Comparing the Four Sectors of Bwindi: Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo & Ruhija.
The four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, & Ruhija. Bwindi is found in the four districts: Rubanda, Kisoro, Kanungu, and Kabale. This is a 331 sq. km Park, also home to over half of the global 1063 mountain gorillas. Gazetted in 1991, Bwindi currently supports over 24 habituated families of mountain gorilla, and these reside in the 4 regions/sectors. Each of the sectors promises amazing encounters with the endangered mountain gorillas in the jungle. Below is a detailed comparison of the 4 sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi’s Buhoma Sector
Situated in the Northern end of Bwindi is the Buhoma sector/trailhead, also the only sector in Uganda to explore the first group- Mubare gorilla family. Buhoma is a historical region/trailhead in Bwindi and features amazing habituated families. Why visit the Buhoma sector and not any other region? Below are some of the reasons why you should consider visiting the Buhoma region.
Explore interesting gorilla groups. Buhoma is the best region to begin your gorilla trek in Bwindi. This sector features unique habituated gorilla families, including the Rushegura group, Bunyoni, Katwe, Mubare, and Habinyanja groups.
Enjoy the combined Uganda tour experience. Buhoma lies suitably in the Northern end of Bwindi, a region not far from the Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visitors to Queen Elizabeth Game Park often combine wildlife safaris with gorilla tours.
Accessibility to the Buhoma sector. Visitors can reach the Buhoma sector with ease from Entebbe/Kampala or starting from Kigali. From Kampala, be prepared to take about 9 hours, and if you depart from Kigali, you can drive for only 4-5 hours. Travelling from Kigali includes crossing the border that is Katuna and Chanika.
Enriching nature walk experiences. Buhoma is known for its rewarding nature walking experiences. This sector comes with amazing trails to explore, including Munyanga River, Ivy River, Muzabajiro, and Rushura Hill.
Buhoma also comes with some disadvantages. First, when it comes to gorilla trekking, the number of permits often becomes limited due to the high demand. Buhoma is perhaps the most preferred trailhead by tourists on a gorilla tour. The available gorilla permits get sold faster, and to get a chance to obtain one, you can secure one in advance. The safer period to book a gorilla permit can be 2-6 months before your actual visit to Buhoma mountain gorillas.
The accommodation properties that are present in and around Buhoma consist of luxury, midrange, & budget. They include Bwindi Volcano Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Ride 4 a Woman, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi View Lodge, and Bwindi Forest Lodge.
Rushaga Region/Sector
Rushaga is situated in the Southern Bwindi, a rewarding sector with the highest population of gorilla families. Over 8 gorilla families reside in the Rushaga region, making it an outstanding sector. At Rushaga, visitors higher chance of finding a gorilla group to track are higher than in most sectors. The gorilla families in the Rushaga include the Bikingi group, the Mishaya gorilla family, the Nshongi family, the Mucunguzi group, the Bweza gorilla family, Rwigyi, Kutu, and others.
Besides gorilla trekking, the Rushaga sector is also famous for birding, mountain gorilla habituation experience, and cultural tours. To get the opportunity to participate in gorilla habituation, ensure to secure a permit at USD 1500 per person. Visitors staying before/after tours in the Rushaga area are possible at Gorilla Valley Lodge, Four Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Bwindi Jungle Lodge.
The Ruhija Sector – Best for Birding & Gorilla Treks
Located in the Eastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija offers not only thrilling gorilla encounters but also rewarding birding. At Ruhija, expect to embark on a journey to explore amazing gorilla groups like Bitukura, Mukiza, Kyaguriro, & Oruzogo. It is an interesting region/sector to enjoy a trek with mountain gorillas, and like other regions, each group in Ruhija is visited by a maximum of 8 pax.
The main highlights in the Ruhija sector include breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains. Ruhija is where Bwindi’s highest peak (Rwamunyonyi) lies at 2607m. It is also an excellent spot for hiking experiences. To enjoy your vacation, expect to stay in the accommodation options like Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, & Broadbill Forest Camp.
Nkuringo Sector
In the Southern end of Bwindi lies the Nkuringo sector, one of the richest regions when it comes to gorilla trekking. The available gorilla groups to visit in the Nkuringo include the Posho group, Bushaho, Nkuringo, and Christmas.
Accommodation alternatives to stay while in the Nkuringo region include Nshongi Camp, Karungi Camp, Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Campsite, Nkuringo Guesthouse, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, and Gorilla Heights Lodge.
When to visit Bwindi to explore gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda can be visited at any time of the year. But the peak dry/high season is the ideal time to go see gorillas in Bwindi, and that is June, July, August, & September. Another essential extension of the dry season to consider booking your Uganda gorilla tour is from December to February. These are peak months to experience the best of Bwindi gorilla treks free from mud. The lush, impenetrable forest is more accessible due to drier trails during the peak dry season, and expect to enjoy excellent visibility.
If your focus is budget gorilla tours, then consider organising your vacation in March, April, May, October, & November. These are peak wet or rainy months of the year, and also perfect for birding or bird-watching expeditions.
Obtaining the Bwindi Gorilla Permit
Valid permits are only acceptable when it comes to Bwindi Forest gorilla trekking. Currently, the permits are booked at USD 800 per guest, the rate that is charged for foreign non-residents. The foreign residents are charged USD 700 per person, and the cost for Ugandans/East Africans stands at UGX 300,000. To spend more time with gorillas, you can also book a gorilla habituation experience with Native Africa Tours. The permits cost US Dollars 1500 per guest for non-residents and residents interested in gorilla habituation obtain permits at USD 1000.
What to carry for the Bwindi Forest safari
Consider carrying the right gear for your safari in Bwindi National Park. The equipment/gear/items to consider packing include insect repellent, a waterproof jacket, sturdy waterproof trekking/hiking boots, snacks, a small & waterproof daypack, sunscreen, gardening gloves, a pair of trousers, gaiters, long-sleeved shirts, and a sun hat.
The gorilla safari packing list can also include a camera, bottled drinking water, a pair of binoculars, toiletries, first aid kits, sunglasses, and many more. As you plan to pack, ensure that you dress in the attire that is friendly to the environment. Avoid any kind of shouting colours as they can easily irritate the gorillas.
Getting to Bwindi Forest National Park using the road/air travel option
Drive up to Bwindi starting from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi, and this is an 8-9-hour drive. Getting to Bwindi Forest by road from Kampala lets you have photography sessions at the Equator crossing. Kigali to Bwindi National Park covers a journey of 4-5 hours, and you will cross through Katuna or Chanika.
By air, you book a domestic flight and depart from Entebbe Airport. Land at Kisoro Airport or Kihihi Airstrip, where you can meet our driver for you to be transferred directly to the park in a 4×4 safari car. Contact Native Africa Tours to secure a gorilla trekking slot in your favourite sector/trailhead in Bwindi.
