What to expect during Gorilla trekking in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi

Are planning a trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and you want to specifically go for Gorilla trekking in the Rushaga Sector in this article we explain in detail what to expect during Gorilla trekking in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi. Rushaga sector is located in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Rushaga is a home to a big number of 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. Some of habituated families in this region include Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya and Kahungye which are all available tracking and open to tourists

Rushaga sector can be easily accessed through Kisoro and becomes a straightforward tracking point for those traveling from Kigali, Rwanda. Also, this is the only region in Bwindi that offers Gorilla Habituation experience with one family currently going through the process. The sector, also like the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors, offers a chance of the Batwa community visit experience for those interested in cultural encounters.

Here’s what to expect during Gorilla trekking in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi:

1. Preparation and Briefing: Before the trek, you’ll receive a briefing from park rangers. They’ll provide important information about gorilla behavior, safety precautions, and rules to follow during the trek.
2. Early Morning Start: Gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector usually starts early in the morning. You’ll gather at the park headquarters, where you’ll be assigned to a gorilla family group and a guide.
3. Hiking: The trek can involve moderate to strenuous hiking, depending on the location of the gorilla family you’re visiting. Rangers will lead you through the dense forest, navigating trails and sometimes steep terrain.
4. Wildlife Encounters: While searching for gorillas, you may encounter other wildlife species, including various birds, monkeys, and possibly if lucky even forest elephants.
5. Finding the Gorillas: The duration of the trek to find the gorillas can vary widely, from 1 to 6 hours or more. Once your group locates the gorillas, you’ll have a limited time (usually around 1 hour) to observe and photograph them from a safe distance.
6. Observation: You’ll have the opportunity to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat, witnessing their behavior, interactions, and daily activities. This is a truly unforgettable experience and a rare opportunity to connect with these magnificent animals up close.
7. Photography: You’re allowed to take photos during your encounter with the gorillas, but remember to follow the guidelines provided by your guide to ensure minimal disturbance to the animals.
8. Return Trek: After spending time with the gorillas, you’ll trek back to the starting point. This hike may take a different route or follow the same path you used to reach the gorillas.
9. Debriefing and Certificate: Once back at the park headquarters, there’s typically a debriefing session where you can share your experiences. You’ll also receive a certificate as a memento of your gorilla trekking adventure.
10. Conservation Contribution: The fees you pay for gorilla trekking permits contribute to the conservation of mountain gorillas and their habitat, helping to fund park protection efforts and support local communities.

Overall, gorilla trekking in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi offers an unforgettable adventure, providing a rare opportunity to encounter these remarkable primates in their natural environment while contributing to their conservation.

Important things to consider when planning your Gorilla Trek in Rushaga sector.

Booking your gorilla permits in advance for tracking in Rushaga sector

When organizing Rushaga gorilla trekking we recommend you book your gorilla permits at least one-month prior your gorilla safari date. Even though during this time permits tend to be available some dates still sell out especially for tourists travelling in big groups who at times buy in bulk. So it is always better to secure your trekking spot in Rushaga in advance to avoid inconveniences. You need a gorilla permits to be allowed to trek mountain gorillas in Rushaga, this costs USD800 for Foreign nonresidents, USD700 for Foreign residents and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens and this gives an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.

Staying budget lodges in Rushaga sector

This is very important to consider when planning a budget gorilla safari to Rushaga during low season, for you to have a great experience and comfort during your safari we recommend you to stay in safe and easily accessible budget lodges in Rushaga. Rushaga has budget lodge options for you to choose where to stay including Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Kaurngi Camp, Nshongi Camp and Rushaga Gorilla Camp Standard room and Camping grounds among others. All these lodges have three meal plans when you book your safari with Eco Adventure Safaris, u a guaranteed a full board meal basis.

Comfortable travel to Rushaga sector Bwindi

You should consider traveling in 4×4 safari van as a budget option for transportation to Rushaga, this will give you comfort on the road to Rushaga. Depending on your budget there is also an option of flying cheap flight with Aerolink to Kisoro Airstrip which is close to Rushaga; this will help cut the long drive from Entebbe/Kampala which is normally 8-9 hours drives to only 2 hour drive that you spend from Kisoro to your lodge in Rushaga.

What to wear during Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga sector?

 You might be probably wondering what to wear for your trek, below is a compiled list on what to wear;

• A long armed sweater since the park gets cold
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• Water proof hiking boots
• A hat and sun glasses depending on the weather though this is optional
• Cameras and long lasting batteries since photography are very important to keep your memories alive. Always remember to keep our flash off.
• A pair of Binoculars. This will help you to see the vast birds Bwindi impenetrable forest has among other primates
• Gardening Gloves; these will help you when you a holding onto trees are branches through the trek.
• A rain coat; Since Bwindi impenetrable forest is rainforest, the rain is unpredictable so to be on a safer side, you will be required to carry along a coat.
• A mosquito Repellent; since it is a forest, it has different dangerous insects so its advisable to carry it along or wear it
• A sun screen; Well this is optional but depending on the season, it might get too hot and you end up getting sun burns on your skin so to avoid that, you will need a sun screen.
• You should not wear very bright colors since this will charge or scare away the gorillas.
• Black and Blue colors are also not recommended since they attract Tsetse flies So I would recommend neutral colors.

Best time to book Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector.

Rushaga located in Bwindi impenetrable forest is open for trekking all year round but it is also important to note that the forest is a tropical rain forest and can receive rain at any time. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.

Why book gorilla trekking in Rushaga Through Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor-made safaris. It has a very diligent and trustworthy team. Your queries are answered within 30 minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences. There some Budget Gorilla safaris packages to Rushaga and these include; the 2 days Budget Gorilla safari, the 3 day Budget Gorilla safari, 4 Day Budget Gorilla Safari, it all depends on your preference. Feel free to contact us here about what to expect during Gorilla trekking in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi.