Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga and Nkuringo from Kisoro

Some travelers would want to start their Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga and Nkuringo from Kisoro town. Are you planning to fly to Kisoro Airstrip? Are you already visiting Kisoro town and you would like to go on a gorilla safari to Bwindi? This is very possible and it is a shorter distance. Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Kisoro town are both found in Southwestern Uganda on the same route of Kampala-Mbarara-Kisoro highway. Nkuringo and Rushaga are not far away from Kisoro as it is only about 2 hours’ drive from Kisoro town. Through Eco Adventure Safaris we will book for you this trip to go for gorilla trekking in Rushaga or Nkuringo regions of Bwindi

Nkuringo region is found in southwestern Uganda sharing a border with Congo. Rushaga region of the famous Bwindi impenetrable national Park is of the core sectors for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Bwindi. The Rushaga trailhead is found in south western Uganda sharing boarder with Congo, it is one of the of the four sectors in Bwindi impenetrable national Park where you can trek and see the magnificent Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat in the world

Bwindi forest is one of the oldest forests in Africa and was declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994. Bwindi Impenetrable national park has more than 400 species of plant life, sheltering up to 120 mammals among which are the primates including the famous Gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, forest elephants, and antelopes among others. Nkuringo and Rushaga gorilla sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have habituated gorilla families for gorilla trekking in this region.  Every gorilla family in Nkuringo is allocated 8 visitors per day which gives you an opportunity to visit the gorillas any time of the year. There are gorilla permits available per day for gorilla trekking that allows you to see the gorillas for one hour and Four. Uganda wildlife Authority is in charge of the protection and conservation of gorillas in permits, all tourism activities in the Nkuringo and Rushaga regions. Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga and Nkuringo from Kisoro

What activities to do in the Nkuringo and Rushaga regions of Bwindi

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is the main activity considered to do in the Nkuringo and Rushaga region of Bwindi. Gorilla tracking refers to moving in the forest to see/view a given habituated mountain gorilla family. Gorilla trackers/advanced team/rangers use many signs and methods to trace these gorillas before gorilla trekking takes place, the trackers wake up very early every morning and go to the forest in search for these mountain gorillas. They use natural means to track them like clapping, making wild sounds. Once they find them, then they will communicate to the park headquarters and it’s then the guides after briefing the visitors on dos and don’ts, they will start to walk and trek in the forest as they are directed by the trackers. This gives you 99% chance of seeing the gorillas in their natural environment in the Nkuringo and Rushaga g gorilla region. The gorilla trekking permits costs USD700 per person for Non- Foreign Residents, USD600 for Foreign Residents and Uganda Shillings 250,000 per person for East African Citizen and allow you one hour of watching the gorillas once you find them

Uganda has half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world, it is such a life time experience to watch the endangered and rare mountain gorillas which have 95% DNA as human beings in Nkuringo gorilla region. The Mountain Gorillas in Uganda can be found in the hilly tropical forests in south western Uganda and you will be able to view the gorillas in their natural environment.

Gorilla Habituation experience

Gorilla Habituation experience is also one of the most interesting things done in the Rushaga region of Bwindi.  The experience allows you to spend four hours with mountain gorillas still undergoing habituation. Only four people are allowed to do gorilla habituation activity in Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda, with this you are required to book your gorilla habituation permit in advance to secure your place. The experience starts and takes up to half or a full day depending on the time you take to find them. Gorilla habituation activity is only done in the south of Bwindi impenetrable National Park between the sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. During this experience, you visit the gorillas that are in the process of being habituated and the gorillas are not yet used to Visitors and act wild, with researchers and guides, you monitor the way gorillas feed, move, rest and also communicate with them.

Trek to the top of the World

This is also one of the interesting hikes you can do in Nkuringo, it is short walk from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. You stroll through Nkuringo village and take some small foot paths to the top of the world. Beautiful views overlooking the surrounding mountains, valleys and ridges. The hike is about 2-3 hours.

Gorilla Buffer Zone Walk

A buffer zone is a transition zone between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the cultivated areas where the people live. Nowadays a lot of tea is grown in the buffer. You will be able to see various tea plantations and other crops grown by the locals.

Batwa cultural experience

The Batwa experience is also an interesting activity to do in Nkuringo and Rushaga. The Buniga Forest Trail showcases the life of the Batwa native pygmies their historical nomadic cultures when they occupied the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest until 1991 when the forest was gazette as a national park. The tribe was forced out of the park and since then have been struggling to cope with modern life outside the jungle. The Buniga forest trail is a USAID initiative put together to help the Batwa community earn a living from tourism around the UNESCO world heritage site. This walk is truly an experience, not challenging at all, but rather informative and exciting.

Ivy River forest walk

This Ivy River route ascends and descends gently through beautiful areas of the rain forest with several viewpoints from the marram road to Nkuringo overlooking lush mist-shrouded valleys. The trail is also an important footpath for local people traveling to and from Nkuringo particularly on market days to Nteko village on the southern boundary of the park. Monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, and some of Bwindi’s world renowned bird and butterfly species can be sighted.

Visiting the Suma Waterfalls

The waterfall is found in a village called Suma the waterfall is surrounded by different species of trees that are home to plenty of endemic bird species, for example, Northern Double Collared Sun Bird, the Violet Backed Starling, and the Great Blue Eared Starling. This activity can be done any time but the best time is in the morning hours.

Birding experience

Nkuringo and Rushaga region of Bwindi Forest National Park is a home to various unique bird species including the Albertine Rift Endemic birds and it is a place to be for Bird watchers, Key bird species to spot on your birding tour in Bwindi National Park include Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Dwarf Honeyguide, African Green Broadbill, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Collared Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing. We do organize birding packages to Bwindi Forest National Park, with professional birding guides you are able to identify different birds.

Volunteering

In Nkuringo and Rushaga, you can participate in Volunteering activities. You can volunteer in community-based projects, teach in schools as you empower the local communities staying in Nkuringo of Bwindi.

What is the Nature of the road from Kisoro town to the Nkuringo and Rushaga region?

The Kisoro road is not world-class but Tarmacked and smooth and it’s a 2 hours’ drive to the Bwindi impenetrable National Park regions of Nkuringo and Rushaga. The roads leading to Nkuringo and Bwindi are Muram roads reason we emphasize use of 4X4 as they slippery and stuck with mud during the rainy season. Our driver guides are very equipped with driving skills and very professional for your safety and comfort to reach your dream destination.

What kind of Vehicles are used for a road trip from Kisoro town to Bwindi?

As Eco Adventure Safaris, we only use/ recommend 4×4 safari vehicles that are well serviced and driven by our professional guides to trek the hills of Bwindi forest for your amazing gorilla safari from Kisoro town to Nkuringo and Rushaga gorilla regions. For budget safaris, we always quote our clients 4×4 safari customized Super custom/Van that are very comfortable and have enough legroom and luggage space, the super custom can carry one to five persons and the van can be used for group tours of about nine to ten persons.

For a luxury gorilla road trip from Kigali to Bwindi, We use 4×4 land cruisers which can carry up to seven persons and they cost highly. Yes, you can have a budget safari and still opt for a land cruise for your comfort. All our vehicles have A C, drinking water, Tourism License stickers and are well serviced for your great gorilla safari.

Where to stay in Nkuringo and Rushaga region of Bwindi?

Nkuringo sector has a number of lodges, hotel,s and camps where you can stay for your gorilla trekking activity. These range from budget to luxury, with different prices and service standards. Eco Adventure Safaris can help you book the hotel of your choice, you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge as the budget and midrange option and Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge as the luxury option, Four gorillas lodge, there is also an option of staying in Rushaga sector which close to Nkuringo and Just about 1hour drive to the Park headquarters in Nkuringo Region. In Rushaga, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Gorilla safari lodge, Ichumbi Lodge. The lodge rooms can sell out during the high season and we encourage you to book in advance

Why book Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga and Nkuringo from Kisoro with us

Eco Adventure Safaris is a local tour operator based in Uganda run and owned by Ugandans. We specialize in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and are registered by UTB (Uganda Tourism Board). We have a good and long working relationship with UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) making it easy to book your gorilla permits and gorilla safari. Eco Adventure Safaris is highly reviewed on trip advisor. Contact us about booking Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga and Nkuringo from Kisoro