Why trek gorillas in Rushaga Sector? – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Uganda.

Rushaga constitutes one of the sectors within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi national park is home to the largest population of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas. The park comprises four sectors namely, Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Rushaga sector is situated in the southern region of the park, hosting the largest population of mountain gorilla families in this pristine park. The sector has eight mountain gorilla families, one of which is undergoing habituation. The reasons as to why one should choose trekking gorillas in Rushaga sector include:,

Accessibility

The Rushaga sector is readily accessible owing to its well-developed road network, rendering it an ideal location for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Access to the sector is available via both air and road transport. Your preferred mode of transit largely depends on your budget. If you prefer road transport, the journey from Kampala to Rushaga, sector of Bwindi national park takes approximately 8 to 9 hours via the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route. Alternatively, if you decide on air transport, fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a followed by a short drive to the park headquarters in a 4×4 safari vehicle.

It is also possible to connect from Kigali-Rwanda to Rushaga sector.  With the essential cross-border documentation, you will drive for 4-5 hours from Kigali to Rushaga park sector.

Presence of a high gorilla population.

Rushaga sector has more gorilla families compared to the other park sectors. The sector has 8 habituated gorilla families including Busingye gorilla group, Nshongi gorilla group, Bweza gorilla group, Mishaya gorilla family, Kahungye gorilla group, Mucunguzi gorilla group, Bwigi gorilla family and Bikyingi gorilla group.  Two more families are still under habituation and not yet set for human trekking. The presence of these gorilla families creates higher chances of all trekkers to interact with a particular family of their choice with less crowds.

High number of gorilla permits

with the presence of 8 gorilla families, the sector offers 64 permits for daily tracking. This gives chance to trekkers to participate in this activity. Though the sector provides more permits, visitors are advised to   book in advance to avoid disappointments especially in the peak season.

The gorilla habituation experience

Rushaga is the sole sector and only place in east Africa where the gorilla habituation experience is offered. This provides tourists who visits Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park mainly in Rushaga sector an opportunity to engage in a four-hour gorilla encounter upon acquiring a gorilla habituation permit. The gorilla habituation experience involves visiting a semi-habituated gorilla family with leadership of researchers and rangers. Only four trekkers are allowed to join this experience to a particular gorilla family to spend four hours learning about their behaviours and habitat.

The gorilla habituation permit cost $1500 for foreign non residents, $1000 for foreign residents and citizens of African countries and UGX 750,000 for East African residents.

The gorilla trekking experience

Like other gorilla tracking destinations, Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable national park offers the once-in a life-time experience of getting up close to the gentle giant apes, mountain gorillas. The activity begins very early in the morning at the park headquarters, where the trekkers assemble to receive a briefing on the guidelines of the trekking excursion. Later, armed ranger guides accompany the trekkers to venture into the park jungle. The activity lasts for 2-5 hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the physical fitness of the trekkers. This time includes the one hour that trekkers are allowed to stay in presence of the gorillas.

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit to Rushaga and other sectors in Uganda is $800 for foreign non residents, $700 for foreign residents and UGX 300,000 for EastAfrican citizen/residents.

The terrain of Rushaga sector

The Rushaga sector in Bwindi has a rugged, hilly landscape marked by steep ascents, slopes, and valleys, all encompassed in dense montane forest, bamboo, and thick undergrowth. This environment presents demanding but rewarding trekking opportunities, that provide clear views of Virunga volcanoes and terraced farms.  Though the terrain is a bit slipperly and muddy along some trails, the sector offers short challenging but rewarding treks that give quick access to the habituated gorilla family.

Affordable accommodations.

Rushaga sector has accommodations that suit all travellers’ budgets. these range from luxury, midrange and budget options. Some of these include Gorilla Safari Lodge
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nshongi Camp, Wagtail Eco safari camp, Clouds Mountain Lodge, Chameleon Hill lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Mlima gorilla Lodge etc.

The gorilla families in Rushaga sector

Nshongi gorilla family:

This family was once part of Bweza family that consisted of 18 members , later Kakono silverback broke away and left the group with 7 members, later a new baby was born to increase the number to 8members. The family derives its name from river Nshongi where it was first seen by researchers.

Bweza gorilla family

The Bweza gorilla family separated from the Nshongi family and is now led by Kakono Silverback following Bweza silverback. this gorilla family consists of 11 members, two silverbacks, three blackbucks, two infants, one sub-adult, and three adult females. it was formed at the end of 2013.

Busingye gorilla family

This family originated from Kahungye gorilla family which initially had 27 members. After a fight between two silverbacks (Rumanzi and Kahungi), Busingye broke away with 9 members and currently has 10 members including 1 silverback, 4 adult females, 2 juveniles, 1 sub adult and 2 infants.

Kahungye gorilla family

This group was opened for tracking in 2011 and has 12 members led by Rumanzi silverback. From this group, Busingye gorilla family broke away after conflicts.

Bikingi gorilla family

it was formed in 2012 by some members who broke away from Mishaya family. They first joined unhabituated gorillas but were   found by researchers in Bikingi area where they were habituated and set for tracking in 2012 and named Bikingi after their first silverback.  the group currently has 15 members including 1 silverback, 5adult females, 2 sub adults, 2 juveniles and 5 infants.

Rwigi gorilla family

This group separated from Kahungye group and is currently led by Rwigi silverback.   the group was opened for trekking in 2024 and has 10members including 1silverback, 5 females, 2 juveniles and 2 babies.

Mucunguzi gorilla family.

This group separated from Bweza gorilla family after a conflict. Mucunguzi the dominant silverback also attacked Bikingi gorilla family and took away some females and is currently habituated with 10 members.

Tindatine gorilla family

This is a newly habituated gorilla family. It was formed by gorilla members who broke away from Nshongi family. It was opened for tourism in 2024 and with 8 members.

Note:  Gorilla families keep changing in in number and members due to deaths, newborns, break aways by conflicts and immigrations due to weather changes.