Consider this; it is only possible to trek to see Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in the southwestern part of Uganda near the foothills of Virunga highlands, if you have a valid gorilla trekking permit. Rushaga sector, along with the Nkuringo sector in Kisoro district, is located in the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, while Buhoma and Ruhija are the park’s other two sectors located in the north and east respectively. Uganda is a country in East Africa that is bordered by South Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rushaga is one of the park’s well-known sectors, with five gorilla families open for trekking and two for habituation. Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye and Busingye are the five Gorilla Families in Rushaga. Only eight people above the age of 15 with valid trekking permits are escorted to visit each of these groups.
The price of a gorilla permit in Rushaga sector.
For foreign non-residents, a gorilla trekking permit to Rushaga sector costs 700 USD, 250,000 UGX for East African residents, including Ugandans and 600 USD for international residents. On the other hand, cost of habituation permit is $1500 USD per person. These licenses can be obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala or booked through a professional local tour operator.
You will go to the sector headquarters on a scheduled date, in the morning to begin your trekking or habituation activity with a valid trekking permit, and a knowledgeable Ranger Guide will take you through a briefing session and later lead you to the jungles for approximately 1-8 hours, with an additional hour for shooting photos and observing the monkeys play, feed and relax. Due to its hilly and relatively rugged terrain, Rushaga sector is more suited for young and energetic visitors, but even the older persons can manage.
Best time to visit Rushaga sector.
Rushaga region is open to visitors all year, with trekking beginning very early in the morning and lasting approximately 2-7 hours, plus an additional hour spent observing the apes play and relax. The dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February, is the greatest time to follow gorillas in this area. It’s the dry season, with only occasional rainfall.
Budget travelers can still choose the rainy season, which comes with significant discounts on lodging and permits, as well as less congested trails. Trekking gets quite tough when it rains, as there is a lot of mud and slippery paths.
What to carry for a gorilla trekking safari in Rushaga sector.
Aside from a gorilla trekking permit, you will only need to bring what is absolutely necessary, such as a waterproof backpack, rainproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots/shoes, garden gloves to protect the hands, water containers, camera for photography, binoculars to watch distant animals, long-sleeved shirts and trousers plus long stockings.
The yellow fever vaccine certificate, Visa and passport are among other must have documents. Some porters do an excellent job transporting bags from the beginning to the finish of the trek, so it is highly advisable to hire at only 10$-20$.
Where to stay in Rushaga sector?
Although not included in the permit price, Rushaga sector has numerous hotel options ranging from budget to luxury, all with excellent amenities and services. Because the activities begin extremely early in the morning and the fee is non-refundable if you miss them, it is advised to select an accommodation facility in the sector where you will be trekking for convenience and proper time management.
Booking the Rushaga sector gorilla permit in advance is both possible and recommended. It is one of Bwindi National Park’s busiest regions, containing some of the most thrilling gorilla families. Book your trekking permit at least six months in advance to avoid last minute disappointments.
