The four Gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga & Nkuringo; while Nyakagezi gorilla group is located within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, 

Comparing 4 different Sectors of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Rushaga Sector

The Rushaga gorilla trekking sector is situated in the southern part of Bwindi National Park within Kisoro district. Rushaga sector is a renowned destination for gorilla trekking at Bwindi National Park for several reasons:

The Rushaga sector hosts eight habituated gorilla families, which include Bweza, Mucunguzi, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bikingi, and Mishaya.

 

Rushaga is a one-of-a-kind trekking destination famous for gorilla habituation  experience & research. Guests have the opportunity to participate in guided nature walks, engage in bird watching, and take part in community visits. Trekking in Rushaga provides an opportunity to pause at Lake Mutanda for boat rides.The Rushaga sector can be reached from Kigali, Rwanda, through the Kyanika border post. The travel duration from Kigali to Rushaga is approximately 4 to 5 hours. Rushaga can be reached via the nearby Kisoro airport. AeroLink offers daily flight services from Entebbe Airport to Kisoro Airport.
Rushaga is in proximity to the Nkuringo sector, allowing for overnight accommodations in the Rushaga area before embarking on a gorilla trek in the Nkuringo sector, located in the southern region of Bwindi National Park.

The Rushaga sector offers a range of accommodation options, such as Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, and Gorilla Valley Lodge.

Nkuringo Sector

The Nkuringo sector is situated in the southern part of Bwindi National Park within Kisoro district.

This option is ideal for travelers looking for a more challenging hiking experience. Nkuringo provides stunning vistas of the Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo Mountains in the DRC. Travelers can conveniently access Nkuringo from the Kyaninga border, with an approximate drive time of approximately 5 hours. It is conveniently located near Lake Mutanda, offering opportunities for boat rides.The Nkuringo sector can be conveniently reached from Kigali, Rwanda, through the Kyanika border post. The travel duration from Kigali to Nkuringo is approximately 5 hours. Nkuringo can be reached via the nearby Kisoro airport. AeroLink operates daily flights from Entebbe Airport to Kisoro Airport. Nkuringo is in proximity to the Rushaga sector, allowing for overnight stays in the Nkuringo area while providing access to gorilla trekking in the Rushaga sector, and vice versa.

The Nkuringo sector offers a range of accommodation options, including the upscale Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Chameleon Hill Lodge, among others.

Ruhija Sector – Gorilla Trekking Sectors In Bwindi, Uganda

The Ruhija sector is situated in the eastern part of Bwindi National Park, within the newly established district of Rubanda, which was originally part of Kabale. It is the sector closest to Buhoma.

Ruhija provides a more exclusive trekking experience in comparison to the other sectors. The area is home to four habituated gorilla families: Mukiza, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, and Oruzongo. This Ruhija sector in Bwindi is the exclusive area where elephants and various wildlife, such as antelopes, can be observed. Hikers have the opportunity to ascend Rwamunyonyi Peak, the highest elevation in Bwindi at 2,607 meters. Hiking in Ruhija while staying in Buhoma is feasible given their close proximity. Ruhija provides activities such as bird watching, guided Batwa walks, and nature walks, delivering a more exclusive trekking experience in comparison to other sectors. Hikers have the opportunity to ascend Rwamunyonyi Peak, which stands as the highest elevation in Bwindi at 2,607 meters.

The Ruhija sector can be conveniently accessed from Kigali, Rwanda, through the Kyanika or Katuna land border crossing. The travel duration from Kigali to Ruhija ranges from 4 to 5 hours.

Ruhija can be conveniently reached via the nearby Kihihi Airport. AeroLink offers daily flight services from Entebbe Airport to Kihihi Airport.

Ruhija’s proximity to Lake Bunyonyi facilitates convenient access for those wishing to stay at the lake while trekking gorillas in the Ruhija sector.

The Ruhija sector offers a range of accommodations, including Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, among others.

Buhoma Sector of Bwindi – Gorilla trekking in Uganda

The Buhoma sector serves as the national park headquarters for Bwindi National Park and is situated in the northern part of the park within the Kanungu district.

Buhoma Sector is home to several habituated gorilla families, such as Bunyindo, Rushegura, Habinyanja, Katwe, and Mubare.

Buhoma is located about 8 to 9 hours by car from Kampala and 5 to 6 hours from Kigali. Buhoma can be reached via the nearby Kihihi airport. AeroLink operates daily flights from Entebbe Airport to Kihihi Airport.

For travelers from Rwanda, Buhoma can be reached through the Kyaninga and Gatuna borders, presenting an excellent opportunity for a 3-day gorilla trekking safari from Rwanda.

Buhoma, recognized as the oldest gorilla trekking destination within Bwindi National Park, is distinguished by its premium lodges, such as Sanctuary Gorilla Retreat, Bwindi Lodge (managed by Volcanoes Safaris), Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge, among others.

Buhoma Sector is a two-hour drive to the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as the Ishasha sector. The Ishasha sector is a renowned location for observing tree-climbing lions.
Buhoma provides guided nature walks and birdwatching experiences along trails such as the Muzabajiro Loop, River Ivy, Munyaga River, and Rushura Hill.

Gorilla Permit Reservations For Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Sectors

Securing a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi can be difficult because of the restricted availability. To select a specific sector, please make your request well in advance, ideally 6 months to a year prior to your intended trek. When contacting Gorilla Safaris to arrange your trip, please ensure you have your travel dates and the number of travelers prepared. It is recommended to present several date alternatives to enhance the likelihood of obtaining permits. It is necessary to submit personal information, including your passport details, for the permit application process.

Best Time For Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year; however, many travelers favor the dry season, which spans from June to September and December to February. At this time, mountain gorillas exhibit increased activity, and the trails experience reduced mud conditions. The wet season presents opportunities for reduced tourist traffic and possible discounts; however, it may complicate tracking due to rain and slippery trails.