Which is the Best Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park is divided into four sectors: Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga, each with its own habituated gorilla families that visitors can trek throughout the year.
While many believe that the Rushaga sector offers the best gorilla trekking experience, the ideal sector for your safari depends on various factors. To determine the best option, it is essential to explore the unique aspects of each sector before making a choice.
Selecting the best sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be challenging. Although tourists cannot choose a specific gorilla family, especially during peak seasons, they can request a preferred sector when booking in advance. Gorilla family allocation occurs during the morning briefing, considering factors such as physical fitness and age.
For the best experience, you may consider trekking in multiple sectors to compare and decide which one suits your preferences best. Contact us for more information.
Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi in Detail
Buhoma Sector
The Buhoma gorilla sector, located in the northern part of Bwindi, is one of the key areas where tourists can trek mountain gorillas. It is the oldest trailhead in Bwindi, with the first habituated gorilla family introduced in 1993. Some of the habituated gorilla families in this sector include the Mubare, Rushegura, and Habinyanja gorilla families.
Pros of Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector
One of the advantages of trekking gorillas in Buhoma is its accessibility. Travelers can reach the sector by road from Kampala or Entebbe, with a journey time of approximately 8 to 9 hours. Alternatively, flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip take about 1 to 2 hours, followed by a short drive to Buhoma. The sector is also home to several habituated gorilla families, including Bunyindo, Rushegura, Habinyanja, Katwe, and Mubare, making it one of the most visited trekking areas in Uganda.
For those traveling from Rwanda, Buhoma can be accessed via the Kyaninga or Gatuna borders, making it a cost-effective option for a three-day gorilla trekking safari from Rwanda. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for travelers looking to combine a safari in Bwindi with a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Beyond gorilla trekking, Buhoma offers guided nature walks and birding expeditions, with trails such as the Muzabajiro Loop Trail, River Ivy Trail, Munyaga River Trail, and Rushura Hill Trail providing opportunities for exploration.
Accommodation options in Buhoma are diverse, catering to different budget levels. Some of the lodges in the area include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, and Engagi Lodge.
Cons of Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector
Despite its advantages, trekking in the Buhoma sector has some drawbacks. Due to its location, it is not the most convenient option for those trekking from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. Additionally, Buhoma is in high demand and attracts a large number of tourists each year, meaning that securing a trekking permit requires early booking.
As the park headquarters, Buhoma serves as a major starting point for many trekking routes in Bwindi. Some of the commonly used routes to Buhoma include Kampala-Ntungamo-Rukungiri-Kihihi-Buhoma, which is the fastest, and Kampala-Kabale-Kanungu-Buhoma.
Ruhija Sector
The Ruhija sector, situated in the eastern part of Bwindi, is the closest sector to Buhoma. It is home to four habituated gorilla families: Mukiza, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, and Oruzongo.
Pros of Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija sector
One of the key advantages of trekking in the Ruhija sector is the quiet and private experience it offers compared to the other sectors in Bwindi. It is also the only sector where visitors have a chance to encounter elephants and other wildlife such as antelopes. The sector sits at an elevation of approximately 2,500 meters, providing breathtaking views of the national park and the Virunga ranges.
Ruhija is easily accessible by road from Kampala or by air from Kajjansi or Entebbe International Airport. It is the only sector where trekkers can hike to the Rwamunyonyi peak, which stands at 2,607 meters above sea level, making it the highest and coldest point in Bwindi. Due to its proximity to Buhoma, it is possible to trek in Ruhija and stay overnight in Buhoma. Additionally, it is an ideal option for those looking to combine gorilla trekking with a visit to Lake Bunyonyi, as it is the closest sector to Kabale.
For adventurous travelers seeking a challenging trek, Ruhija offers some of the most demanding hikes in Bwindi due to its high elevation. Beyond gorilla trekking, visitors can also engage in alternative activities such as bird watching, guided Batwa walks, guided nature walks, and primate tracking.
Cons of Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija sector
Despite its advantages, trekking in Ruhija presents some challenges. The high altitude and rugged terrain make it physically demanding, which may not be suitable for those who are not physically fit. Additionally, the sector has fewer accommodation options compared to other sectors, limiting the choices available for tourists. Some of the available lodges in Ruhija include Broadbill Forest Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.
Rushaga Sector
The Rushaga sector, located in the southern part of Bwindi near Kisoro, shares a border with the Nkuringo sector. It is home to eight habituated gorilla families, including Bweza, Mucunguzi, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bikingi, and Mishaya.
Pros of Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga sector
One of the key advantages of trekking in Rushaga is that it is the only sector in Bwindi where both gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation take place, making it an ideal destination for those interested in research and extended encounters with the gorillas. The sector is accessible from Kampala and Entebbe by both road and air, and it can also be reached from the Kyanika border in Rwanda within four to five hours.
Aside from gorilla trekking, Rushaga offers guided nature walks, bird watching, and cultural experiences within the local communities. Visitors can also enjoy a stopover at Lake Mutanda for a scenic boat ride. Accommodation options in Rushaga are plentiful, second only to Buhoma in variety. Lodges in the area include Rushaga Gorilla Resort, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge.
Cons of Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga sector
Despite its many benefits, Rushaga has some challenges. The journey from Kampala or Entebbe takes approximately 10 to 11 hours, making it one of the more distant trekking locations. Due to its location, connecting to other national parks from Rushaga can also be difficult. Additionally, the terrain is rugged, and trekking in this sector can sometimes be physically demanding.
Nkuringo Sector
The Nkuringo sector, situated in the southern part of Bwindi next to Rushaga, is the least visited sector by trekkers. It was the first in this area to have a habituated gorilla family, known as the Nkuringo gorilla family. Other families in the sector include Christmas, Bikingi, Posho, and Bushaho.
Pros of Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo sector
One of the main advantages of trekking in Nkuringo is that it offers a more challenging terrain, making it ideal for adventurous hikers seeking longer and more strenuous treks. The sector also provides stunning views of the Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo Mountains in Eastern DRC. Accessing Nkuringo from Rwanda is relatively easy via the Kyanika border through Kisoro town, taking approximately five hours. Additionally, visitors can make a stop at Lake Mutanda or Lake Mulehe for a scenic boat ride.
Cons of Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo sector
Despite these advantages, the Nkuringo sector has some challenges. The gorilla families in this area are located at higher altitudes, making trekking difficult, especially during the rainy season. The terrain is also more demanding compared to other sectors. Furthermore, Nkuringo has fewer accommodation options than Buhoma and Rushaga. Some available lodges include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mulehe Resort, Virunga Campsite, and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.
How to book a Gorilla Permit for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Booking a gorilla trekking permit for any of the four sectors in Bwindi can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Tour operators often book and purchase permits at random unless you specifically request a particular sector. However, securing a permit for a specific sector is only feasible if booked well in advance, preferably six months to a year before the trekking date, and outside the peak season.
Before reaching out to plan your gorilla trekking safari and secure a permit, it is essential to have confirmed trekking dates and the number of people traveling with you. Having alternative dates can also be helpful in case permits are unavailable for your preferred day. Once you send an inquiry, we will check the availability of permits and advise you to book and purchase them as soon as possible to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
Since there is a limited number of permits issued daily, purchasing them early ensures you secure your desired trekking date. To process the permit, you will be required to provide personal details such as your passport number, full name, date of birth, and nationality. These details are kept on record and also appear on the certificate awarded after completing your gorilla trek in Bwindi.
When to go for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year, though some tourists prefer trekking in the dry season while others opt for the wet season. The best time to visit is from June to September and December to February, as mountain gorillas tend to be more active, and other wildlife sightings are more frequent. Additionally, trekking trails are drier and less slippery, making the experience more comfortable. The dry season also allows for easy combination with other safari activities like game drives.
The wet season, on the other hand, is ideal for budget-friendly gorilla trekking, as fewer tourists visit during this time. This often results in discounted accommodation rates and a more private trekking experience. Moreover, gorillas stay closer to the trails since food is abundant due to the rains. However, the downside is the frequent rainfall, which can make the trek more challenging due to muddy and slippery paths.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi depends on your physical fitness level and the timing of your permit booking. Early bookings provide the option to request a preferred sector, but late bookings may result in being assigned any available sector. For those seeking a more strenuous trek, the Ruhija and Nkuringo sectors are ideal, while the Rushaga and Buhoma sectors offer a less physically demanding experience.
Feel free to contact us for more details on gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, feel free to contact us and get started by filling out the form below.
