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February 3, 2025
Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
February 3, 2025Rushaga Gorilla Trekking: Your Ultimate Guide to a Memorable Safari
Explore Rushaga Sector for an Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking Experience
Are you ready to embark on an incredible gorilla trekking adventure in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? With Excursia Adventures, it’s easy to plan a memorable safari. Whether you’re visiting during the low season (April, May, and November) or the peak months, our team will ensure you have an unforgettable experience, complete with budget-friendly lodging and fewer crowds for a more private safari experience.
About Rushaga Sector: A Unique Gorilla Trekking Destination
Rushaga is located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse gorilla families. With five gorilla families to choose from—Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye—Rushaga offers some of the best opportunities for trekking in the park. This sector is also home to the exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you can spend extended time with the gorillas. Additionally, Rushaga offers cultural experiences through visits to the Batwa community, giving you a deeper insight into the local way of life.
Key Considerations for Planning Your Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Experience
Book Your Gorilla Permit in Advance
It’s essential to secure your gorilla permit at least one month before your safari. While permits are often available, high demand from larger groups can cause certain dates to sell out quickly. Gorilla permits cost:
- USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
- USD 700 for Foreign Residents
- 300,000 Ugandan Shillings for East African Citizens These permits allow you a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas. To ensure you don’t miss out, contact us to help you book your permits in advance.
Stay in Comfortable Budget Lodges
When planning a budget-friendly gorilla safari in Rushaga, it’s important to choose affordable, comfortable accommodations. Our recommended budget options include:
- Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Karungi Camp
- Nshongi Camp
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Standard Rooms and Camping Grounds) All our packages include full-board meal plans to ensure your stay is comfortable and satisfying.
Travel Comfortably to Rushaga
For budget-conscious travelers, we recommend traveling by 4×4 safari van, offering comfort on the road to Rushaga. Alternatively, you can fly with Aerolink to Kisoro Airstrip, cutting down travel time from 8-9 hours to just a 2-hour drive to your lodge. The flight to Kisoro is a more convenient option for those looking to save time and energy on the road.
What to Wear for Your Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Adventure
When trekking in Rushaga, it’s essential to wear the right gear to ensure comfort and safety. Here’s a list of what to pack:
- A long-sleeved sweater (as temperatures can get chilly)
- Two pairs of long trousers (to protect from scratches and insects)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- A hat and sunglasses (depending on the weather)
- A camera with extra batteries (remember to turn off the flash)
- Binoculars for birdwatching and viewing other wildlife
- Gardening gloves (useful for gripping branches during the trek)
- A raincoat (since rain is unpredictable in the rainforest)
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen (to protect against sunburn)
- Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors that may startle the gorillas, and black or blue, which attract tsetse flies)
Getting to Rushaga for Gorilla Trekking
By Air: You can fly to Kisoro Airstrip with Aerolink, then connect to Rushaga via a 2-hour road transfer. Aerolink offers scheduled and charter flights, with luggage restrictions of 15kg per person. Private charters are also available, offering flexible timing.
By Road: Rushaga can also be accessed by road from Entebbe/Kampala (approximately 8-9 hours) or from Kigali, Rwanda (4-5 hours).
Best Time to Trek Gorillas in Rushaga
Gorilla trekking in Rushaga is possible year-round, but the best times to visit are from June to August and December to February, when rainfall is minimal and the forest conditions are more favorable. The rainy months (March-May and November) offer lower prices for accommodation, but they can also bring more challenging trekking conditions.
Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Safari?
At Excursia Adventures, we organize customized, hassle-free gorilla trekking experiences. With a dedicated team of professional guides and tour consultants, we ensure your safari is well-planned and seamless. Our knowledgeable consultants respond quickly to all queries, and we offer a variety of budget-friendly safari packages, such as:
- 2-Day Budget Gorilla Safari
- 3-Day Budget Gorilla Safari
- 4-Day Budget Gorilla Safari
Whether you’re seeking a short or extended trek, we provide you with expert guidance every step of the way. Contact us today to plan your perfect Rushaga gorilla trekking adventure!