There are four main sectors where travelers can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Each sector has several habituated gorilla groups where gorilla tracking can be done. Most often the availability of gorilla permits determines which sector you should visit. However, at times when gorilla permits are available, you can decide which sector to visit upon booking your gorilla permit with a tour operator or Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Here are the four gorilla tracking sectors within Bwindi Impenetrable forest;
- Buhoma,
- Ruhija,
- Rushaga and
- Nkuringo
If gorilla trekking is what you have always wished to take part while on Uganda safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park then be mindful that gorilla treks always kick start in any of its4 (four) trailheads. On gorilla trek, you to head off to specific sector as per your permit. This rainforest national park lies suitably in southwestern Uganda and features as one of the 4 national parks where mountain gorilla adventures as conducted. Bwindi National Park extends up to 331 square kilometers and boasts as a home to about 440 mountain gorillas which represents approximately half the world’s gorilla population. This park has many habituated gorilla families that are distributed in its 4 sectors. They include;
Buhoma region
This is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park-one of the most popular regions for gorilla trekking safaris. This particular part of Bwindi is composed of 4 habituated gorilla families and they include Mubare group-notably the oldest and most popular of all the families in Buhoma region of Bwindi National Park. The others include Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe and remarkably, each habituated gorilla family has its unique story and experience to share with the world travelers. This area is mostly explored by most visitors on Uganda gorilla safari due to its strategic location from Queen Elizabeth National Park that makes it simpler for tourists to connect after exciting game viewing experiences or launch cruise or rather from Kampala capital city. To get to this sector, you will kick start your journey from Kampala via Masaka – Mbarara then connect to Rukungiri to Kihihi and lastly, you get to Butogota. The amazing part of it is that visitors on gorilla safari in this trailhead do not need to worry about where to spend a night after or before embarking on their trek. There are many accommodation options for visitor overnight stay while on Uganda gorilla safari in Bwindi National Park. In this particular sector, you can make a choice among the following safari lodges-Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp and others. This sector is preferred by most visitors when it comes to gorilla tours due to ease to trek through its habituated families.
Ruhija Area
To the east, there is Ruhija sector of Bwindi National park which is incredibly one of a kind trailheads when it comes to gorilla adventures. This region features incredible habituated gorilla groups for instance Oruzogo, Bitukura and Kyaguliro that is set for research purposes however, in case of high demand, it can be trekked. Gorilla treks in this region are facilitated by availability of safari lodges especially Cuckooland, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp and others.
Nkuringo area
Nkuringo sector of Bwindi National Park equally rewards travel endeavors with its own unique gorilla experiences. It is known for its challenging treks and features habituated families like Nkuringo and Christmas. Visitors on gorilla safari in this sector can spend a night on the safari lodges like Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Hammerkop bunkhouse, Nkuringo Gorilla campsite and others. This sector is also ideal for nature walks that rewards travel endeavors with incredible views over varied primates including the playful baboons, monkeys, forest pigs a mention but a few. For bird lovers, this region is equally the best for birding tours and the notable birds to spot out in this area include white tailed blue flycatcher, yellow eyed black catcher, Kivu ground thrush, African blue flycatcher, and African emerald cuckoo among others. As well, make your safari complete by embarking on cultural encounter in the Batwa and Bakiga community for you to indulge yourself into Batwa and Bakiga unique lifestyles, cultures, traditions and others.
Rushaga area
Rushaga sector lies in the southern area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. It famous for its vast habituated gorilla groups for you to track and they include Bweza, Busingye, Mishaya, Kahungye and Nshongi. As well, this area is also to offer gorilla habituation experience which is only conducted in Bwindi National Park. The available safari lodges for your overnight stay while on gorilla safari in Rushaga area include Gorilla Valley Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort and others.
In summary, gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are only conducted within its 4 main sectors. For any plans to explore these star attractions in this magical destination simply contact our reservationist and we shall make your dreams come true.