Booking Exclusive Permits for the Bushaho Gorilla Group

Booking Exclusive Permits for the Bushaho Gorilla Group

The Bushaho gorilla family, located in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, consists of nine members known for their unique characteristics and behaviors. This family was officially opened for trekking in 2016, increasing the total number of gorilla families in Bwindi to 17. Uganda is now recognized as one of the premier destinations for viewing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

If you’re planning to trek the Bushaho gorilla family exclusively—whether as an individual or in a private group—you’ll be pleased to know that Trek Africa Expeditions can help you secure all the necessary permits. Trekking this family exclusively allows you a unique opportunity to observe these incredible animals without any other tourists present.

How to Book Exclusive Permits

To trek the Bushaho gorilla family exclusively, you’ll need to book all available permits for that day. The Bushaho group offers eight permits each day, and securing them all will grant you a private experience. The costs for gorilla permits are as follows:

• $700 USD for foreign non-residents
• $600 USD for foreign residents
• 250,000 Uganda Shillings for East African citizens

This fee allows you to spend one unforgettable hour with the gorillas. If you are trekking alone, you will need to purchase all eight permits, totaling $4,000 USD for foreign non-residents.

You can pay for the permits in advance at three different percentages: 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total amount. We recommend booking your permits at least three to four months in advance, especially during peak seasons, as they tend to sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Important Considerations for Booking

• Advance Booking: To ensure a private trekking experience, it’s crucial to secure all eight permits in advance. This way, no other tourists will be able to book into the Bushaho family on the same day.
• Contact Us: For more details on how to book your gorilla permits for the Bushaho family and ensure an exclusive trekking experience, feel free to contact us here.

Comfortable Travel Options to Nkuringo

When planning your journey to Nkuringo, consider traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser for comfort and reliability on the road. Alternatively, you can opt for a flight to Kisoro Airstrip, which significantly reduces travel time. The flight from Entebbe or Kampala usually takes about two hours, allowing for a much shorter journey compared to the typical 8 to 9-hour drive.

You can also access Rushaga, the closest area to Nkuringo, from Kigali via the Cyanika border, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.

What to Wear When Trekking the Bushaho Gorilla Family

If you’re preparing for an exclusive trek with the Bushaho gorilla family, you might be wondering what to wear. Here’s a handy guide to help you dress appropriately for your adventure:

• Long-Sleeved Sweater: Since the weather in Bwindi can be quite cool, a long-sleeved sweater will keep you warm during your trek.
• Two Pairs of Long Trousers: Opt for durable, lightweight trousers to protect your legs from scratches and insects.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is essential for navigating the often muddy and slippery trails.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses can offer protection from the sun, although these are optional.
• Camera with Long-lasting Batteries: Capture your unforgettable moments! Just remember to keep your flash turned off to avoid startling the gorillas.
• Binoculars: These are great for spotting the diverse bird species and other wildlife that inhabit the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
• Gardening Gloves: These can be useful when holding onto trees or branches during the trek.
• Raincoat: Bwindi is a rainforest, so rain is unpredictable. Carrying a raincoat will keep you dry and comfortable.
• Mosquito Repellent: Given the forest setting, it’s wise to wear mosquito repellent to protect yourself from insects.
• Sunscreen: Depending on the season, it can get quite sunny. Sunscreen is advisable to prevent sunburn.
• Avoid Bright Colors: Bright colors can scare the gorillas, so stick to neutral tones. Black and blue are also not recommended, as they can attract Tsetse flies.

Getting to Nkuringo for Your Trek

By Air:

Flying to Nkuringo is the quickest and least tiring option. Aero Link, a domestic airline, offers scheduled and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip. While there are no direct flights to Nkuringo, you can take a flight to Kisoro, where our professional guide will meet you and drive you to your lodge. The drive from Kisoro to Nkuringo takes about one hour.

By Road:

If you prefer to drive, you can access Nkuringo from Entebbe or Kampala via the main highway. This journey typically takes about 8 to 9 hours and includes passing through Kabale town. Alternatively, you can travel from Kigali, Rwanda, which takes around 4 to 5 hours through the Cyanika border and Kisoro town.

Best Time to Trek the Bushaho Gorilla Family

The ideal times for trekking the Bushaho gorilla family are during the drier months of January, February, June, and early September. During these periods, the trails are more accessible, and the vegetation is less dense, providing clearer views of the mountain gorillas.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Trekking Experience?

Trek Africa Expeditions organizes unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. With numerous positive reviews on TripAdvisor, we pride ourselves on offering eco-friendly adventures that also benefit local communities and wildlife conservation efforts. Our safaris include a variety of experiences, such as chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, game viewing, mountain hiking, boat excursions, and cultural encounters. We strive to provide you with a memorable African safari experience across some of the continent’s most beautiful destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

If you have any questions about booking permits or arranging your exclusive trek with the Bushaho gorilla family, feel free to contact us here.