Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park : Located in the southern part of the park, Rushaga is one of the prominent sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is remarkably the sector with the highest population of mountain gorillas evidenced by the number of habituated gorilla families totaling eight (8). About 400 mountain gorillas are estimated to be in Bwindi alone implying about three-quarters of the mountain gorillas s remaining on earth are found in Uganda. When it comes to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Rushaga sector is the best location because it inhabits the largest number of habituated gorilla families, it lies next to the Uganda-Rwanda border, and therefore favorable for visitors arriving through Kigali Airport, it also offers the best spot for seeing the spectacular views availed by the Virunga ranges, Gahinga and Muhavura mountains, Volcanoes National Park among others.
Rushaga region has eight (8) habituated gorilla family groups that include: Nshongi, Busingye, Kahungye, Bweza, and Mishaya families, making gorillas tracking in the Rushaga region more than just having a thrill with the giants of the wild. Rushaga region is also where our partner accommodation facility “Four Gorillas Lodge”– a newly constructed up-market lodge is found to ensure that your gorilla trekking safari starts and ends with peaceful and comfortable rest. Four Gorillas Lodge is the best accommodation facility to start or end your gorilla tracking safari.
Why Should I trek Gorillas in the Rushaga Region?
When traveling to Rushaga, you have an opportunity to see the volcanoes at a far distance but with the best views including the Virunga, Gahinga, and Muhavura. You also have a chance to see the deepest Crater Lake in Africa-Lake Bunyonyi which in the local Rukiga language means the place with small birds.
During your drive or flight to this region, your eyesight will catch amazing and experiential topography characterized by the beautiful rolling hills and valleys. The beauty around this region gives it an identity of being referred to as the Switzerland of Uganda.
Booking for a gorilla permit in this region is quite easy. With a variety of habituated Gorilla families numbering to 5, this makes about 40 permits available for trackers per day and 8 people are allowed to trek each Gorilla family. The gorilla habituation experience on the other hand only allows four people per gorilla group and it’s the only sector where gorilla habituation takes place in two Gorilla families.
You may choose to trek gorillas in this sector due to several Gorilla families. You can request to track a particular gorilla group depending on your physical fitness level since the families are located in different areas of the region. The rangers have knowledge of where each family is located and therefore are able to allocate appropriate gorilla families for each group of visitors depending on a number of factors.
Rushaga region also has all different classes of lodges ranging from budget, mid-range, and luxury/upscale accommodation. The most remarkable part here is that most of these lodges are owned and managed by the local community who understand better the area thus giving you the rich experience that you need. This region is also where our partner lodge; Four Gorillas Lodge situated in Rubuguri with the best upscale accommodation in the Rushaga sector, offering the best of the services that match the thrill encountered in the gorilla trekking safari. Other lodging facilities in this sector include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, and Nshongi Gorilla Camp among others.
Rushaga sector is also the only sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where the gorilla habituation experience is carried out, on top of other rich thrilling activities like bird watching and community visits. For more information about this sector, kindly contact Jewel Safaris Limited.
