Organizing a Luxury Gorilla Trip to Rushaga During High Season

Organizing a Luxury Gorilla Trip to Rushaga During High Season

Are you dreaming of an unforgettable luxury gorilla trip to Rushaga during high season? Trek Africa Expeditions can turn that dream into a reality. We excel at securing gorilla permits, even when demand is at its peak between June and September, a time when many travelers flock to Bwindi for gorilla trekking. Due to the high interest, permits can sell out quickly, making it essential to plan ahead.

Discovering Rushaga Sector

Rushaga Sector, located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is home to five gorilla families—the highest number in any sector. These families are relatively easy to trek due to the region’s terrain. Accessible via Kisoro, Rushaga serves as a convenient tracking point for those traveling from Kigali. The habituated gorilla families in this area include Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye, all of which are available for trekking. Additionally, Rushaga is unique in offering a Gorilla Habituation Experience, featuring two families, Bushaho and Bikyingi, currently undergoing the habituation process. For those interested in cultural experiences, the sector also offers visits to the Batwa community, providing a rich glimpse into the local culture.

Key Considerations for Organizing Your Luxury Gorilla Trip

Book Your Gorilla Permits in Advance

When planning your luxury safari to Rushaga, it’s crucial to book your gorilla permits at least three to four months in advance. During high season, permits can sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. A gorilla permit is essential for trekking the mountain gorillas in Rushaga and costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African citizens. This permit allows you to spend one hour in the presence of the majestic mountain gorillas. For more information on how to secure your gorilla permits in advance, please contact us.

Choose Luxury Accommodation

To enhance your experience and ensure your comfort during your gorilla safari, it’s important to stay in luxury accommodations. Rushaga offers a variety of upscale lodge options, including Gorilla Safari Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Gorilla Heights Lodge. When you book your safari with Trek Africa Expeditions, you can enjoy a full-board meal plan at these lodges, ensuring a delightful culinary experience during your stay.

Travel in Comfort

Consider traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser for a comfortable ride to Rushaga. Alternatively, you can opt for a flight to Kisoro Airstrip, which is conveniently located near Rushaga. This option significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to cut down the typical 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala to just a two-hour drive from Kisoro to your lodge in Rushaga.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

Preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure in Rushaga? The right clothing and gear can make a big difference in your comfort and experience. Here’s a helpful guide on what to wear:

• Long-Sleeved Sweater: The temperatures can drop in the park, so bring a warm sweater to keep comfortable during your trek.
• Two Pairs of Long Trousers: Wear long trousers to protect your legs from thorny bushes and insects.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: Invest in sturdy, waterproof hiking boots to navigate the wet and uneven terrain.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses can help shield you from the sun. This is optional but recommended.
• Camera with Extra Batteries: Capture your memories with a good camera, and don’t forget to bring extra batteries. Remember to keep the flash off to avoid startling the gorillas.
• Binoculars: A pair of binoculars will enhance your wildlife viewing experience, allowing you to spot various birds and primates in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
• Gardening Gloves: These can be useful for holding onto trees and branches during your trek.
• Raincoat: Given that Bwindi is a rainforest, rain is unpredictable. A lightweight raincoat will keep you dry and comfortable.
• Mosquito Repellent: Protect yourself from insect bites with a good mosquito repellent.
• Sunscreen: This is optional, but depending on the season, sunscreen can help prevent sunburn during hotter days.
• Neutral Colors: Avoid wearing bright colors, as they can scare off the gorillas. Steer clear of black and blue, too, as these attract Tsetse flies. Opt for neutral colors that blend into the environment.

How to Get to Rushaga for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

By Air: The quickest way to reach Rushaga is by flying. Aero Link provides scheduled and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip. While there is no direct flight to Rushaga, you can take a flight to Kisoro, where our professional guide will meet you and transport you to your lodge. The drive from Kisoro to Rushaga takes about two hours. Remember to check in at least 90 minutes before your flight, and note that Aero Link has a baggage limit of 15 kilograms per person, with excess baggage charged at $3 per kilogram. Private charters are also available for customized travel schedules. Infants under two years old can fly for free, while children over 12 pay 70% of the adult fare.

By Road: If you prefer to travel by road, Rushaga is accessible via the main highway from Entebbe or Kampala, which takes approximately 8-9 hours. This route will take you through Kabale before arriving in Rushaga. Alternatively, you can also drive from Kigali, Rwanda, which takes about 4-5 hours.

Best Time to Plan Your Luxury Gorilla Trip to Rushaga

Rushaga is open for trekking year-round, but keep in mind that it’s a tropical rainforest and can rain at any time. The best months for gorilla trekking are June to August and December to February, as these months typically have lower rainfall and less slippery terrain. If you travel between March to May or November, expect higher rainfall, but you may find discounts on accommodations at some lodges during these periods.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Luxury Gorilla Trip?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we take pride in being a responsible local tour operator based in Uganda, specializing in tailor-made safaris. Our dedicated and trustworthy team is committed to ensuring your trip is seamless. We respond to inquiries within 20 minutes and provide personalized travel plans that address all your needs. Our knowledgeable safari guides can cater to your language preferences, enhancing your experience.

We offer various luxury gorilla safaris, including the 3-day and 4-day Gorilla Fly-In safaris, tailored to your preferences. Feel free to reach out to us to start organizing your luxury gorilla trip to Rushaga during high season!