Gorilla Trek - Bweza Gorilla Family - Rushaga area of Bwindi Park
Gorilla trekking in Rushaga!! Rushaga is one of the four sectors occupying the southern part of Bwindi in Bwindi impenetrable national park where Gorilla trekking activity takes place. The sector is blessed with many habituated gorilla families which include; Busingye family, Nshongi family, Bweza family, Kahungye family and Mishaya family plus two other gorilla families that are still under habituation process.
Gorilla trekking in Rushaga can be done at any time of the year but if you visit during the months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December, you will trek through less slippery and muddy trails because these months are in the dry season but the demand for permits is also high during these months thus you have to book at least 3 months in advance.
The months of March, April, May, October, and November receive much rainfall making the forest trails muddy and more slippery, hence making the activity uncomfortable during the wet season. The heavy rains also allow vegetation to grow and the great apes have much food. Trekking them becomes faster because they don’t move farther.
Rushaga is the best place for a gorilla trek with more permits for trekking than any other sector in Bwindi Forest with over 56 gorilla trekking permits per day. Visitors who wish to stay long on a gorilla experience are therefore allocated to this sector where gorilla habituation process takes place at a cost equating to $1500 which will allow you to have four hours of being with the primates and learn how they are trained to relate with human beings without violence.
Easy accessibility to the area has been another key factor to an increase in the number of visitors to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is because the area can be accessed through Kigali via Katuna/Cyanika Border which both offer 4-5 hour drive to the park headquarters than the long drive from Entebbe International Airport which is 8-9 Hour Drive. More so the difference in trekking permit costs makes the area favorable for both Luxury and Budget Visitors where gorilla trekking experience is at a cost of $700 and Habituation Experience at a cost of $1500 equivalent to Gorilla trekking permit cost of $1500 in Rwanda.
Gorilla permits for this sector can be accessed through two ways; either booking directly to UWA by emailing them and following the protocols prescribed or through a trusted local tour operator whom you will forward the details and help you on the entire process since they know it better and once your permits are secured you will be sent proof of payment for your given tracking dates and the sector you with availability for trekking the endangered species.
Accommodation in Rushaga
The food is all good, the staff are friendly, and the rooms are comfortable and quaint enough for any visitor, before dinner, entertainment is arranged in the form of either the Batwa Pygmies to keep you entertained and have a good relaxing moment upon your stay. Accommodation centers have well equipped restaurant, a bar/lounge, and 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi in public places, Laundry facilities among others thus choosing to trek gorillas in Rushaga sector won’t be hectic but rather enjoyable and memorable.
3 days gorilla trekking Rushaga is the most popular package for tourists visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park especially those who intend to spend little time/short holiday in Uganda. This short trip starts and ends in Kigali. Book now for this offer at a subsidized budget line.