Can You Block All Permits for an Exclusive Gorilla Trek in Rushaga?

Can You Block All Permits for an Exclusive Gorilla Trek in Rushaga?

Can You Block All Permits for an Exclusive Gorilla Trek in Rushaga? Yes, with Trek Africa Gorillas, it’s entirely possible to secure all the permits for trekking in Rushaga exclusively for you and your group. For a private trekking experience, you can block all permits in advance, ensuring that you’re the only ones trekking the gorillas on that day.

To secure all the permits, you’ll need to pay for all available permits for the day, which amount to a total of 40 permits. Each permit costs:

• USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 700 for Foreign Residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

The permits allow you to spend one hour with the gorillas during the trek. For the exclusive experience, you will need to pay for all 40 permits, which cover the five gorilla families in Rushaga. You can pay for the permits in full (100%) or make a deposit with options of 70% or 30% upfront.

Why Choose Rushaga for Gorilla Trekking?

Rushaga, located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is one of the most sought-after sectors for gorilla trekking in Uganda. With five habituated gorilla families, it is home to the largest number of gorilla groups in the park. The terrain in this area also makes it easier to trek the gorillas. Rushaga can be accessed from Kabale, Kisoro or even from Kigali, making it a convenient destination for trekkers.

In addition to regular trekking, Rushaga is also known for the gorilla habituation experience, where you can spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas—much longer than the typical 1-hour encounter on regular treks. If you’re interested in a more exclusive and private experience, it is possible to block all permits for gorilla trekking in the Rushaga sector and trek the gorillas alone or with your own private group.

Important Tips for Planning a Private Gorilla Trek

Book Your Permits in Advance

Rushaga has five gorilla groups open for trekking, with 40 permits available each day. If you want to trek exclusively alone, you’ll need to block all of these permits in advance. We recommend booking at least 3-4 months before your planned safari, especially during peak season when permits sell out quickly.

To ensure availability, contact us as soon as possible to discuss securing the permits and finalize your booking.

Book a Private Lodge in Rushaga

For a seamless and private experience, consider booking a lodge in Rushaga for your stay. Rushaga offers a variety of accommodations, including luxury options like:

• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Valley Lodge

Alternatively, you may opt for lodges in the nearby Nkuringo sector, such as:

• Gorilla Heights Lodge
• Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Booking a lodge exclusively will ensure privacy and comfort, enhancing your overall experience during the gorilla trek.

Getting to Rushaga: Travel Options

• By Air: For a quicker, more convenient journey, you can fly to Kisoro Airstrip with domestic airline Aero Link. From there, our professional guide will meet you and drive you to your lodge in Rushaga, which takes about 1 hour.
• By Road: If you prefer a road trip, Rushaga can be reached from Entebbe/Kampala in approximately 8-9 hours. You’ll pass through Kabale town before heading to the park. Alternatively, you can drive from Kigali, Rwanda, through the Cyanika border and Kisoro town, which takes about 4-5 hours.

Comfortable Travel Recommendations

For the best travel experience, consider hiring a 4×4 Land Cruiser for the journey to Rushaga. This ensures comfort and convenience during the drive. Alternatively, you can fly to Kisoro Airstrip, which is about a 2-hour drive from Rushaga. This option reduces the long road trip from Entebbe or Kampala (usually 8-9 hours) to just a 2-hour drive from the airstrip to your lodge.

If you’re traveling from Kigali, you can easily access Rushaga via the Cyanika border, which is approximately a 4-5 hour drive away.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

Planning for your gorilla trek in Rushaga? Choosing the right attire can make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Here’s a handy guide on what to wear and bring for your trek:

• Long-Sleeved Sweater: The weather in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can get chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings, so pack a warm, long-sleeved sweater.
• Two Pairs of Long Trousers: Opt for durable, lightweight trousers that will protect you from the dense vegetation and insects along the trail.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: The terrain can be muddy and slippery, so waterproof, sturdy hiking boots are essential for a safe trek.
• Hat and Sunglasses: While optional, a hat and sunglasses are useful for sunny days to protect yourself from the sun.
• Camera and Extra Batteries: Photography is a key part of the experience. Be sure to bring a camera with long-lasting batteries and remember to turn off the flash to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
• Binoculars: You’ll be trekking through a rich ecosystem, so binoculars are great for spotting birds, other primates and wildlife in the forest.
• Gardening Gloves: These come in handy for holding onto branches and trees during your trek, helping you maintain your balance.
• Raincoat: Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, so the weather can change quickly. Always carry a raincoat to stay dry if it starts raining.
• Mosquito Repellent: The forest is home to various insects, so it’s wise to apply mosquito repellent or wear protective clothing.
• Sunscreen: Depending on the season, it can get hot, so apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn.
• Avoid Bright Colors: Wearing bright colors can alarm the gorillas, so it’s best to dress in neutral colors like khaki, brown or green.
• Avoid Black and Blue: These colors attract Tsetse flies, which are prevalent in the area.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

The ideal time to trek gorillas in Rushaga is during the drier months of January, February, June, to early September. These months offer clearer trails and better visibility of the mountain gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense.

Book Your Private Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Gorillas

Trek Africa Gorillas crafts personalized, tailor-made safari experiences. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team is here to assist you every step of the way. From answering your questions within 20 minutes to arranging your travel plans and booking services in advance, we ensure that your journey is seamless.

Our professional tour consultants are always ready to help you with exclusive gorilla trekking options in Rushaga and we offer experienced safari guides in various languages. Contact us today to begin planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Rushaga!