Gorilla Trekking Sectors Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Trekking mountain gorillas in Gorilla Trekking Sectors is an amazing and a diversified activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park because unlike other national parks in Uganda Bwindi comprise of 4 sectors in the south, north and east. Never the less each sector is different from the other in terms of location, accessibility, altitude and the trekking experience.
These different gorilla families have been habituated in each Gorilla Trekking Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and no gorilla group can be trekked in both sectors. However despite the different locations of these sectors, connecting from one sector to another is easy and quick.
Trekking gorillas in Bwindi can be done in any of the gorilla trekking sectors but the experience is undeniably memorable. Also enjoy the uniqueness of each sector some travelers have visited both sectors on different occasions hence providing them with in-depth understanding of each sector and its distinct features. Altogether Bwindi shelters over 480 mountain gorillas, which is half of the world’s total population.
The four Gorilla Trekking Sectors that make up Bwindi impenetrable forest national park include;
Buhoma Gorilla Trekking Sector
It is located in the northern part of Bwindi, Buhoma is currently the most visited sector of the national park compared to other sectors. The ease of access from kabala town and kihihi airstrip make Buhoma the best part of Bwindi to visit at all times.
Being the first sector where gorilla tourism was first done when Bwindi’s oldest gorilla family Mubare was habituated in 1992 just a year after the establishment of Bwindi forest into a national park. The sector is close to Queen Elizabeth national park via ishasa sector a home to the famous tree climbing lions hence an added advantage for travelers unlike other sectors in the Far East and south.
Buhoma is a home to different families that is mubare family habituated in 1992, Habinyanja habituated in 1997 and Rushegura habituated in 2000 all available for trekking. Buhoma has an interesting history being a forest sector where first group of travelers toured in 1993 when gorilla tourism had just been introduced.
Further more Buhoma is known for the most luxury lodges, which provide excellent food and sleeping services to travelers. These loges include Mahogany springs, Bwindi forest lodge and Buhoma lodge among others. The First-class lodges are one of the reasons for the popularity of Buhoma sector compared to other sectors of the park.
Besides gorilla trekking, travelers to the sector enjoy memorable time with the community like the Batwa and Bakiga communities who reside at the edge of the forest, hiking trails which include Munyaga trail, Waterfall trail, Rushura trail, River lvi trail and Muzabajiro loop trail among others. Also, Buhoma is good for bird watching being a shelter for several bird species that can be is a home to rare bird species such as Blue Turaco and many others.
Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking Sector
Also in southern Bwindi, Nkuringo is a home to Nkuringo family available for trekking. At times, Bushaho Gorilla family crosses from Rushaga to Nkuringo sector is located on higher altitudes which make it strenuous to hike to see the gorillas. The sector is therefore recommended for the young travelers and the physically fit that can manage strenuous hikes. Interestingly the summit of the sector provide travelers with clear and close views of the Virunga volcanoes in Uganda and Rwanda which make it district and worth visiting. Accommodation in Nkuringo sector include clouds mountain gorilla lodge for luxury, Nkuringo safari lode for budget and Nkuringo gorilla camp for mid-range. Cultural visits to Bakiga communities is also a not miss for travelers in Nkuringo sector.
Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Sector
The sector is located in southern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Rushaga is a home to 5 gorilla families which make it best for gorilla trekking. Rushaga is easily accessed from kisoro hence the nearest to connect from Kigali via Chanika border. The habituated gorilla families include Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya and kahungye all available for trekking. Also, Rushaga offers gorilla habituation and two families named Bushaho and Bikyingi are currently going through training. More still, Rushaga offers cultural visits to Batwa communities, forest walks and bird watching among other activities. Accommodation in Rushaga includes gorilla safari lodge, gorilla valley lodge, Ichumbi lodge, Bwindi jungle lodge, Chameleon hill lodge and gorilla safari camp among others. These provide luxury, mid-range and budget accommodation services to travelers at affordable prices. Additionally, Rushaga is a home to lake Mutanda hence an opportunity for travelers to a boat cruise at the lake hence an added advantage.
Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Sector
Ruhija sector is located in Eastern part of Bwindi forest national park and is a home to Kyaguriro family, Bitukura family, and Oruzogo family all available for trekking. Ruhija stands at 2,350 meters above the sea level hence one of the coldest areas in Bwindi. For those interested in hiking, Ruhija offers the most strenuous and adventurous hiking trail to Rwamunyonyi peak hence a not miss. While in Ruhija expect to meet other primates such as elephants and several monkey species, which make your stay in the area interesting. Lodges in Ruhija include Bakiga lodge, gorilla mist lodge, Ruhija gorilla resort and Ruhija gorilla safari lodge, which all provide luxury and budget accommodation services to travelers at fair prices.
Gorilla Trekking can be done in any of the above sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and at low costs, BOOK WITH US for any sector of your choice
Gorilla Permit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park grants permission to trekkers to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitats which is among the most amazing and health rewarding venture in Uganda and Rwanda national parks.
Meet the gentle giants of the jungle see their different families, their ways of life in their habitats. Reserve a permit to AVOID any resistance at national parks since it is a MUST requirement at national parks to trek mountain gorillas. Africa Treasures as one of its best fields will provide relevant gorilla permit booking information for Bwindi national park in Uganda and volcanoe national park in Rwanda so as to enable you plan your gorilla safari very well.
If one is to talk about gorilla trekking in Uganda, Bwindi gorilla permits come directly in the picture. Africa treasures brings you detailed information about Bwindi gorilla permits in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an expansive tropical rain forest located in south western Uganda. It is shared between three districts of Kisoro, Kabale and Kanungu. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to many forest animals including the jungle giants mountain gorillas. According to the current census, Bwindi impenetrable National Park has half of worlds mountain gorillas. The rest of the mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo
Gorilla permit for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park are reserved depending on the sections or regions in the park. These regions have different gorilla families and accommodation properties and they include Buhoma in the North,Ruhija in the East,Rushaga and Nkuring in the South.thus one trekks afamily of his or her choice.
It is highly advisable to reserve or book a gorilla permit in advance that is some months earlier like 3-5 months. This is to avoid inconveniences like late reservations especially during peak seasons when more gorillas are trekked in Bwindi and volcanoe national parks.Peak seasons are majorly in months of June, July, August, September, December and January, there fore African treasure books for these gorilla permits for you until your arrival for the trekking.
Prices for Gorilla Trekking Permit
We reserve your permit for trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park and volcanoe national park at a cost USD $600 and USD1500 per permit respectively . The permit if paid includes park entry fees as well as services of a ranger guide who will trek with you in the forest in search of mountain gorillas. A gorilla permit is used once depending on the period specified on it, other services like accommodation, car hiring are customized according to clients needs.
Note that gorilla family allocation happens on the day of trekking where tourists are grouped depending on their physical abilities and interest. You will need to express your interest so that they allocate you a gorilla group that will help you achieve it. For more information and gorilla permit booking and allocation, do contact us at Encounter Africa safaris.
How to acquire a gorilla permit
You(client) contact Africa treasures with date or period of trekking and location of trekking. we will check availability of gorilla permits and inform you. We will send you an invoice and once you have transferred your funds on to our account, we will purchase your permits and send you scanned copies.
When to book Bwindi gorilla permits
Gorilla permits should always be booked well in advance to avoid shortage. Avoid trying to book gorilla permits on ground as you may be frustrated once they are out of stock. Everyone interested in tracking mountain gorillas should contact Africa Treasures at least 3-5 months in advance to check whether gorilla permits are still available. We will then contact Uganda Wildlife Authority and advise you accordingly.
Contact Africa Treasures for timely bookings and reservations for the gorilla trekking permits
