Rushaga Gorilla Lodges

Rushaga Gorilla Lodges: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking Experiences

If you’re seeking an exceptional gorilla trekking experience in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, look no further. Whether you’re after mid-range or luxury accommodations, Rushaga offers a range of gorilla lodges to suit your preferences. Choose from well-regarded lodges like Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, and Gorilla Valley Lodge. For a more upscale experience, consider Four Gorillas Lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge.

About Rushaga Sector

Located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rushaga is home to the highest number of habituated gorilla families in the park—five in total. This makes it one of the best areas for gorilla trekking, with easier access due to the terrain. The gorilla families in Rushaga include Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye, all available for trekking.

Rushaga also stands out for offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This unique opportunity allows visitors to spend extended time with gorillas from two families—Bushaho and Bikyingi—that are currently undergoing habituation.

In addition to trekking, Rushaga provides the opportunity to visit the Batwa community, giving you a chance to experience the local culture and traditions of Uganda’s indigenous Batwa people.

Key Considerations for Planning Your Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Trip

Book Your Gorilla Permits Early

Booking your gorilla permits in advance is crucial to securing your spot for trekking in Rushaga. While permits are generally available, they can sell out, especially during busy travel periods or for large groups. We recommend booking at least one month in advance to avoid any potential disappointments.

• Gorilla permit pricing:
  • $800 for foreign non-residents
  • $700 for foreign residents
  • 300,000 Ugandan Shillings for East African citizens

A permit gives you access to one hour with the gorillas, allowing you to make lasting memories. Contact us for help securing your permits in advance.

Travel Comfortably to Rushaga Sector

Traveling to Rushaga can be comfortable and convenient. If you’re on a budget, a 4×4 safari van provides a good balance of comfort and affordability for the road trip. Alternatively, for those short on time, you can fly with Aerolink to Kisoro Airstrip. From Kisoro, it’s only a 2-hour drive to Rushaga, reducing the travel time significantly compared to the 8-9 hour road trip from Entebbe/Kampala.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

Wondering what to wear for your trek? Here’s a list of essential items:

• Long-sleeve sweater: The park can get chilly, especially in the early mornings.
• Two pairs of long trousers: To protect your legs during the trek.
• Waterproof hiking boots: To navigate the muddy and slippery trails.
• Sun hat and sunglasses (optional): For protection against the sun.
• Camera with extra batteries: Capture every moment—just be sure to turn off the flash!
• Binoculars: Ideal for spotting birds and other wildlife along the way.
• Gardening gloves: Helpful for gripping trees and branches during the hike.
• Raincoat: Since Bwindi is a rainforest, rain can be unpredictable.
• Mosquito repellent: Keep pesky insects at bay.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun during the dry season.
• Neutral-colored clothing: Avoid bright colors or blacks/blues, which can disturb the gorillas or attract tsetse flies.

How to Get to Rushaga for Gorilla Trekking

• By Air: The fastest way to reach Rushaga is by flying with Aerolink to Kisoro Airstrip. From there, it’s a 2-hour drive to your lodge in Rushaga.
• By Road: Alternatively, you can drive from Kampala/Entebbe, which takes around 8-9 hours, or from Kigali, Rwanda, which is about a 4-5 hour drive.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

Rushaga is open for trekking year-round, but the best months to visit are between June-August and December-February. These months see less rainfall, making the trails easier to navigate and the overall trekking experience more enjoyable. If you visit during the rainy season (March-May and November), you may get discounts on accommodation at some of the lodges in Rushaga.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Experience?

At Excursia Adventures, we offer personalized safari experiences that cater to your specific preferences. Our dedicated team of tour consultants is available to answer your questions and ensure all aspects of your trip are perfectly planned. We offer a variety of safari packages for different budgets, including the 2-day Budget Gorilla Safari, 3-day Rushaga Gorilla Safari, and 4-day Rushaga Gorilla Safari.

Our professional, multilingual guides will accompany you throughout your journey, ensuring you have the best possible experience. Contact us today to book your Rushaga gorilla trekking adventure and secure your stay at one of the top gorilla lodges in the area!