Gorilla tours in Bwindi forest National Park take place in any one of the four gorilla regions that make up Bwindi Forest. Unlike other gorilla parks, the Bwindi forest is bisected into four sectors each with different gorilla families and a different gorilla trekking experience. When making gorilla safari bookings, travelers normally specify which sector they want to visit based on what they read about each sector and referrals from friends. are given permits depending on which sector he/she is visiting. On the day of gorilla trekking, each traveler reports to the respective park headquarters in each sector. This means that registration and pre gorilla trekking briefing are done in both gorilla sectors. For better gorilla trekking comparisons, travelers can choose to trek two gorilla families in different sectors. At times, upcoming travelers have wondered which sector is better for gorilla watching. However, each sector is unique in its own kind and worth visiting. Superfine Safaris brings you details about gorilla trekking regions/ sectors in Bwindi Forest National Park:
Buhoma sector
Located in the northern part of Bwindi Forest National Park, Buhoma is the most visited gorilla region in Bwindi. With four habituated gorilla families, Buhoma offers you an exceptional gorilla trekking experience. The sector is home to the oldest gorilla family (Mubare) whose rich history is worth exploring. Buhoma sector is located near Kabale town hence easily accessed from Kampala. For those doing Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking, Katuna Border is the best entry pint to Buhoma sector. Gorilla families in the Buhoma sector include the Mubare family habituated in 1992, the Rushegura gorilla group habituated in 2000, Habinyanja gorilla family habituated in 1997 and the recently established Katwe family which was added in 2018. Also, Buhoma sector can easily be combined with Queen Elizabeth National Park to do a 5 Days Uganda gorillas and game safari. From Buhoma, travelers connect through Ishasha sector south of Queen Elizabeth National Park and home to the famous tree-climbing lions. Each day, Buhoma has 32 gorilla permits available for issuing. Due to high demand, gorilla permits normally sell off easily than in other sectors. Travelers planning to visit the Buhoma sector are therefore advised to book as early as 6 months before the trekking date. The top lodges/accommodation in the Buhoma sector include Bwindi Forest Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Haven Lodge Buhoma Community, Silverback Lodge, and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp among others.
Rushaga Sector
Gorilla Safari Lodge
Rushaga in the southern sector of Bwindi forest is home to the highest number of gorillas in Bwindi. Five gorilla families have been habituated in Rushaga i.e Kahungye, Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi and Mishaya gorilla groups. More so, Rushaga is the center of gorilla habituation experience, which gives travelers the chance to spend four hours with the endangered gorillas. Bikyingi and Bushaho gorilla families are currently undergoing habituation but will be opened to trekking soon. Rushaga is the most accessible sector for those doing a 1-Day Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi from Kigali Rwanda. Each day, Rushaga sector has 40 gorilla trekking permits and 8-gorilla habituation permits giving chance to the high number of travelers to see gorillas. In addition to gorillas, travelers to Rushaga sector enjoy a boat on Lake Mutanda making the whole experience memorable. The recommended lodges/accommodation in the Rushaga sector include Gorilla Safari Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Mutanda Lake Resort.
Ruhija Gorilla Sector
Visit Ruhija sector in the eastern part of Bwindi Forest to trek one of the three gorilla families namely Bitukura gorilla family, Kyaguliro gorilla group and Oruzogo gorilla group. 32 gorilla permits are available every day in Ruhija sector issued on a first come first serve basis. Other activities to do in Ruhija sector include visiting Batwa communities, bird watching, forest walk, and visiting Batwa communities. The top lodges in Ruhija sector include Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Agandi Lodge, Trekkers Traven Lodge, Nshongi Forest camp and Ruhija safari lodge. Lodges and all accommodation services in Ruhija sector are categorized into the budget, luxury and midrange but all services are excellent and worth the money.
Nkuringo Sector
Also, in the east of Bwindi Forest, Nshongi sector is known to have the toughest gorilla hikes in Bwindi Forest due to its location on higher altitudes. Nkuringo is home to two gorilla families, which are Nkuringo family, and the newly introduced Christmas family. The sector has 16 gorilla permit available everyday giving chance to first come travelers to see gorillas at a close range. The recommended lodging facilities in Nkuingo sector include Clouds Mountain gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo gorilla lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite, Hammerkop bunkhouse and Nkuringo Gorilla Camp. Hiking, bird watching and community visits are add on tourist activities in Nkuringo sector.
In general, Uganda gorilla tour to any one of the four gorilla regions/sectors in Bwindi Forest National Park offers you an exceptional gorilla safari experience. Contact Superfine Safaris today, choose a gorilla region you want to visit and we shall tailor-make for you a perfect gorilla safari package.
