Located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the Rushaga sector is one of the popular sectors visited by travelers on Uganda gorilla safaris. The sector is famous for hosting the highest number of habituated gorilla families. In addition to gorilla trekking, Rushaga sector is a center for the experimental gorilla habituation experience in which travelers spend four hours partaking in gorilla training and taming. Rushaga is a haven for mountain gorillas, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. This sector boasts a remarkable concentration of habituated gorilla families, each with its unique personality and dynamics. The gorilla families in the Rushaga sector include:
Gorilla families in Rushaga Sector
Nshongi Gorilla Family
Led by Nshongi, the dominant silverback Gorillas, Nshongi is the largest gorilla family in the Rushaga sector consisting of 18 members. Nshongi Family is known for its playful interactions and occasional displays of dominance, Nshongi is a favorite among trekkers. In terms of accessibility, Nshongi is a relatively accessible location often makes it a popular choice for trekkers.
Kahungye Gorilla Family
Made up of 17 family members, Kahungye is yet another interesting gorilla family to visit in Rushaga gorilla sector. The family is headed by Rumanzi the silverback who has seen the family expand over time. The Kahungye family is known for its calm demeanor and gentle interactions, making it a great choice for first-time trekkers. In terms of accessibility, the routes to trekking the Kahungye gorilla family can vary in difficulty, offering a range of experiences for different fitness levels.
Busingye Gorilla Family
The Busingye gorilla family is one of the smallest gorilla groups in Rushaga sector and it comprises 12 members. The family is headed by Busingye Silverback Gorilla and it is known for its calm and gentle nature, making it a great choice for first-time trekkers. The trekking routes to the Busingye family are generally considered easier, making it a good option for those seeking a less strenuous experience.
Bweza Gorilla Family
Comprised of 8 members, Bweza gorilla family is another interesting family trekked in Rushaga sector. Bweza, the domain silverback is the head of this amazing gorilla family. According to those who have visited the gorilla family before, Bweza family is known for its playful and energetic nature, offering a unique opportunity to observe their interactions. The routes trekking to Bweza gorilla family vary in difficulty which offers a range of experiences for different fitness levels.
Mishaya Gorilla Family
Headed by the Mishaya Silverback Gorilla, Mishaya gorilla family is one of the newly habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The family comprises 15 members, black backs, adult females, and infants. The Mishaya family is known for its playful and energetic nature, offering a unique opportunity to observe their interactions. Trekking to see the Mishaya gorilla family varies in difficulty and requires some range of physical fitness
Mucunguzi Gorilla Family
Named after Mucungzi Silverback Gorilla“ Mucunguzi” is the newly created gorilla family in Rushaga which is now open for trekking. Mucunguzi Silverback Gorilla was chased by Bweza family following a fight with the Bweza Silverback. Mucunguzi decided to create his independent family. The family now comprises twelve members mainly females and infants.
Rwigi Gorilla Family
Known to have split from the Kahungye Gorilla family, Rwigi is one of the newly created gorilla families in the Rushaga sector. Rwigi is made up of 10 members which include one silverback, five female adults, 2 black backs and 2 infants
Bikyingi Gorilla Family
Still undergoing habituation experience, Bikyingi gorilla family is another family in the Rushaga sector. The family receives 4 visitors per day for a maximum of four hours. Travelers hike along with researchers and gorilla doctors during the search for the gorillas
Best time to trek Gorillas in Rushaga
Dry/peak season is known as the best time for trekking gorillas in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Forest. The season is generally dry which makes it easy to trek through the jungle Forest searching for the gorillas.
How to get to the Rushaga sector
Rushaga sector can be road or air transport. By road, you can drive 9-10 hours from Kampala or Board a chartered flight to Kisoro airstrip from where you connect to the Rushaga sector. For those connecting from Kigali Rwanda, Rushaga is easily accessed through the Cyanika border. The drive time from Kigali to Rushaga is approximately 5 hours.
Gorilla trekking rules in Rushaga Sector
Travelers visiting mountain gorillas in Rushaga sector must follow the rules and regulations as directed by Uganda Wildlife Authority park wardens. Among the rules to follow when trekking gorillas include
Keep a distance of seven meters away from the gorillas
Do not use flashlight cameras when taking gorilla photos
Do not trek gorillas when sick
Do not eat or drink in the presence of the gorillas
Do not touch the gorillas
When a gorilla charges at you, do not run away, just walk back and lay low
Do not litter in the park
The allowed time with the gorillas is strictly an hour
A gorilla permit is a must-have for anyone visiting gorillas
How to book a Uganda gorilla safari to the Rushaga sector
There are two ways of booking Uganda safaris to Rushaga sector. Firstly, you can book through any trusted tour operator licensed to do gorilla safaris in Uganda. Superfine Safaris is one of the most reliable and trusted travel agents in Uganda. Also, you can book directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation in Uganda.
Where to stay in the Rushaga sector
For stayovers, the Rushaga sector has a long list of budget, midrange, and luxury accommodation facilities for you to choose from. These offer you excellent food and sleeping services at affordable prices. Among the popular places to stay in the Rushaga sector include
Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Chameleon Hills Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort. Rushaga Gorilla Camp and Gorilla Valley Lodge. Superfine Safaris helps you to book and reserve accommodation at any of your desired lodges/Camps
Other sectors in Bwindi Forest
Besides Rushaga sector, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park comprise of three other gorilla sectors where gorilla trekking take place. These are Buhoma sector in the north, Ruhija sector in the East and Nkuringo sector in the south. These sectors shelter different gorilla families offering a unique gorilla trekking experience. You can do a double gorilla trekking experience in two different gorilla regions for a more diverse gorilla encounter
In addition, Rushaga is one of the most visited gorilla regions in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
