WanderLux Safaris Logo

Bwindi National Park Rushaga

A GORILLA TREKKING HAVEN IN BWINDI NATIONAL PARK

Bwindi National Park Rushaga Overview

Bwindi National Park Rushaga is the Southern gorilla trekking sector, a region with the highest number of gorilla groups. Rushaga sector is found in Southwestern Uganda, very close to Kisoro. It is the only region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Uganda with the highest number of gorilla group families and also provides the most memorable gorilla habituation experience.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park Rushaga

Over 9 habituated gorilla families exist in Rushaga for gorilla trekking in Rushaga alone. The gorilla groups in the Rushaga region include the Rwigi gorilla group, Kahungye, Busingye, Nshongi, Mucunguzi, Bikingi, Mishaya, Bweza, and Kutu. These translate to 72 gorilla permits considering the fact that each family is visited by a maximum of eight (8) visitors.

When you think of visiting Rushaga to track gorillas, valid gorilla permits should be a must to book. Rushaga gorilla permits cost USD 700 per person –for foreign non-residents, USD 600 per person for foreign residents while East African citizens Uganda shs. 250,000.

Rushaga gorilla habituation permits go for USD 1500 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 1000 for foreign residents and shs. 750,000. A valid gorilla permit on a normal gorilla trek/habituation guarantees you an incredible time with mountain gorillas in the wild. During gorilla trekking, visitors enjoy a complete one hour of up close and personal with a family of habituated gorillas and 4 hours face-to-face with mountain gorillas.

Whether you are visiting Rushaga for gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation, WanderLux Safaris is a recognized company that can assist you in securing your permit. All gorilla permits must be booked in advance, about 2-4 months before the actual date of trekking gorillas in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi National Park.

Besides gorilla adventures, the Rushaga sector is a preferred region for birding tours. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park –BIFNP alone, there exist over 360 species of birds including resident and Albertine rift endemic species. The birds to search for while on the Rushaga birding tour include the red-chested owlet, African blue flycatchers, short-tailed warblers, yellow-eyed black catchers, African emerald cuckoos, regal sunbirds, yellow-spotted barbets, white-tailed blue flycatchers, Kivu ground thrush, and ross’s turacos.

ACTIVITIES TO DO

Batwa cultural encounter

The Batwa cultural experience involves visiting the Batwa community. The Batwa pygmies’ community is found adjacent to Bwindi National Park where you will be interacting with locals, explore in depth about their distinct traditions, cultures and get entertained by their dances.

Nature walks

Nature walks are a must-do while in Rushaga besides trekking gorillas. The available trails in Rushaga include Kapata trail, the 3-hour trail which offers combination of nature, culture and local history. This trail leads nature lovers through the Kara ridge and offers moderate hikes with spectacular views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You will be exploring more about the Batwa pygmies and their cultures along this 6 hours 360 degree trail. Enjoy the stunning views of the park, Rwanda and Congo.

Where to stay

The available accommodation options to book for an overnight stay on the Rushaga safari include Gorilla Valley Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Travelers Rest Hotel, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nshongi Camp, and more.

Best time to visit

The various activities in and around Rushaga sector are best done during the dry season; June, July, August to September or December, January and February. It is during these months when Rushaga records the lowest rainfall amount and the park kept relatively drier. This makes them the most preferred months of the year to visit Rushaga for gorilla trekking or hiking experiences.

Getting there

Starting from Kampala to Rushaga, visitors should prepare to spend about 8-9 hours driving through Masaka-Mbarara to Kabale/Kisoro route. Or 4-5 hours’ drive from Kigali via Katuna borderto Kabale town/Chanika border area, connect to Kisoro.