Which Sector is better for Gorilla Trekking?

Which Sector is better for Gorilla Trekking?

Are you planning a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking and wondering which sector is best? Many tourists and tour operators recommend the Rushaga sector due to its numerous habituated gorilla families, making it relatively easier to secure a trekking permit. However, if you prefer a less strenuous trek, the Buhoma sector is considered the best, as it often requires only 3–4 hours of trekking, with some visitors completing their experience by 11:00 am. On the other hand, the Nkuringo sector, located at a higher elevation, offers more challenging treks.

No matter which sector you choose, you have a 99% chance of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, as gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a highly organized activity. Contact us for more information.

Choosing the Best Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Selecting the ideal sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be challenging. While you generally cannot choose the specific gorilla family you will trek with—especially during the peak seasons—you can request a specific sector when booking, provided you make arrangements well in advance. Gorilla family allocations occur on the morning of the trek during a briefing session. Factors like physical fitness and age are considered to ensure participants are assigned a suitable trekking group.

To determine the best sector for your gorilla trekking experience, it’s important to understand the unique features of the four sectors in Bwindi: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. If possible, trekking in multiple sectors can provide a broader perspective, helping you decide which one suits your preferences best. Book with us in advance.

Gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Buhoma Sector

Located in the northern part of Bwindi, Buhoma is the oldest trailhead in the park and was the first to have a habituated gorilla family introduced in 1993. Notable habituated families here include the Mubare, Rushegura, Habinyanja, Katwe, and Bunyindo families.

Advantages of Buhoma:

• Easily accessible by road, an 8–9 hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe. Alternatively, it is a 1–2 hour flight to Kihihi Airport, followed by a short drive to Buhoma.
• Convenient for those traveling from Rwanda via the Kyaninga or Gatuna border.
• Ideal for combined safaris, particularly with Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Excellent for guided nature walks and birding expeditions. Popular trails include Muzabajiro Loop, River Ivy, Munyaga River, and Rushura Hill.
• Offers a wide range of accommodation options, such as Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Bwindi Lodge, and Engagi Lodge.

Disadvantages of Buhoma:

• Highly popular and frequently crowded, requiring early permit bookings to secure a spot.
• Not ideal for trekkers traveling from Rwanda, as it is farther from Kigali compared to other sectors.

Ruhija Sector

Situated in the eastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija is known for its quieter trekking experience. This sector is home to four habituated gorilla families: Mukiza, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, and Oruzongo.

Advantages of Ruhija:

• Offers a more private and serene trekking experience.
• The only sector in Bwindi where you may encounter elephants and other wildlife.
• Elevated at approximately 2,500 meters, it provides stunning views of the national park and the Virunga ranges.
• Ideal for physically fit trekkers seeking challenging hikes, including the climb to Rwamunyonyi Peak (2,607 meters).
• Proximity to Buhoma allows for trekking in Ruhija and overnight stays in Buhoma.
• Accessible by road from Kampala or by flight from Kajjansi or Entebbe airports.
• Alternative activities include birdwatching, Batwa cultural experiences, and guided nature walks.

Disadvantages of Ruhija:

• The terrain is challenging, making it less suitable for those with limited physical fitness.
• Fewer accommodation options compared to other sectors. Available lodges include Broadbill Forest Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Rushaga Sector

Located in southern Bwindi near Kisoro, Rushaga is adjacent to the Nkuringo sector. It has eight habituated gorilla families, including Bweza, Mucunguzi, Nshongi, Kahungye, Mishaya, and Bikingi.

Advantages of Rushaga:

• The only sector offering both gorilla trekking and the gorilla habituation experience.
• Easily accessible from Kampala and Entebbe via road or air, as well as from the Kyanika border in Rwanda.
• Proximity to Lake Mutanda allows for activities such as boat rides.
• A wide variety of accommodations, including Rushaga Gorilla Resort, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Gorilla Heights Lodge.
• Provides opportunities for guided nature walks, birdwatching, and cultural tours.

Disadvantages of Rushaga:

• Requires a longer travel time from Kampala or Entebbe (10–11 hours by road).
• Its location makes it less convenient for connecting to other national parks.
• The rugged terrain can make trekking more challenging.

Nkuringo Sector

Also in the southern part of Bwindi, the Nkuringo sector is the least visited, offering a more remote and tranquil trekking experience. This sector features the Nkuringo, Christmas, Bikingi, Posho, and Bushaho gorilla families.

Advantages of Nkuringo:

• Ideal for trekkers seeking challenging hikes and more adventurous terrain.
• Stunning views of Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo Mountains in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Conveniently accessible from Rwanda via Kisoro and the Kyanika border, about 5 hours away.
• Proximity to Lake Mutanda and Lake Mulehe for boat rides.

Disadvantages of Nkuringo:

• The higher altitude and steep terrain can make trekking more strenuous, particularly during the rainy season.
• Limited accommodation options compared to other sectors. Notable lodges include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and Virunga Campsite.

What is the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda?

The cost of gorilla permits is a crucial factor when planning a gorilla tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The latest tariffs from Uganda Wildlife Authority meant that for non-foreign residents, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person, while foreign residents pay USD 700, Rest of Africa citizens pay $500, and East African citizens pay UGX 250,000. If you opt for the gorilla habituation experience, the permits are priced at USD 1,500 per person for non-foreign residents, USD 1,000 for foreign residents and Rest of Africa citizens, and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens. The habituation permit allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas, observing their movements, feeding habits, resting routines, and social interactions within their families.

Although Uganda offers a larger number of gorilla permits compared to other destinations, these permits tend to sell out quickly, especially during the high season, which includes the months of January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. Once you inform us about your planned trek and preferred dates, we will check the availability of permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s online system. If permits are available, we will issue an invoice for payment, as securing the permits is a top priority. If your desired dates are unavailable, we will help you choose alternative dates with permit availability. Upon receiving payment, we will book and secure your permits, providing you with a receipt and booking ID to confirm your trek.

Understanding the cost of Uganda gorilla permits is essential when calculating the overall price of a gorilla tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

How to Book Uganda Gorilla Permits

Booking a gorilla permit for any sector in Bwindi requires planning and advance arrangements. Permits are often booked at random by tour operators depending on the nature of the itinerary, unless you specifically request a sector. To increase your chances of getting your preferred sector, plan and book your permit 6 months to a year in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak seasons.

When contacting a tour operator, provide your intended trekking dates, the number of travelers, and alternative dates to speed up the booking process. Note that permits are limited, and early booking is crucial to secure your desired trek date. You will also need to provide personal details such as your name, nationality, and passport information for the permit processing and the certificate awarded after the trek from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the dry season (June to September and December to February) is the most popular due to better trail conditions and easier wildlife spotting. The wet season (March to May and October to November) offers fewer crowds and lower prices but comes with slippery trails and frequent rainfall.

Conclusion

The best sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi ultimately depends on your fitness level, preferences, and booking timing. Ruhija and Nkuringo are ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking a challenge, while Buhoma and Rushaga are better suited for those desiring less strenuous treks. Contact us for more information and assistance with booking your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi.