Mountain gorilla trekking in Rushaga

Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest, as you track these endangered primates through dense vegetation. Experience the thrill of observing their unique behaviors and interactions.

Bwindi National Park is divided into four sectors for gorilla trekking: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma. All these sectors boast their own gorilla groups and pros and cons for visitors.

The Rushaga sector in the south of Bwindi stands out with eight gorilla families and is the only sector that boasts a few groups of habituated gorillas. This allows you to stay with them for four hours instead of the usual one hour. Another good thing is that Rushaga is one of the least challenging sectors to do your trekking, due to the relatively easy trails. On the downside, its remote location down south makes this sector hard to reach from Entebbe or Kampala or to go from here to surrounding parks like Kibale or Queen Elizabeth.

Other sectors
The nearby Nkuringo sector in the west of Bwindi is physically more demanding due to the high altitude, and it’s recommended to have a certain fitness level to do trekking here. The altitude also makes it one of the most scenic sectors. With three gorilla families, it treats you to breathtaking views of several mountains and volcanoes and you can easily connect to the lakes Mutanda and Muhele.

The Ruhija sector in the east has the same physically demanding high altitude. With four gorilla families, it is characterized by its tranquility and the fact that it is the only sector where elephants can be sighted. Visits to the Batwa tribe are highly recommended and it’s also possible to hike to the top of the ‘hill of many birds’ – Rwamunyonyi Peak.

The Buhoma sector in the north also has four gorilla families but is a more accessible option. Its proximity to Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks and the relatively easy trails make it an attractive choice. Moreover, this sector holds historical significance as it pioneered gorilla trekking in Uganda and opened the first trailhead in 1993 with just one gorilla family.

In summary
Which sector to choose depends on your preferences. If you are looking for a more physically challenging sector, Nkuringo and Ruhija are the best. Buhoma and Rushaga are the best if you prefer an easy hike, with Buhoma being more easy to reach but with fewer gorilla groups than Rushaga. Rushaga is also the only sector with groups of habituated gorillas.

Please note that the minimum age is 15 years old. A gorilla trek can be a truly amazing experience, but keep in mind that sightings are never guaranteed.

Get up close and personal with the majestic gorillas in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime encounter will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the conservation efforts in Uganda.