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Is It Possible to Book All Permits and Trek the Busingye Gorilla Family Exclusively?
Yes, with Excursia Adventures, it’s absolutely possible to book all permits and trek the Busingye gorilla family exclusively! The Busingye gorilla family is one of the five gorilla families located in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This group was formed in 2012 after splitting from the Kahungye group, and it gets its name from the dominant male, Busingye, which means “peace”—though ironically, he’s known for causing trouble and picking fights with other groups!
Starting with just 7 members, the family has now grown to 8 members, with Busingye’s power growing as he claims females from other males, showing dominance and strength.
If you’re interested in an exclusive, private trek of the Busingye gorilla family, you can book all the available permits in advance. This means you can enjoy a one-on-one encounter with the gorillas, whether you’re traveling solo or with your own private group.
How to Block All Permits for Busingye Gorilla Family
To trek with the Busingye gorilla family exclusively, you’ll need to block all 8 permits available daily. Here’s how it works:
- Each permit costs:
- USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
- USD 700 for Foreign Residents
- 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African Citizens
This will give you an exclusive, one-hour encounter with the Busingye gorillas. If you want to trek alone, you must book all 8 permits. You can do this by paying 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total cost in advance.
It’s recommended to book at least 3-4 months in advance to guarantee availability, especially during the high season, when permits tend to sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.
Important Considerations When Booking Busingye Gorilla Family Exclusively
1. Securing All Gorilla Permits
To have a private trekking experience with the Busingye gorilla family, you must secure all 8 permits in advance. This ensures that no other tourists will join you. You can block these permits by paying a percentage upfront (100%, 70%, or 30%). Once the payment is made, your spot is confirmed!
2. Accommodation in Rushaga
For a truly exclusive experience, consider booking an entire lodge or cottage for your stay in the Rushaga sector. Rushaga has several accommodation options, from luxury lodges like Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Gorilla Valley Lodge, to options in the nearby Nkuringo sector, including Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
Booking an entire lodge or a private cottage will ensure that your experience is peaceful and private, away from other tourists. Early booking is crucial to guarantee availability.
3. Comfortable Travel to Rushaga
For a smooth journey, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, which will offer comfort during the long drive to Rushaga. Alternatively, you can fly to Kisoro Airstrip, which is just a 2-hour drive from Rushaga, saving you time compared to the 8-9 hours drive from Entebbe/Kampala. You can also access Rushaga via the Cyanika border from Kigali, which is approximately a 4-5 hour drive.
What to Wear for Trekking the Busingye Gorilla Family
If you’re wondering what to wear for your exclusive trek with the Busingye gorilla family, we’ve put together a helpful guide to ensure you’re prepared for the adventure ahead. Here’s a list of essential items to wear and bring along:
1. Long-Sleeved Sweater
The weather in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can get chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings, so a long-sleeved sweater will help keep you warm.
2. Two Pairs of Long Trousers
Since the trek involves walking through thick vegetation, it’s a good idea to wear long trousers to protect your legs from thorns and insects.
3. Waterproof Hiking Boots
The terrain can be muddy and slippery, especially during rainy seasons. Make sure to wear waterproof hiking boots for comfort and safety.
4. Hat and Sunglasses
Depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses can help protect you from the sun. However, these are optional based on the season.
5. Camera and Extra Batteries
Capturing memories is a must during your trek! Don’t forget your camera and extra batteries. Remember to turn off the flash to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
6. Binoculars
Bring along a pair of binoculars to enjoy the beautiful birdlife in the forest, as well as other wildlife, including primates.
7. Gardening Gloves
Gardening gloves are helpful when holding onto tree branches or other surfaces during the trek, keeping your hands safe from scratches.
8. Raincoat
Since Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a rainforest, rain can be unpredictable. Carrying a raincoat is essential to stay dry.
9. Mosquito Repellent
To avoid insect bites in the forest, it’s a good idea to wear or carry mosquito repellent. The forest is home to various insects, and protection is key.
10. Sunscreen
Although it’s a forest, the sun can still be strong at certain times of the year. A good sunscreen will protect your skin from getting burned, especially during sunny days.
11. Neutral-Colored Clothing
Avoid wearing bright colors like red, yellow, or white, as these can startle or scare the gorillas. It’s best to wear neutral colors such as green, brown, or khaki. Also, avoid black and blue as they attract Tsetse flies.
How to Get to Rushaga for an Exclusive Busingye Gorilla Family Trek
By Air
The fastest way to reach Rushaga is by air. You can fly with AeroLink, a domestic airline offering both scheduled and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip. From there, a guide will meet you and drive you to your lodge in Rushaga—about an hour’s drive.
By Road
Alternatively, you can travel by road:
- From Entebbe/Kampala, it’s about an 8-9 hour drive passing through Kabale town before reaching Rushaga.
- From Kigali, Rwanda, the journey takes about 4-5 hours via the Cyanika border and Kisoro town.
When is the Best Time to Trek the Busingye Gorilla Family?
The best time to trek the Busingye gorilla family is during the drier months from January, February, June to early September. The weather is more favorable, with less rain, which makes hiking easier and allows for better visibility of the mountain gorillas.
Why Book Your Exclusive Trek with Excursia Adventures?
At Excursia Adventures, we specialize in customizing personalized safari experiences tailored to your preferences. Here’s why you should book your trek with us:
- Dedicated and knowledgeable team: Our team responds to your queries within 20 minutes, offering prompt and efficient service.
- Personalized travel plans: We design a travel plan that suits your needs and preferences.
- Experienced guides: Our safari guides are knowledgeable, and we can provide guides who speak your preferred language.
- Hassle-free booking: We handle all your bookings in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Feel free to contact us today to learn more about trekking the Busingye gorilla family exclusively and securing your permits. Let us help you create a memorable and once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
