Rushaga Sector

Explore Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector

Rushaga Sector, located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is home to more than five habituated gorilla families, making it the sector with the highest number of these majestic creatures in the park. This region offers an exceptional gorilla trekking experience due to its relatively accessible terrain. Rushaga is conveniently located near Kisoro, making it an ideal tracking point for visitors traveling from Kigali, Rwanda.

Among the many gorilla families in Rushaga are Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya and Kahungye—each open to trekkers. This sector is also renowned for offering the exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience, with two families, Bushaho and Bikyingi, currently undergoing this fascinating process. Like other sectors in Bwindi, Rushaga provides visitors the chance to explore the Batwa community, offering rich cultural encounters and insights into the traditions of the indigenous people.

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nestled in the southwestern region of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park spans across the districts of Rukungiri, Kisoro and Kabale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is characterized by rugged terrain and lush vegetation, making it one of the most biodiverse rainforests in East Africa. The park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining population of endangered mountain gorillas.

Bwindi’s unique ecosystem is a blend of lowland and montane forests, providing habitats for numerous plant and animal species, including rare bird species. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi began in 1993 and it’s advisable to book your permits 3–6 months in advance due to high demand.

Bwindi features four gorilla trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Combined, these sectors host 18 gorilla families (as of December 2018), each offering unique experiences for trekkers.

Meet the Gorilla Families in Rushaga Sector

• Nshongi Gorilla Group
  Once the largest gorilla group in Bwindi, Nshongi split into two smaller groups, forming the Bweza and Mishaya families. Currently, Nshongi has 25 members, including 1 dominant silverback, 3 sub-silverbacks, 4 blackbacks, 7 adult females and 6 juveniles. Known for their playful dynamics, especially the infants, Nshongi is a joy to watch.
• Mishaya Gorilla Group
  The Mishaya group formed after a split in 2010 when the dominant silverback, Mishaya, took 7 members with him. Famous for its fighting nature, the group now includes 12 members and 3 infants. The group’s story is marked by constant movement and thrilling dynamics.
• Bweza Gorilla Group
  Bweza, which broke away from Nshongi in 2013, is a smaller group with 1 silverback, 2 infants and a mix of females and juveniles. It’s a lively group, often engaging in interesting day-to-day activities that are enjoyable for visitors to observe.
• Kahungye Gorilla Group
  Habituated in 2011, Kahungye began with 27 members but soon split due to internal conflicts, giving birth to the Busingye family. The group now consists of 13 members, including silverback Rumansi, blackbacks Rwigi and Ruhamuka, along with females and juveniles.
• Busingye Gorilla Group
  Busingye was formed in 2012 after Kahungye split. The group’s name, meaning “peace,” is ironic as Busingye is known for being quite aggressive and often picks fights with other groups. The family has grown from 7 members to 8, with a growing number of females joining the group.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga Sector

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is an exclusive program where gorillas are trained to become accustomed to human presence. This intensive process takes several years and is conducted by a team of expert gorilla rangers and veterinarians. Trekking in this experience allows visitors to spend up to 4 hours a day with the gorillas, observing their natural behavior up close.

Rushaga offers two families undergoing this process:

• Bikyingi Gorilla Family: Comprising 21 members, including 1 silverback, 2 sub-adults, 9 females and 9 infants.
• Bushaho Gorilla Family: Located closer to Nkuringo, this group includes 8 members, with 1 silverback named Bahati, a blackback, 1 sub-adult, 3 adult females, 1 juvenile and 2 infants.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

The ideal time to trek gorillas in Rushaga is during the dry seasons from January, February, June to early September. During these months, the trekking conditions are easier and the vegetation is less dense, offering better visibility of the gorillas.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga

Preparing for a trek in Bwindi requires the right gear to ensure comfort and safety. Here’s a list of recommended items:

• A long-sleeved sweater (it can get cold in the forest)
• 2 pairs of long trousers (to protect against vegetation)
• Waterproof hiking boots
• A hat and sunglasses (optional depending on weather)
• A camera with spare batteries (no flash photography)
• Binoculars (to enjoy bird watching)
• Gardening gloves (for holding onto trees)
• A raincoat (since the forest’s weather can be unpredictable)
• Mosquito repellent (to protect against insects)
• Sunscreen (for protection on sunny days)

Avoid wearing bright colors, as these can scare the gorillas. Neutral colors are preferred and avoid black or blue, as they attract Tsetse flies.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector

There are several accommodation options near the Rushaga sector, including:

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Nsongi Camp
• Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Valley Lodge
• Karungi Camp

For those seeking a bit of luxury, options like Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Lake Mutanda Resort are also nearby.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector

To trek gorillas in Rushaga, you must secure a permit in advance. Gorilla permits are available through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), either at their headquarters in Kampala or their Kisoro branch for those entering through Kigali, Rwanda. It’s essential to book your permits as early as possible to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Trek Africa Gorillas can assist you in booking your gorilla permits and organizing your trip. We reserve the permits for you, send you an invoice and once payment is confirmed, we finalize your booking. We will then provide you with scanned copies of your permits for your records.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector?

Trek Africa Gorillas is a local Ugandan tour operator specializing in customized gorilla trekking experiences. Our dedicated team ensures that every detail of your trip is well-planned and that your permits are secured well in advance. We offer personalized service and have expert guides who speak multiple languages, ensuring an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Rushaga.

For more information or to book your gorilla trekking experience, contact us today!