Explore Rushaga Mountain Gorillas

Explore Rushaga Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Rushaga Mountain Gorillas — Rushaga, located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is home to five distinct gorilla families, making it one of the best areas for gorilla trekking in Uganda. This sector is well-known for its easy-to-navigate terrain, making it a great choice for visitors looking for an unforgettable wildlife adventure. The gorilla families here include Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye, all of which are available for tracking. Additionally, Rushaga is the only sector in Bwindi offering the exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience, where visitors can get even closer to the gorillas. Two families, Bushaho and Bikyingi, are currently undergoing the habituation process.

For travelers coming from Kigali, Rwanda, Rushaga is easily accessible, making it an ideal starting point for cross-border safaris. The sector also offers a unique cultural encounter with the Batwa community, providing a deeper connection with the region’s rich heritage.

Meet the Rushaga Gorilla Families

Nshongi Gorilla Group

Once the largest gorilla family in Bwindi, the Nshongi group originally had 36 members. Over the years, it split to form the Bweza and Mishaya families. The current Nshongi group has 25 members, including a dominant silverback, Nshongi, along with 3 sub-silverbacks, 4 blackbacks, 7 adult females, 6 juveniles, and 4 infants. This lively group is full of playful interactions, especially among the infants.

Mishaya Gorilla Group

Mishaya’s group was formed after a split from Nshongi in 2010. The silverback, Mishaya, took 7 members with him and created a new family. Known for its fighting nature, Mishaya’s group has attracted more females over the years, and the group has now grown to 12 members, including 3 infants.

Bweza Gorilla Group

Bweza split from the Nshongi family in 2013 with just 8 members. Despite efforts to reunite with Nshongi, Bweza remained independent and is now open for tracking. This group, led by a silverback, includes females and juveniles, making it an exciting group to observe as they go about their daily activities.

Kahungye Gorilla Family

The Kahungye group was habituated in 2011 with 27 members but quickly split due to internal disputes, resulting in the formation of Busingye. Today, the Kahungye family consists of 13 members, including the silverback Rumansi, along with two blackbacks, Rwigi and Ruhamuka.

Busingye Gorilla Family

Busingye’s group was established in 2012 after splitting from Kahungye. The name “Busingye” means “peace,” though the silverback, Busingye, is known for being quite aggressive and frequently picking fights with other groups. Starting with 7 members, Busingye’s group has now grown to 8 members and continues to thrive by attracting females from other groups.

What to Wear and Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

Gorilla trekking in Rushaga involves hiking through steep and muddy terrain, so be prepared for an adventure! Here are some essentials to bring:

• Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip to handle slippery trails.
• Clothing: Dress in long-sleeved shirts, thick trousers, and a sweatshirt to protect against stinging nettles and cold weather.
• Gloves: Old gardening gloves are helpful when holding onto thorny vegetation.
• Rain Gear: A poncho or raincoat is recommended, especially during the rainy season.
• Sunscreen, Hat, and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun.
• Water: Carry at least 2 liters of water for hydration during the trek.
• Camera Gear: Keep your camera equipment in a waterproof bag or plastic to protect it from the elements.

While binoculars aren’t necessary for gorilla viewing, bird watchers might find them useful, though the dense forest and steep terrain often limit their use.

Best Time to Trek Rushaga Mountain Gorillas

Rushaga offers gorilla trekking year-round, but the best months to visit are between June to August and December to February, when rainfall is lower, and the trails are less slippery. If you’re traveling during the wet months (March to May or November), expect some rain, but you might also get discounts at accommodations.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Adventure

At Excursia Adventures, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Our tours combine thrilling wildlife experiences with eco-friendly and culturally enriching activities. With excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, we ensure that every trip supports conservation efforts and local communities.

Our safari packages include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters, all designed to give you the best African safari experience.

Book your Rushaga gorilla trek with us today, and explore the beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park like never before!