Choosing the Best Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The park is divided into four main sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga, each offering unique gorilla trekking experiences. While many tourists believe Rushaga is the best sector for trekking, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of each sector to make an informed decision based on your preferences and needs.

Buhoma Sector

Buhoma, located in the northern part of Bwindi, is one of the most popular and easily accessible sectors. It’s the oldest trekking area in the park, with the first habituated gorilla family introduced in 1993. The Buhoma sector is home to several habituated gorilla families, including Mubare, Rushegura, Habinyanja, Bunyindo, and Katwe. The sector is well-known for offering a rich and diverse trekking experience.

Pros of Buhoma Sector:

1. Accessibility: Buhoma is easily accessible by road from Kampala or Entebbe, with a drive taking 8-9 hours. Alternatively, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip, followed by a short drive to Buhoma. This sector is also accessible from Kigali, Rwanda, making it a good option for those combining gorilla trekking with a trip to Rwanda.
2. Gorilla Families: Buhoma hosts several habituated gorilla families, providing trekkers with multiple options.
3. Additional Activities: In addition to gorilla trekking, Buhoma offers guided nature walks, birding expeditions, and the opportunity to explore the park through various trails, such as the Muzabajiro Loop Trail, River Ivy Trail, and Rushura Hill Trail.
4. Accommodation: Buhoma has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to budget camps, including Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, and Silverback Lodge.

Cons of Buhoma Sector:

1. High Demand: Due to its popularity, permits for Buhoma often sell out quickly. It’s advisable to book permits at least six months in advance, especially during peak season.
2. Limited Rwanda Access: While Buhoma is accessible from Rwanda, it’s not the most convenient option for those traveling from Kigali, given the sector’s northern location.

Ruhija Sector

Located in the eastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija is the closest sector to Buhoma and is known for its serene and less crowded trekking experience. This sector is home to four habituated gorilla families: Mukiza, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, and Oruzongo.

Pros of Ruhija Sector:

1. Quiet Experience: Ruhija is the most peaceful and private of the four sectors, making it ideal for those seeking a less crowded trekking experience.
2. Wildlife: In addition to gorillas, Ruhija is the only sector in Bwindi where you can encounter elephants and other wildlife, such as antelopes.
3. Scenic Views: Situated at an elevation of about 2,500 meters, Ruhija offers breathtaking views of the national park and the surrounding Virunga ranges.
4. Accessibility: Ruhija can be reached by road from Kampala or by air from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. Additionally, its proximity to Buhoma allows trekkers to hike in Ruhija and stay in Buhoma.
5. Challenging Hikes: Ruhija offers challenging treks, making it suitable for trekkers seeking a more physically demanding experience. It’s also the only sector where you can hike to the Rwamunyonyi peak, which rises to 2,607 meters above sea level.
6. Additional Activities: The sector offers bird watching, guided Batwa cultural walks, nature walks, and primate tracking.

Cons of Ruhija Sector:

1. Physical Demands: Due to its elevation, trekking in Ruhija can be strenuous, making it less suitable for those who are not physically fit.
2. Limited Accommodation: Ruhija has fewer accommodation options compared to other sectors. Some available options include Broadbill Forest Camp, Bakiga Lodge, and Gorilla Mist Camp.

Rushaga Sector

Rushaga, located in the southern part of Bwindi near Kisoro, is the largest sector with eight habituated gorilla families, including Bweza, Mucunguzi, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bikingi, and Mishaya. This sector is also known for its gorilla habituation experiences.

Pros of Rushaga Sector:

1. Habituation Experience: Rushaga is the only sector in Bwindi where you can participate in gorilla habituation experiences, offering a unique opportunity to observe and learn about gorilla behavior in the wild.
2. Accessibility: The sector is accessible from Kampala and Entebbe by road and air. It can also be accessed from Rwanda via the Kyaninga border in 4-5 hours.
3. Additional Activities: In addition to gorilla trekking, Rushaga offers guided nature walks, bird watching, and community tours. Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Mutanda.
4. Accommodation: Rushaga has a wide range of accommodation facilities, second only to Buhoma, including Rushaga Gorilla Resort, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.

Cons of Rushaga Sector:

1. Long Travel Time: Rushaga is farther from Kampala and Entebbe, requiring a longer travel time of 10-11 hours by road.
2. Difficult Terrain: The sector’s rough terrain can make trekking challenging, particularly during the rainy season.
3. Distance from Other Parks: Rushaga is not conveniently located for travelers looking to combine their gorilla trek with visits to other national parks in Uganda.

Nkuringo Sector

Nkuringo, also located in the southern part of Bwindi, is the least visited sector. The sector is home to three habituated gorilla families: Nkuringo, Christmas, and Bushaho.

Pros of Nkuringo Sector:

1. Challenging Terrain: Nkuringo is ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking a more physically demanding experience. The sector’s challenging terrain and long hikes make for an exhilarating trek.
2. Stunning Views: Nkuringo offers some of the best views in Bwindi, including sights of the Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo Mountains in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
3. Accessibility: The sector can be accessed from Rwanda via the Kyaninga border through Kisoro town, taking about 5 hours.
4. Lake Visits: Nkuringo is conveniently located near Lakes Mutanda and Mulehe, allowing visitors to enjoy boat rides on these scenic bodies of water.

Cons of Nkuringo Sector:

1. Strenuous Trekking: The higher altitude and rugged terrain make trekking in Nkuringo challenging, especially during the rainy season.
2. Limited Accommodation: Nkuringo has fewer accommodation options compared to Buhoma and Rushaga. Some options include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mulehe, and Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge.

Booking Gorilla Permits

Booking a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi requires careful planning, as permits are limited and often booked at random unless a specific sector is requested. It’s advisable to book your permit at least 6 months to a year in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the peak season. Having flexible travel dates can also help secure a permit in your preferred sector.

When booking a permit, you’ll need to provide personal details, including your passport number, date of birth, full name, and nationality. These details are necessary for processing your permit and will also be included on the certificate awarded after your trek.

In summary, each sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a unique gorilla trekking experience. Whether you prioritize accessibility, challenging hikes, or additional activities, carefully consider your options to choose the best sector for your safari.