Planning a Budget-Friendly Gorilla Holiday to Rushaga During High Season

Planning a Budget-Friendly Gorilla Holiday to Rushaga During High Season

Are you dreaming of a budget-friendly gorilla holiday to Rushaga during the high season? It’s possible with Trek Africa Expeditions! We can help you with securing gorilla permits, even during the peak months of June to September when permits can be hard to come by. During this high season, demand for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is at its peak, which can make it challenging to book permits. However, with Trek Africa Expeditions, we’ll help you navigate this busy period and ensure you get the permits you need. Plus, we’ll assist you in finding affordable accommodation options for your stay in Rushaga.

About Rushaga Sector

Rushaga is located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is home to five gorilla families—more than any other sector in Bwindi. Its terrain makes it one of the most accessible areas for gorilla trekking. Rushaga is easily reached via Kisoro and is also a convenient trekking point for those traveling from Kigali.

The sector is home to habituated gorilla families, including Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye, all open for trekking. Rushaga is also the only sector offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where visitors can spend extended time with two families, Bushaho and Bikyingi. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a cultural experience with the Batwa community, adding an enriching cultural element to your safari.

Key Considerations for Planning a Budget Gorilla Holiday to Rushaga During High Season

1. Book Your Gorilla Permits in Advance

When planning a budget-friendly gorilla holiday to Rushaga during high season, it’s crucial to book your gorilla permits 3 to 4 months in advance. Gorilla permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and they tend to sell out quickly during peak season. The cost of a permit varies:

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

These permits give you the opportunity to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Contact us for assistance with booking your permits in advance and securing the best dates for your trek.

2. Stay in Budget Accommodation

Finding affordable, comfortable accommodation is key to having a great experience without breaking the bank. Rushaga has several budget-friendly lodge options, including:

• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Kaurngi Camp
• Nshongi Camp
• Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Standard rooms and camping grounds)

These lodges offer full-board meal plans when you book your safari with Trek Africa Expeditions, ensuring that your accommodation is both affordable and comfortable.

3. Comfortable Travel to Rushaga

For a more budget-conscious option, consider traveling to Rushaga in a 4×4 safari van. This option provides comfort on the road and ensures you can enjoy the scenic drive to the park. Alternatively, if you want to save time, you can opt for a cheap flight with Aerolink to Kisoro Airstrip, which is just a two-hour drive from Rushaga. This option reduces the usual 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala, offering a quicker and more convenient way to reach your destination.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

Wondering what to wear for your gorilla trekking adventure in Rushaga? Here’s a handy list to help you pack the right gear for your trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

1. Long-Sleeved Sweater: The forest can get chilly, so a long-sleeved sweater is essential for warmth during the early morning trek.
2. Two Pairs of Long Trousers: Sturdy, long trousers will protect your legs from scratches and insects as you navigate through the dense vegetation.
3. Waterproof Hiking Boots: The terrain can be muddy, so waterproof hiking boots are a must for comfort and stability on your trek.
4. Hat and Sunglasses: These are optional but can be useful to protect your head and eyes from the sun, depending on the weather.
5. Camera and Extra Batteries: Photography is a must to capture the magic of your gorilla encounter, so bring a camera and extra batteries. Be sure to turn off your flash to avoid startling the gorillas.
6. Binoculars: Bwindi is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including birds and other primates. Binoculars will enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
7. Gardening Gloves: These will come in handy when holding onto branches or trees as you trek through the forest.
8. Raincoat: Since Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, rain is unpredictable. A raincoat will keep you dry during unexpected showers.
9. Mosquito Repellent: The forest is home to various insects, so it’s a good idea to wear or carry mosquito repellent to avoid bites.
10. Sunscreen: While it can be cloudy in the forest, it’s still important to protect your skin from the sun, especially during sunny spells.
11. Avoid Bright Colors: Bright colors can scare the gorillas, so it’s best to wear neutral tones like greens and browns.
12. Avoid Black and Blue: These colors attract Tsetse flies, so it’s better to stick to earth tones.

How to Get to Rushaga Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

By Air

You can reach Rushaga by air for a faster and more comfortable journey. Aerolink, a domestic airline, offers scheduled and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip, about a 2-hour drive from Rushaga. From Kisoro, our professional guide will pick you up and take you to your lodge. Make sure to check in 90 minutes before departure. Aerolink allows a 15-kilogram baggage limit per person, with an excess charge of USD 3 per kilogram. Children under 2 travel free, while those over 12 are charged at 70% of the adult fare.

By Road

Rushaga is accessible by road from Entebbe/Kampala, with an 8-9 hour drive. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Kigali, Rwanda, the drive takes about 4-5 hours.

Best Time to Plan Your Budget Gorilla Holiday to Rushaga During the High Season

Rushaga is open for trekking year-round, but being a tropical rainforest, it can rain at any time. For the best trekking conditions, we recommend visiting during the dry months of June to August and December to February, when rainfall is lower and the trails are less slippery. If you travel between March to May or November, you may encounter heavier rains, but some lodges offer discounts during these months.

Why Book Your Budget Gorilla Holiday to Rushaga with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is dedicated to creating personalized, budget-friendly safari experiences. Our team is professional, responsive, and ready to assist with all your travel needs. We pride ourselves on quick responses—usually within 20 minutes! Our expert consultants will help you plan your trek, book your services in advance, and ensure everything is in place for a seamless journey.

We offer a variety of budget gorilla safari packages to Rushaga, including:

• 2-day Budget Gorilla Safari
• 3-day Budget Gorilla Safari
• 4-day Budget Gorilla Safari

All packages are tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or an extended adventure, Trek Africa Expeditions is here to make your gorilla trekking dreams come true. Contact us today to start planning your budget-friendly gorilla holiday to Rushaga!