Best region for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the south-west of Uganda, one of the most famous sites around the world where gorilla trekking is undertaken. This ancient, impenetrable park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts nearly half of the critically endangered mountain gorillas in the world and therefore constitutes a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
It is quite a challenge to decide which region in Bwindi to go gorilla trekking, as these four sectors, Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, offer the best. They provide varying experiences, difficulties, and a given number of gorilla families. Here is a more detailed guide that may perhaps guide your final decision on which region in Bwindi offers the best suit for your gorilla trekking adventure.
1. Buhoma Sector.
The most popular is Buhoma, and it’s the most accessible sector in this part of the park. It was the first to open its doors to tourists with the opening of the park in 1991. As such, it is usually perceived as the most developed region in terms of tourism infrastructure.
Accessibility
Buhoma is about 8–10 hours from Kampala. It’s also very close to Kihihi Airstrip, where flights from Entebbe land. Therefore, it is more convenient for those who prefer to get there by air.
Some of the famous families found in Buhoma include Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura. The trails in this sector are not that steep, relatively, hence making this area very suitable for first-timers in this activity or those people who prefer a less strenuous trek.
Accommodations
Buhoma supports an array of facilities to cater to the needs of every traveler, from luxury lodges to budgeted campsites.
Cultural Community-based Experience: Tour to great cultural experiences that Buhoma holds by visiting either the Batwa community, associated crafts market, or going for a community walk.
2. Ruhija Sector.
This makes Ruhija one of the park’s least traveled to sections. It lies at the far eastern side of Bwindi, hence one of the most furthest and wildest areas. The beautiful ridges and valleys in the area provide a very exciting backdrop for going gorilla trekking.
Accessibility
Ruhija can be accessed from either Kabale or Buhoma, but both give scenic views to and from the rolling hills with terraced farmlands. This also adds an element of adventure to its remoteness, reducing ease of access, particularly in the rainy months.
Gorilla Families in this sector include Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Kyaguriro. Trails in this sector are moderate and few have steep slopes. This is the best area for trekkers who want a bit of adventure.
Aside from the gorillas, Ruhija is an excellent spot for tourists in search of special wildlife to access precious bird species, including the African green broadbill and other rare Albertine endemics.
3. Rushaga Sector.
It is located in southern Bwindi, and Rushaga has one of the sectors that make a higher number of habituated gorilla families. This therefore means that visitors have high chances of being availed the gorilla trekking permits in this most competitive area in East Africa.
Arriving There
Rushaga is reached via Kisoro or from Kabale. The drive is relatively short when coming from Kisoro; hence, it is very convenient for tourists coming from Kigali, Rwanda.
A tourist visiting Rushaga encounters there many families of gorillas, including Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, and Bweza. Treks might be very exhausting, with steep and long trails that land someone into an adrenaline adventure.
Accommodation
several accommodations have sprouted in and around Rushaga, ranging from relatively modestly priced facilities to the very exclusive ones, developed for top-end travelers. This area is also close to Lake Mutanda, where one can enjoy a boat ride and relax after the trek.
Only in Rushaga can a tourist go through the peculiar Gorilla Habituation Experience. In other words, travelers get to stay in continuous contact with a family of gorillas for close to four hours. That is really interesting.
4. Nkuringo Area.
This is believed to be the toughest sector for tracking but surely with absolute sights at the end. This sector settles on top of a high ridge that offers one a stunning view into Virunga and the forest beyond.
Accessibility
Gorilla treks in Nkuringo are accessed through Kisoro. It is accessible only through climbing a steep surface, which offers an additional special adventure in the journey. Nkuringo is also very close to the southern border of Rwanda, making it ideal for combining your Uganda and Rwanda safaris.
Gorilla Families, the sector is home to the Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas gorilla families. Apparently, many treks in the sector are branded as the toughest in Bwindi because of the steep and rugged terrain needing one to be relatively physically fit.
There are upmarket and midrange lodges intended for trekkers in Nkuringo. The scenic landscapes surrounding these lodges offer beauty that will make a stay in these lodges not less beautiful than any other place in the trekking journey.
Nkuringo is positioned on a ridge. It offers the best views Bwindi has to provide. The location provides splendid scenic hikes, bird watching, and interspersing with the communities around.
Choosing Your Perfect Hiking Area From the comfort and accessibility of Buhoma, stay in Ruhija offers a peaceable wilderness experience; from Rushaga there is more gorilla trekking than any other and Nkoringo for the adventurous.
Variety is further supplemented in the different attractions and challenges that each of the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers. Whichever sector you decide on, gorilla trekking in Bwindi is an unforgettable experience where one gets to meet one of the highly endangered species of the world right in their natural habitat.
