Rushanga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda: Along with Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga sectors, Rushaga is one of the four tourist destinations in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
The southern portion of the park is home to the Rushaga sector. Because Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to endangered mountain gorillas, millions of tourists find it to be a worthwhile destination.
Because it is home to several habituated gorilla families, including the Kahungye, Bweza, Nshongi, Bikyingi, Mishaya, Mucunguzi, and Rwigi, the Rushanga sector is renowned for being the park’s most visited section.
The ultimate activity is gorilla trekking, which begins at precisely 8:00 am. Following a briefing on the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking, you will depart for the forest with a park ranger who will provide you with information about the habits and lifestyle of mountain gorillas.
This excursion involves searching for habituated gorilla families in a deep rainforest. Once you find them, you will have an hour to spend in the jungle with the mountain gorillas. You will be placed in an eight-person group that is permitted to trek with a habituated gorilla group.
Be aware that gorilla trekking is erratic and can take anywhere from two to seven hours, depending on how the primates move through the bush. After meeting them, you get an hour to watch these endangered mountain gorillas and learn about their habits, behaviors, and eating habits. You may also take pictures and learn more about their way of life.
There are over eight habituated gorilla families in the Rushanga district, however there are only 64 gorilla permits available for purchase in a single day. It is therefore recommended that tourists who wish to hike these gentle giants during dry seasons reserve their gorilla trekking permits at least six months before their intended arrival on a Ugandan gorilla safari.
Gorilla trekking licenses in Uganda cost USD 800 for non-resident foreigners, USD 700 for locals, and UGX 300,000 for citizens of East Africa. The Uganda Wildlife Authority, or “UWA,” is the direct source for gorilla trekking permits, but it is generally advised that travelers use a reliable tour operator. For further information, get in touch with All In Africa Safaris.
Only the Rushanga region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is suitable for gorilla habituation experiences. This technique, which takes two to three years to finish, involves first training mountain gorillas to become accustomed to human presence. Following a briefing, the gorilla habituation experience begins at 8:00 am.
You will be grouped into four groups by the range guide, who will be joined by a team of park rangers, researchers, and physicians who will provide information about mountain gorillas while you gather samples in the forest.
The cost of a gorilla habituation permit is UGX750,000 for East African citizens, USD1500 for foreign nonresidents, and USD1000 for foreign residents. Permits are sold out fast, so visitors who want to take part in the gorilla habituation experience should reserve them in advance.
Reasons why tourists would choose visiting Rushaga Sector
Compared to other sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rushanga sector has a higher concentration of habituated gorilla families, which is why tourists would want to visit. As a result, visitors who want to go gorilla trekking in the Rushaga area can choose whatever gorilla group they want to hike.
Above all, Rushaga sector has contributed to the international recognition of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by providing a gorilla habitat experience that is unique to Uganda and Africa. Gorilla permits are obtained in Rushanga sector.
Rushaga Sector can be visited all year round, but the best time to travel without rain is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During this time, the roads are passable and the trekking trails are not muddy and treacherous, making gorilla trekking simple and engaging.
There are numerous traditional lodging options in the Rushaga area, including luxury, mid-range, and budget lodgings with nice amenities and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, wildlife, and more. A few of these lodges are Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Clouds Mountain Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Camp.
In addition to gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation, the Rushanga sector offers other activities like community tours, forest walks, and bird watching.
One of the four premier gorilla trekking areas in Bwindi is Rushaga, which is situated in the southern section of the park and is accessible by car in around nine to ten hours and by plane in 1:30 hours.
Air travel.
Aero Link Uganda, a domestic airline that offers daily scheduled and chartered flights, transports visitors from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro or Kihihi Airfield. From there, they drive to the park headquarters.
Transportation by Road
Through the Cyanika border in Kisoro, travelers can still reach the Rushaga sector directly from Kigali, “Rwanda,” which takes three to four hours by car. In contrast, the drive from Kampala to Rushaga takes roughly nine to ten hours.
Road travel may seem like a lengthy drive, but it’s the most rewarding because it offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains, the countryside, and the picturesque landscape of tea and banana plantations.
To enjoy the worthwhile experience of gorilla trekking with Uganda safaris, reserve your gorilla trekking permit immediately. With All In Africa Safaris, you may make reservations.
At East Africa Gorilla Safaris, under All In Africa Safaris, we specialize in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and diverse wildlife safaris.
Our expertly guided tours provide intimate encounters with gorillas and rich African wildlife, ensuring an unparalleled adventure in the heart of East Africa.
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