Different Gorilla Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park : Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has got four gorilla sectors Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma and Nkuringo and each sector offers a different level for tracking the Gorillas. The easiest sector to track the mountain gorillas is the Buhoma sector.
Gorilla trekking activity is quiet memorable experience done in accompany of park ranges, accompanying over 8 people.
Buhoma sector;
This sector lies in the northern part of the park which can be accessed by both air and road transport; By air it can be reached through using a domestic flight from Entebbe Airport to Kihihi airstrip. You can opt to drive there -from Kampala or Entebbe to the sector within 8 to 9 hours’ drive.
Buhoma is popularly known because it houses the first habituation family of the Gorilla called the Mubare thus making it a tourist destination. This sector is one of the easiest to trek and best recommended to older people.
Buhoma sector is home to more than three habituated Gorilla families such as Mubare, Rushegura, Habinyanja family. And each gorilla family in Buhoma sector has got different story to tell. Mubare is known as the first gorilla group which was habituated in 1992 and is one of the oldest family with over 9 members.
Habinyanja habituation in 1997 with 17 members, Rushegura family opened in 2000 the group comprised of 19 members.
Buhoma sector issues 24 Gorilla permits every day in the three gorilla families which are visited by 8 people per a day.
Gorilla trekking offers a variety of activities and a number of attractions to do and see while on your visit.
Apart from doing Gorilla trekking, you can engage in other activities like bird watching, nature walks, visiting and learning of the local community like the Batwa and Bakinga and the waterfall trails.
Accommodation Facilities;
Buhoma region has got a number of excellent accommodation facilities ranging from luxury, Mid-range and budget lodge that caters for quality services to client. Lodge include; Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Guesthouse, Bwindi View Banda’s, Bwindi Volcano Lodge as well as campsite among others.
Rushaga Sector
This Rushaga sector lies in the southern part of the park and is one of the sectors where habituation takes places. It is easily to reach out by the travelers coming from Kigali through the Cyanika border in Kisoro which estimates 4 hours’ drive.
Beside doing Gorilla trekking, you can do activities like boat cruising at Lake Mutanda, bird watching, cultural experience of the Batwa community and learning more how Gorilla habituation takes place.
Rushaga sector for Gorilla trekking is close to Nkuringo area and it has the biggest number of Gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is found in southern part of the park.
Lodges in Rushaga region includes; Rushaga Gorilla camp, Gorilla safari lodge, Gorilla Valley lodge, Gorilla havens lodges among others.
This sector is best area to encounter the habituated gorillas where 4 people allowed to participate in the Gorilla Habituation Experience. The activity is a whole day experience and your given 4 hours to spend with them as you learn, play, feed and taking photography. Gorilla trekking is only one hour to spend with them.
The Uganda Gorilla habituation costs 1,500USD, same amount to Rwanda Gorilla trekking fees which is half day activity USD1,500 per person.
Accommodations in Rushaga include; Clouds mountain lodge, Four Gorilla lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp ,Gorilla Safari lodge ,Chameleon Hill lodge ,Lake Mulehe ,Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort ,Gorilla Valley Lodge among others.
Nkuringo Sector
This sector is located in the southern region of the park Nkuringo, it is a home to three fully habituated gorilla families. While in this sector, you can get chance of view Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira. Nkuringo sector is one of the hardest sectors to hike because of the terrain but has one of the best views. The sector is comprised of 19 members which is headed by Rafiki.
More so, Nkuringo sector gorilla family was first habituated in 1997. This is the only sector which has given birth to Gorilla twins in December 2004; this made a great record in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Nkuringo gorilla sector is located on the high altitude this makes it more strenuous for the visitors to hike within the park. This sector is recommended to people who are physically fit in order to enjoy the hilly forest.
There is total of eight people permits to trek the Gorillas of Nkuringo Gorilla Group. Gorilla trekking ‘s minimum age limit is 15 years of age and those below 15 years are not allowed to trek the mountain.
Nkuringo sector can easily be accessed from Kabale district which is 45kilometere to Kisoro in drive 3hours -along Kabale – Kisoro highway.
Some of activities carried out in this sector includes, nature walks, birding and visiting the Batwa community. Some of the animals to see while in this sector.
Ruhija Sector – Gorilla Trekking
This sector is one of the four gorilla sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ruhija region is home to a total of three Gorilla families including Kyaguliro, Oruogo and Bitukura and all are open for tourism. And only eight people allowed to trek the mountain gorillas. There are over 24 permits available for trekking in the Ruhija sector.
What to pack with use on Gorilla trekking;
They include long sleeved trousers and shirts, enough energy giving drinks and snacks, rubber hiking shoes, insect repellent, warm clothes, camera among others.
Activities to do while on visit in Ruhija sector; Visit the Batwa pygmy, visit the community projects, birding
Accommodations in Rushaga regions; They are ranged from Luxury, Mid-range and Budget accommodation including; Agandi lodges, Gorilla Mist camp, Bakiga lodge, Trekkers Tavern lodges among others.
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