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December 16, 2024Booking Gorilla Permits for Rushaga Sector – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Are you dreaming of a gorilla trekking adventure in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park? Booking your gorilla permits with Excursia Adventures is easy, and we can help you secure them even during peak season. While Uganda’s low season runs from April to May and November, when fewer tourists visit, this also provides a unique chance to enjoy a more private experience in the park. Excursia Adventures can also recommend the best budget-friendly lodges for your stay in Rushaga.
About Rushaga Sector
Located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Rushaga is home to five gorilla families – the most of any sector. These families are easier to trek, thanks to the region’s terrain, and the area is also accessible via Kisoro, making it a convenient trekking point for travelers coming from Kigali. The habituated families in Rushaga include Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye, all of which are open for trekking. This is also the only sector in Bwindi offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience, featuring two families, Bushaho and Bikyingi, currently undergoing the habituation process.
Additionally, Rushaga provides an opportunity for a cultural experience, with the Batwa community visits available for those interested in local traditions and heritage.
Important Tips for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga
Book Your Gorilla Permits in Advance
While permits for Rushaga can still be available closer to your travel date, we recommend booking your gorilla permits at least one month in advance. During high season, some dates may sell out, especially when large groups book in bulk. Secure your spot early to ensure a smooth trekking experience. The cost of a gorilla permit is:
- USD 800 for Foreign Non-residents
- USD 700 for Foreign Residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens
These permits allow you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi, creating memories of a lifetime. Contact Excursia Adventures to book your permits today!
Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Rushaga
Rushaga offers several affordable lodging options for budget travelers. Some of the top choices include:
- Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Karungi Camp
- Nshongi Camp
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Standard rooms and camping grounds available)
These lodges offer a variety of meal plans when you book through Excursia Adventures, with full board meal options for your convenience and comfort.
Travel Comfortably to Rushaga
For a smooth journey, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 safari van, which is a great budget-friendly option. Alternatively, you can fly with Aerolink to Kisoro Airstrip, which is close to Rushaga. This option cuts the 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe/Kampala down to just 2 hours, offering a more comfortable and time-efficient way to reach your destination.
What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga
Wondering what to wear for your gorilla trek? Here’s a list of essentials:
- A long-sleeve sweater (the weather in the park can get chilly)
- Two pairs of long trousers
- Waterproof hiking boots
- A hat and sunglasses (optional depending on the weather)
- A camera with long-lasting batteries (remember to turn off your flash)
- Binoculars for bird watching and viewing other primates
- Gardening gloves for holding branches and trees during the trek
- A raincoat (the rainforest climate is unpredictable)
- Mosquito repellent (the park is home to various insects)
- Sunscreen (to protect against sunburn)
- Avoid bright colors, as they may scare off the gorillas, and stay away from black or blue clothing (which attracts Tsetse flies). Opt for neutral colors instead.
How to Get to Rushaga Sector
- By Air: You can fly to Kisoro Airstrip via Aero link, which offers scheduled and charter flights. From there, a 2-hour drive will bring you to your lodge in Rushaga. Remember to check in 90 minutes before departure, and note that the baggage limit is 15kg per person, with excess charges of USD 3 per kg.
- By Road: Rushaga can also be accessed by road, with an 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe/Kampala. Alternatively, you can travel from Kigali, Rwanda, which takes approximately 4-5 hours.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga
Rushaga is open for trekking year-round, but the best time to visit is between June and August and December to February when rainfall is lower, and the trails are less slippery. However, if you travel during the rainy seasons (March-May and November), you may get discounts at some lodges, but expect more rainfall.
Why Book Your Gorilla Permits with Excursia Adventures?
At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves in creating personalized, unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. Our team of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals will guide you every step of the way, ensuring your trip is seamless. We respond to your inquiries within 30 minutes, offering helpful travel advice, planning, and booking services in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. We also provide expert safari guides who speak a variety of languages to make your experience even more enriching.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly gorilla safari packages to Rushaga, we offer options such as the 2-Day Budget Gorilla Safari, 3-Day Budget Gorilla Safari, and 4-Day Budget Gorilla Safari.
Feel free to contact us today to book your permits for Rushaga sector or to inquire about our safari packages!