Group.
The Christmas gorilla group is ready for tracking for those visitors visiting the Nkuringo sector. The group currently has 9 members with only 1 silverback, however for some reasons. Trekkers are only able to see 6 members when they visit this family. The family had a recent addition of a new born baby to an adult female called Nyabwoba on January 2022. This makes the total number of members to 7. Nkuringo sector has 3 habituated gorilla groups which are; Nkuringo, Bushaho and Christmas. With these 3 gorilla groups, 24 gorilla permits from 8 are now available for tourists planning to track from this remarkable region/sector.
Generally, these mountain gorillas live in families of 5-30 or even more. And each group is led by a dominant silverback. Mountain Gorillas are shy creatures, humble and are massive. Trekking to see the Christmas gorilla group begins from Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, this takes about 2-6 hours depending on their location. A maximum of 1 full hour allowed for magical encounter with the gorillas. During this hour, you will get to observe the behaviours of each individual in the group. See how they go about their day to day life and also learn how they communicate with each other. Also, use this time to ask your ranger guide as many questions as possible and take countless pictures. To help you tell your memorable experience with Gorillas in Uganda.
Visitors advised to keep a distance of 8-10 meters away from these endangered mountain gorillas. In order to minimize any chances of them contracting infectious human diseases or disturbing their daily activities. While taking pictures, non-flashlight cameras are more advisable. After the experience, you then return to the briefing point where you awarded a gorilla trekking certificate, this certificate shows that you have successfully trekked the Mountain gorillas.
It should be noted that the Gorilla Permits in Uganda are booked depending on availability as per sector. You can book permits for the northern sector of Buhoma, Eastern sector of Ruhija or the Southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. Once you have known the region where your gorilla permit has been booked, you are therefore free to ask for a gorilla family of your choice on the trekking day. Gorilla family allocations depends on one’s interest and also their physical fitness.
Much as Uganda is popular for its endangered mountain gorillas, do not forget that Uganda is termed truly as the “Pearl of Africa.” Because it is blessed with other attractions including; the big 5 mammal species (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos), leopards, cheetahs. Other primates like Chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s and grey cheeked Mangabey among others. Natural beautiful landscapes like the Murchison falls, Sezibwa and many others, mountains and the breathtaking scenery awaits tourists visiting Uganda.