Why Trek Gorillas in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Forest

Why trek gorillas in Rushaga sector? Rushaga sector is among the most popular regions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to trek mountain gorillas. Have you wondered why you should trek gorillas in Rushaga and not in any other region/sector? Rushaga trailhead offers amazing opportunities for visitors to realize their dreams, especially when it comes to up close with a family of mountain gorillas. Rushaga is situated in the Southern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is not only popular for normal gorilla treks but also gorilla habituation experience. Here are among the many reasons why you must trek gorillas in Rushaga sector and not in any region/trailhead.

High concentration of mountain gorilla families

Rushaga sector/area is where the highest concentration of habituated gorilla families are found. A total of about 10 fully habituated mountain gorilla families reside in the Rushaga sector. These multiple habituated gorilla families present higher chances to primate enthusiasts to be part of the thrilling gorilla trekking adventure. If you plan to visit Rushaga for a gorilla tour, gorilla families to expect include Busingye gorilla group, Tindatine group, Nshongi group, Kahungye family, Bikingi gorilla family, Bweza group, Rwigyi family, Mucunguzi group, Kutu, and Mishaya.

With over 10 habituated gorilla families in Rushaga, it translates to about 80 visitors who can engage in the trek with these large apes. This is considering the fact that each group of mountain gorillas is visited by a maximum of 8 (eight) guests per day.

Enjoy gorilla habituation experience

Visitors on gorilla tour in Rushaga can have an addition of unique gorilla habituation experience. Mountain gorilla habituation experience offers up to 4 hours for you to enjoy up close with a group of mountain gorillas. It is a process where semi-habituated or completely wild gorilla families undergo conversion process to get used to human presence. This is a step-by-step process involving following a family of gorillas while observing their daily behaviors.

Gorilla habituation experience often takes about half day or a full day and is done by researchers, scientists or environmentalists. Visitors enjoy a safe search for semi-habituated family of mountain gorillas with abundant time to take pictures.

Accessibility

Rushaga is one of the most accessible regions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Even if you are in Kampala/Entebbe, you can set off and explore Rushaga sector. Amazingly, road travel from Kampala allows you to have multiple stopovers in special places like the Equator crossing and Igongo Cultural Centre. You also have a chance to appreciate the stunning countryside and diverse attractions.

Departing from Kigali to Rushaga is possible through the Katuna/Chanika border crossing and is about 4-5 hours’ drive. Setting off from Kigali to Rushaga means you have an option to combine Rwanda tours, especially Kigali city tour and gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Experience more than gorilla treks

Rushaga offers more than gorilla treks. Expect to also engage in the guided nature walks, bird-watching, cultural encounters, and gorilla habituation.

Where to stay

Rushaga never disappoints when it comes to places to stay. Varieties of safari lodges and camps are available for visitor overnight stay in and around Rushaga region. The lodges present in the Rushaga sector include budget, midrange, and luxury. They include Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, and Gorilla Valley Lodge.

When to visit Rushaga for gorilla trekking

Rushaga is an all year round gorilla trekking region. However, the ideal time to get there to enjoy excellent gorilla trekking adventure is during the dry season. The dry season in Rushaga usually falls around June to September. The shortest dry season extends from December to February.

Embarking on gorilla tour during the dry season allows you enjoy undisrupted gorilla trekking adventure. There is no much rain that is experienced during the dry seasons like it is the case with the wet or rainy season.

But it doesn’t mean, Rushaga is closed. Gorilla trekking still takes place even during the wet season. The wet or rainy season is most preferred by budget or backpackers on gorilla tour. This is considering the fact that most lodges cut down on the rates of accommodation thus allowing you to have a comfortable stay in some of the luxurious lodges.

The wet season starts from March to May and from October to November. Heavy rains are recorded around these months but the beauty about them is that it is possible to find mountain gorillas in the shortest period due to presence of forage for these apes. Gorillas aren’t compelled to move longer distances in search of what to feed like it is a case during the dry season.

What to take for Rushaga gorilla tour

The list of items to carry for a successful gorilla trek in Rushaga include waterproof hiking boots, waterproof gardening gloves, a rain jacket/poncho, environmentally-friendly clothes, insect repellents, high energy giving snacks, bottled water, a camera plus extra batteries, a daypack, and a safari hat. You may also need to carry items such as first aid kit, a pair of binoculars, and more.

Gorilla trekking regulations to observe

• Avoid littering the environment –the gorilla habitat must be kept clean.
• A safe distance of about 8-10 meters should be kept away from gorillas.
• A maximum of one-hour is allowed for you to enjoy up close and personal encounter with a group of gorillas.
• Using a flashlight when taking pictures is highly prohibited –have the flashlight turned off.
• A maximum of 8 (eight) visitors get a chance to track one habituated gorilla group per day.
• When searching for gorillas, ensure that you keep low your voice.
• In case you come across a charged gorillas, it is important to respect the park guide’s instructions.
• Do not go to track gorillas alone –be led by an experienced park ranger guide.
• A valid gorilla permit is needed for you to be allowed to be part of gorilla trekking expedition in Rushaga.
• Have all human wastes buried at least 30 cm deep after you have helped yourself.