Why Trek Gorillas Rushaga sector

Are you planning to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking and you are trying to choose which sector to trek gorillas, have you been recommended to trek gorillas in Rushaga and you want to know more Why Trek Gorillas Rushaga sector? In this article we answer this question in details. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is divided into two parts, the southern and northern parts. The southern part is made up of Rushaga and Nkuringo gorilla trekking gates and the northern part is made up of Ruhija and Buhoma gorilla trekking gates.

The main reason Why Trek Gorillas Rushaga sector is that Rushaga has many gorilla families, this means also permits trekking per day making it easy to get the gorilla permits.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the only 4 national parks home to the endangered mountain gorillas in the world, other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. The park is also home to 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.

Compared Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga found in the Southern to Northern Sectors of Bwindi

When it comes to gorilla trekking whichever part of the Bwindi you choose to do our gorilla trekking you will be able to see the mountain gorillas but there are many other things you can base on to Why Trek Gorillas Rushaga sector. Where best to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi, these include the following;

In terms of accessibility, the northern part by road to Bwindi is closer compared to the southern part. The northern part of Bwindi can be accessed by turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro road you will see the sign posted of Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow up to your booked lodge for your stay during your gorilla trek at either Ruhija or Buhoma. The southern part of Bwindi can be reached using the road turning off at Muko along Kabale-Kisoro High way. By Air both parts have no close airstrips nearby, Kihihi Airstrip that can be used to access the northern part of Bwindi and Kisoro Airstrip that can be used to access the southern part of Bwindi the drive time is approximately 1 to 2 hours. However it is slightly cheaper to fly to Kihihi compared to flying to Kisoro as well the flight schedules are many and flexible for Kihihi compared to Kisoro because of the weather conditions in Kisoro.

In terms of Lodges, Both the northern and southern part has Budget, Mid Range and Upmarket Lodges where you could choose to stay during your trek. The northern part of Bwindi is the best place for gorilla trekking for those interested in staying in luxury lodges compared to the southern part of Bwindi. In the northern part at Buhoma sector there are popular lodges which are on an international standard that is Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge and Bwindi Lodge. It is also home to a large number of luxury lodge options in Bwindi including the only 2 lodges located within the Bwindi Forest that is Gorilla Forest Camp and Buhoma Lodge. These lodges offer great and luxury services so far the best in Bwindi and the country at large.

In terms of Gorilla families, the southern part of Bwindi has more gorilla trekking families and gorilla permits compared to the Northern part of Bwindi. This makes southern part of Bwindi have many gorilla permits available daily that is 56 permits for gorilla trekking compared to the northern part of Bwindi.

In terms of the best gorilla trekking experience, the whole truth is that both the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi have mountain gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. Chances of seeing gorillas in the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi are 98% so which ever part of the park you visit you will be able to see these great apes in their natural environment. What only make the southern part of Bwindi unique is you an option to spend 4 hours much time with the mountain gorillas through gorilla habituation experience which is only done between Rushaga and Nkuringo. Also Nkuringo is steeper and strenuous than other sectors of the park making it great for adventurers and hikers.

In terms of distance walked to see gorillas in the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi? The issue of walking longer or short distance depends on the given gorilla family allocated to you. In both the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi gorilla families are allocated depending on the interest and physical fitness of given individuals. If for example, you want a shorter trek, you will have to inform the park authorities on the very day of trekking so that you are allocated such family. If you want a medium or longer trek, then you do the same. It should be noted that while they will try to give you a family that requires shorter walks, the behavior of gorillas might affect the experience if for example gorillas decide to move further as you look for them you will still need to move further to follow them.

How to get Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

By Air: You can get to Bwindi 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 where you will be picked up by our professional guide and dropped at your lodge. The drive time from Kisoro to a nearby lodge in Rushaga is approximately 2 hours. Passengers are always required to check in 90minutes before the scheduled departure time on you flight. It is also important to note that aero links baggage is 15kilograms per person and an excess is charged at 3usd per kilo. There also private charters available for client’s that have different timing requirements and different routings too. You might also want to travel with your kids which are free for an infant below 2years old. Children above 12years are carried at 70% of the adults fare.

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.

Best time to plan a budget gorilla safari to Bwindi.

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.

Important things to consider Why Trek Gorillas Rushaga sector

Booking your gorilla permits in advance

When organizing a budget gorilla safari to Rushaga during low season we recommend you book your gorilla permits atleast one month prior your gorilla safari date. Even though during this time permits tend to be available some dates still sell out especially 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 USD700 for Foreign non residents, USD600 for Foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens and this gives an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi. Contact us here for more details on how to book gorilla permits for tracking in Rushaga in advance.

Staying budget lodges

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 Bwindi

You should consider travelling in 4×4 safari van as a budget option for transportation to Bwindi, this will give you comfort on the road to Bwindi. 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.

Why book your budget gorilla safari to Rushaga with Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor made safaris. It has a very diligent and trust worthy 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. Contact us here about Why Trek Gorillas Rushaga sector.