Gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector; Gorilla trekking is the most famous activity that attracts large numbers of tourists to visit Uganda and it involves visitors moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Rushaga sector is one of the gorilla trekking sectors located in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park. Rushaga sector is a home of 8 habituated gorilla families namely Nshongi, Busingye, Kahungye, Bweza, Mishaya, Bikingi, Rwigi and Mukyunguzi gorilla families which are open for trekking on a daily basis.
Gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing, you will be subdivided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and an experienced park guide who is well conversant with different gorilla trekking trails. Trekking of mountain gorillas in Rushaga sector takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view other primate species, different bird species, plant and tree species among others and once the gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, grooming young ones, take photos and record the breathtaking moments to show people back home after the safari.
Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rushaga sector
A gorilla trekking permit is a card that is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit any habituated gorilla family and spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. A gorilla trekking permit in Rushaga sector costs 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Rushaga sector
Gorilla trekking permits in Rushaga sector can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) by contacting the head offices in Kampala via email or telephone calls. Gorilla trekking permits in Rushaga sector can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global safaris where you will contact us with the date, months and year when you wish to visit the mountain gorillas. After contacting us we will check for permit availability and if there are permits available on your desired dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
Best time to go for Trekking
It can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season which is also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season, there is less rainfall in the park therefore vegetation will be thin which helps you to have clear view of the mountain gorillas, access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
How to get to Rushaga sector
Rushaga sector is located in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park and can be accessed by road transport means whereby you will drive from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara Kabale to the park headquarters which takes about 9 to 10 hours’ drive.
Rushaga sector can also be accessed by air transport means whereby you will book scheduled or charter flights with Aero link Uganda or Bar aviation from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip and then connect to the park headquarters by road.
Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Rushaga sector
There are several accommodation facilities in Rushaga sector where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including Chameleon hill lodge, Gorilla safari lodge, Ichumbi gorilla lodge, Rushaga gorilla camp, Wagtail eco safari camp, Gorilla valley lodge, Four gorillas lodge, Rushaga gorilla haven lodge, Gorilla hills eco lodge, Bwindi guest house, Lake Mulehe gorilla lodge among others.
Other activities in Rushaga sector
Apart from gorilla trekking, Rushaga sector offers other interesting activities that visitors can engage in including gorilla habituation experience where you will be able to spend four hours with the endangered mountain gorillas, nature walks where you will get up-close and personal with different wildlife species, Batwa cultural experience where you will be able to interact with the Batwa/ pygmies who used to live in Bwindi forest and bird watching where you will be able to view different bird species.
