Gorilla Trekking Rushaga Sector Bwindi Travel Guide

Rushaga sector is located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This sector is known for being challenging to hike, but the experience is very rewarding. Visitors need a moderate to high level of physical fitness because the trails often pass through steep slopes.

Views of the Virunga Volcanoes

While trekking in this sector, tourists can see wide views of three Virunga volcanoes that stretch across the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These include Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo.

Gorilla Trekking and Habituation

Rushaga sector stands out because it has a high number of mountain gorillas and is the only place where gorilla habituation is done. Because many gorilla families live here, more permits are available each day, and the chance of seeing gorillas is almost certain.

Gorilla trekking in Rushaga starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Rangers explain the park rules and safety guidelines. After this, tourists are placed into groups of eight people, with each group assigned to one gorilla family.

The trek can last from 30 minutes to six hours, depending on where the gorillas are found, since they move as they search for food. Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed to spend one hour with them. During this time, tourists learn about gorilla behavior and how they live in the forest. Photography is allowed. Rushaga also offers gorilla habituation, which allows visitors to spend about four hours with the gorillas, much longer than standard trekking.

Gorilla Families in Rushaga

Rushaga sector has eight gorilla families. These include Nshongi, which was habituated in 2007, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, Bweza, Bikingi, Rwigi, and Mucunguzi. Each family has a different number of members.

Accommodation Options

The sector also has a range of accommodation options for all types of travelers. These include budget, midrange, and luxury lodges such as Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Mutanda Lake Resort.