Luxury Safari Lodges in Rushaga Sector

Luxury Safari Lodges in Rushaga Sector: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking Experience

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rushaga is one of the top locations you must consider. Nestled in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rushaga is home to five gorilla families—more than any other sector in the park. Thanks to the relatively easy terrain, trekking in Rushaga offers an exciting yet manageable experience for those eager to see these incredible creatures up close.

Top Luxury Safari Lodges in Rushaga

For a luxurious stay during your gorilla trekking adventure, you can choose from several high-end lodges in Rushaga. These include:

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

Additionally, you can opt for nearby lodges in Nkuringo, such as Gorilla Heights Lodge and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, both of which are excellent choices for trekking in Rushaga.

Rushaga is easily accessible from Kisoro and is a great starting point for those traveling from Kigali, Rwanda.

Why Choose Rushaga for Gorilla Trekking?

Rushaga is home to some of the most habituated gorilla families in Bwindi. These include:

• Busingye
• Bweza
• Nshongi
• Mishaya
• Kahungye

One of the unique features of this sector is the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This special program allows you to spend more time with the gorillas—up to four hours—offering a deeper and more immersive experience. Currently, the Bushaho and Bikyingi families are undergoing the habituation process, making them available for this unique encounter.

Rushaga also offers cultural encounters with the Batwa community, providing a rich, cultural experience for those interested in learning more about the local traditions.

Key Things to Know When Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Rushaga

1. Book Your Gorilla Permits Early

To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking your gorilla permits at least one month in advance. While some permits may still be available closer to your travel dates, demand tends to be high, especially for large groups. Booking early guarantees your spot.

Gorilla permits for Rushaga are priced as follows:

• $800 per person for foreign non-residents
• $700 per person for foreign residents
• 300,000 Ugandan Shillings for East African citizens

Your permit gives you the opportunity to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi.

2. Comfortable Travel to Rushaga

For comfortable travel to Rushaga, you can opt for a 4×4 safari van, which is budget-friendly and offers a comfortable ride. Alternatively, Aerolink offers flights to Kisoro Airstrip, which is just a 2-hour drive from Rushaga. This option helps cut down on the long drive from Entebbe (which takes 8-9 hours) to just a couple of hours.

3. What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

Gorilla trekking requires comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Here’s a packing list to ensure you’re well-prepared:

• Long-sleeve shirt and trousers (to protect from the undergrowth)
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Hat and sunglasses (optional)
• Binoculars (for bird watching)
• Camera with extra batteries (remember to turn off your flash)
• Gardening gloves (for holding onto branches)
• Raincoat (since Bwindi is a rainforest, rain is common)
• Insect repellent (to protect from bites)
• Sunscreen (optional, for protection against the sun)
• Neutral colors (avoid bright colors or dark blues/black to prevent attracting Tsetse flies)

4. How to Get to Rushaga Sector

• By Air: The quickest way to get to Rushaga is by flying with Aerolink to Kisoro Airstrip. From Kisoro, you’ll drive for about 2 hours to reach your lodge in Rushaga.
• By Road: If you’re traveling by road, Rushaga can be accessed via Kampala (about 8-9 hours) or from Kigali, Rwanda (approximately 4-5 hours).

5. Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

Rushaga is open for trekking year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the drier months from June to August and December to February. During these months, the trails are less slippery, and visibility is better, allowing for an enhanced trekking experience. If you visit during the rainy season (March-May and November), you may get discounts on accommodation, though rain is more likely.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Rushaga Gorilla Trekking?

At Excursia Adventures, we create customized, tailor-made safari experiences. Our team of professional tour consultants is ready to assist you, offering expert advice and ensuring that all aspects of your trip are well-planned and booked in advance.

We offer a range of budget, mid-range, and luxury safari packages to Rushaga, and our knowledgeable guides can cater to your language preferences.

Whether you’re interested in a 2-day budget safari or a luxury 4-day trek, we’ll help you find the perfect package that suits your preferences and budget.

Feel free to contact us for more information on luxury safari lodges in Rushaga or to book your gorilla trekking experience today!