Gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector is among the experiences to enjoy when visiting Bwindi national park in the south western part of Uganda. Rushaga is one of the sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is known for its diverse gorilla families and offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It covers an area of approximately 331 square kilometres and is characterized by its dense vegetation, steep slopes, and rugged terrain. The park is named after the Bwindi Forest, which is known for its impenetrable nature and thick vegetation that makes it challenging to navigate. Gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector provides visitors with an unforgettable experience as they get up close and personal with these gentle giants.
Gorilla families in Rushaga sector
The Rushaga sector is known for having several habituated gorilla families, which means that they have been accustomed to human presence and are more tolerant of visitors. These gorilla families in Bwindi national park include the Nshongi family, Mishaya family, Busingye family, Bweza family and Kahungye family.
During gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector, tourists can spend a designated amount of time observing and photographing the gorillas from a close distance which is usually 1 hour while the search for the gorillas can take longer. On the day of the trek, visitors gather at the Rushaga sector headquarters where they receive a briefing from experienced guides. The guides provide information about the gorilla families in Rushaga sector.
Other information shared during the briefing on gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park includes talking about the gorilla behaviour, and guidelines for approaching them. They also assign each group of trekkers to a specific gorilla family based on factors such as fitness level and preferences.
The actual gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi national park can vary in duration and difficulty depending on the location of the gorilla family. Some families may be closer to the starting point, while others may require a longer hike through the dense forest.
Trekkers in Bwindi national park are advised to be prepared for a moderate to strenuous hike, as they navigate through muddy trails, steep slopes, and thick vegetation in search for the gorillas. Once the gorilla family is located in the Bwindi forest, trekkers are allowed to spend a maximum of one hour in their presence. This hour is strictly enforced to minimize disturbance to the gorillas and their natural behaviour.
During this time, visitors can observe the gorillas as they interact with each other, feed, and play. It is important to maintain a safe distance and follow the guidelines provided by the guides to ensure the safety of both visitors and gorillas in Bwindi national park.
Gorilla permits for Rushaga sector
To participate in gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector, visitors need to obtain a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). These permits are limited in number to ensure the conservation of the gorillas and their habitat.
It is advisable to book permits well in advance, as they can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons which take place around June to October when many tourists visit the Rushaga sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park. The gorilla permit for Rushaga sector costs 700 USD for foreign non-residents, 600 USD for foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda shillings for East Africans. While visiting the Rushaga sector, another activity which is carried out is gorilla habituation. The gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi national park is another way to encounter gorillas and involves getting the gorillas used to the human presence in their natural habitat.
Gorilla habituation in Rushaga during tours in Bwindi national park costs 1500 USD for foreign non-residents, 1000 USD for foreign residents and 750,000 Uganda shillings for East Africans.
Gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector not only provides an incredible wildlife experience but also contributes to the conservation efforts of these endangered species. The revenue generated from permits in Bwindi national park goes towards funding conservation initiatives, anti- poaching efforts, and community development projects in the surrounding areas. Other sectors in Bwindi national park where gorilla trekking is carried out include the Buhoma sector, Nkuringo sector and also the Ruhija sector where activities such as batwa community experience, Bird watching and also nature walks and hiking among others.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Rushaga
The best time for gorilla trekking in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi national park, is during the dry seasons, which are from June to September and from December to February.
During these months, the weather is generally drier, making it easier to navigate through the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where the gorillas reside. However even in the rainy season which takes place around March, April and May as well as in November, the gorillas of Rushaga can be visited for a gorilla trekking experience.
How to get to Rushaga sector
Rushaga sector is part of Bwindi national park and can be accessed by flight and also by driving. The drive from Entebbe to Bwindi national park takes about 9 to 10 hours. Rushaga sector is found in the southern part of Bwindi national park and the closest town is Kisoro town.
For the flight option of getting to Rushaga sector in Bwindi national park, tourists can book flights from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip. Different domestic airlines including Aerolink and Bar aviation offer flights to and from the airstrip.
During gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi national park, other airstrips to use for flights from Entebbe and to Entebbe include the Kihihi airstrip.
In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and majesty of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. With its diverse gorilla families and stunning surroundings, it is no wonder that Rushaga has become a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.