Step by Step Guide to a Gorilla Trekking Day in Rushaga Sector
Step by Step Guide to a Gorilla Trekking Day in Nkuringo Sector
Here is What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector in Bwindi. Gorilla trekking in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in Africa. Located in the southern part of the forest, Rushaga is famous for having the highest number of habituated mountain gorilla families in Uganda, giving visitors excellent chances of securing trekking permits throughout the year. The adventure begins early in the morning with a briefing by experienced park rangers who explain the trekking rules, safety measures, and the unique behaviour of mountain gorillas before assigning visitors to different gorilla families.
What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector in Bwindi. The trek itself takes visitors through the ancient rainforest of Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense vegetation, towering trees, colourful birds, and diverse wildlife. Depending on the location of the gorilla family, the hike can last anywhere from one to several hours, with the terrain ranging from gentle forest paths to steep hills and thick undergrowth. Along the way, guides share fascinating information about the forest ecosystem, medicinal plants, birds, butterflies, and other primates that inhabit the park.
The highlight of the experience comes when trekkers finally encounter a mountain gorilla family in its natural habitat. Spending one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play, and interact with one another creates memories that last a lifetime. Gorilla trekking in Rushaga is not only an extraordinary wildlife adventure but also an important conservation activity that supports the protection of one of the world’s most endangered species and benefits local communities living around Bwindi Forest.
About gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Rushaga sector is located in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Rushaga is a home for more than 5 Gorilla Families which by far is the most of any sector and its gorilla families being easy to trek due to the nature of terrine in the region. Rushaga can be easily accessed through Kisoro and becomes straightforward tracking point for those travelling from Kigali. The habituated families in this region include Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya and Kahungye which are all available tracking and open to tourists. Also, this is the only region in Bwindi that offers Gorilla Habituation experience with two families Bushaho and Bikyingi currently going through the process. The sector, also like buhoma and ruhija sectors, offers a chance of the Batwa community visit experience for those interested in cultural encounter.
Rushaga sector has the highest number gorilla families in Bwindi Forest National Park with 8 gorilla families open for gorilla trekking, this makes it the sector with the highest number of gorilla permits that is 64 gorilla permits available every day.
Bwindi Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest forests with a diverse biodiversity with various species which include 350 birds, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 moths and 120 mammals, the park is also home to several primates including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey and the major one the Mountain Gorillas. The global population of mountain gorillas is 1064 individuals and half of these can be found in Bwindi forest, the park has over 15 habituated gorilla family groups open for gorilla tracking with 8 gorilla permits allocated to each group per day.
How to get Rushaga Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
By Air: You can get to Rushaga by air which is faster and less tiresome. Aero link is a domestic airline offering both schedule and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip from where you connect to Rushaga. There is no direct flight to Rushaga but you can be dropped off to Kisoro Airstrip where you will be picked up by our professional guide and dropped at your lodge. The drive time from Kisoro to a nearby lodge is approximately 1 hour.
By Road: Rushaga can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Rushaga. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours drive.
Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is done in 4 sectors which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi and Ruhija sector in the North Eastern part of Bwindi both sectors are located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing if you are trekking at these sectors. In the southern Part of Bwindi it is where Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are located close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking. Each sector has different habituated mountain gorilla families open for gorilla trekking with Rushaga sector having many families compared to other sectors.
How much is Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
A Gorilla Permit costs USD800 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African Citizens. This Gorilla permit gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest once you find them on your trek.
What is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Bwindi Forest?
How long is gorilla trekking in Rushaga? The best time to do a gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?
During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous. It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants. Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi include;
• Insect Repellent
• Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries
• Wet Wipes
• Water Bottle
• Camera, lenses etc
• Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
• Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
• Sandals/strops/walking shoes
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Rain Jacket
• Sweater/fleece
• Swimwear
• Binoculars (game/bird watching)
Why Book with Eco Adventure Safaris your Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Bwindi
Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your gorilla trekking permits trekking in Bwindi Forest contact us and we advise you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to checkout our trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo with us. Contact us here for more information about What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector in Bwindi.