Trekking Gorillas in the Rushaga Region of Bwindi

Trekking Gorillas in the Rushaga Region of Bwindi

The Rushaga region in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most popular destinations for gorilla trekking. Home to eight gorilla families, Rushaga boasts the highest number of gorilla groups in any sector of Bwindi, making it an excellent choice for visitors. The terrain in Rushaga is less rugged than other parts of the park, making the treks generally easier. It’s also conveniently located, with access from Kisoro, and only a 4-5 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda.

The gorilla families in Rushaga include Rwigi, Muchunguzi, Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye, all of which are open for trekking. Additionally, Rushaga is the only region in Bwindi that offers the unique Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you can spend more time with the gorillas as they get accustomed to human presence.

Booking Your Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rushaga

Planning to trek gorillas in the Rushaga region of Bwindi? Booking through Trek Africa Expeditions makes this experience possible. Trekking in Rushaga offers the incredible opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, either as part of a group or individually. To do this, you’ll need to secure a gorilla trekking permit.

Permit costs are:

• USD 800 for foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for foreign residents
• 300,000 UGX for East African citizens

The permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas once you locate them, which is an unforgettable experience.

Important Tips for Planning Your Gorilla Trek in Rushaga

1. Booking Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

Rushaga offers 64 permits daily—the highest number in Bwindi. To ensure your spot for gorilla trekking, it’s essential to book your permit well in advance, particularly during the high season when permits sell out quickly. You can secure your permit by paying either 100%, 70%, or 30% upfront.

We recommend booking your permit at least 3-4 months before your intended trekking date, especially if you’re traveling during peak times. For assistance with booking permits and planning your trek, feel free to contact us at Trek Africa Expeditions, and we’ll handle the process for you.

2. Booking Accommodation in Rushaga

Choosing the right accommodation in Rushaga is key to enjoying a comfortable and memorable safari. There are a range of options to suit different budgets:

• Luxury lodges: Options include Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Gorilla Valley Lodge.
• Mid-range and budget options: Affordable lodges such as Nshongi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge offer great value for money.

If you prefer, you can also stay in nearby Nkuringo, where budget lodges provide easy access to the Rushaga region for gorilla trekking.

Comfortable Travel to Rushaga for Gorilla Trekking

For a comfortable and smooth journey to the Rushaga region of Bwindi, traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser is highly recommended. These vehicles are built for the rugged terrain and will provide a comfortable experience on the road.

Alternatively, you can opt to fly into Kisoro Airstrip, which is just a short distance from Rushaga. Flying will significantly reduce your travel time, cutting down the usual 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala to just a 2-hour drive from Kisoro Airstrip to your lodge in Rushaga.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

Preparing for your gorilla trek in Rushaga involves choosing the right clothing and gear. Here’s what you should bring along for a comfortable and safe trek:

• Long-sleeved sweater: The park can get chilly, especially in the early mornings.
• Two pairs of long trousers: These will protect your legs from scratches and insect bites.
• Waterproof hiking boots: Essential for navigating the often slippery and uneven terrain.
• Hat and sunglasses: Optional, depending on the weather, but helpful for sun protection.
• Camera and extra batteries: You’ll want to capture these incredible moments, but make sure to turn off the flash to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
• Binoculars: Great for spotting birds and other wildlife in Bwindi’s dense forest.
• Gardening gloves: These will protect your hands when grabbing tree branches or plants during the trek.
• Raincoat: Bwindi is a rainforest, so the weather can be unpredictable. Always carry a raincoat just in case.
• Mosquito repellent: The forest is home to various insects, so it’s wise to have protection.
• Sunscreen: Optional, but useful if you’re trekking during a hot season to prevent sunburn.
• Avoid bright colors: Neutral colors are best as bright clothes can either scare or agitate the gorillas.
• Avoid black and blue: These colors attract tsetse flies, so it’s best to avoid them.

Getting to the Rushaga Sector for Gorilla Trekking

You can reach Rushaga by either air or road.

By Air:

Flying is the quickest way to get to Rushaga. AeroLink offers scheduled and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip, which is the closest airstrip to Rushaga. From Kisoro, it’s about a 1-hour drive to your lodge in Rushaga. Though there are no direct flights to Rushaga, our guides can pick you up from Kisoro Airstrip and transfer you to your lodge.

By Road:

Traveling by road to Rushaga takes around 8-9 hours from Entebbe or Kampala. You’ll pass through Kabale town before reaching Rushaga. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Kigali, Rwanda, the drive is shorter, taking around 4-5 hours to reach Rushaga.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in organizing unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. With years of experience, we’re highly rated on TripAdvisor for delivering eco-friendly, high-quality safari adventures. We combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safaris, chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters to provide you with a comprehensive African safari experience.

Our safaris are designed to conserve wildlife, preserve biodiversity, and uplift local communities. We also offer safaris to other popular African destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

If you’re planning to trek gorillas in Rushaga, feel free to contact us at Trek Africa Expeditions for an expertly organized and unforgettable adventure.