Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Sectors: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four trails including Nkuringo, Ruhija, Rushaga and Buhoma Sector offering amazing gorilla trekking encounters.
Located in South – western Uganda, near the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are surrounded by one of the oldest forests in Uganda and most ecologically diversified rain forest, dating back over 25,000 years and containing around 400 plant species. The impenetrable jungle of Bwindi also protects an estimation 520 mountain gorillas – about half of the world’s total population, including many habituated groups that can be trekked. Around 120 animals live in this biologically rich region, including various primate species such as chimpanzees and baboons, as well as elephants and antelopes. The forest is home to over 350 bird species including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a total of four Bwindi gorilla trekking sectors that visitors can visit for Uganda gorilla safari and these include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors.
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Sectors include
Buhoma Sector
Located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Buhoma Sector is one of the four Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Sector and the best sector to visit on a Uganda gorilla trekking safari. When it comes to mountain gorilla experience, Buhoma Sector is most well-known as the oldest trailhead in Uganda.
Buhoma Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a pioneer of gorilla trekking tours in the park, with Mubare Gorilla Family as the first gorilla group to be habituated in the park in 1993.
Habituated Gorilla Families in Buhoma Sector
- Mubare Gorilla Family
- Habinyanja Gorilla Family
- Binyido Gorilla Family
- Katwe Gorilla Family
- Rushegura Gorilla Family
Ruhija Sector
Ruhija Gorilla Sector is situated in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is the closest sector to Buhoma Sector and has four gorilla families available for trekking on a Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ruhija lies slightly over 2,500 meters, offering unparalleled vistas of forest canopy after forest ridge, all the way to the Virunga Mountains.
Ruhija Sector is the quietest of the four Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Sectors, providing you with the most private gorilla trekking experience. Due to its close proximity to Buhoma Sector, it is possible for visitors to sleep in Buhoma and do gorilla trekking in Ruhija Sector. This sector is the sole region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where elephants may be found, monkeys, antelopes among other wildlife.
For travelers looking for a challenging trek during your gorilla trekking experience, Ruhija Sector is the best sector for you, thanks to its high altitude.
Gorilla Families in Ruhija Sector include
- Bitukura Gorilla Family
- Oruzogo Gorilla Family
- Kyaguriro Gorilla Family – (reserved for research)
Nkuringo Sector
Located in the Southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Nkuringo Sector is one of the primary Bwindi gorilla trekking sectors. Nkuringo sector is one of the least popular areas in Bwindi Forest but still offers incredible gorilla trekking experience. The first ever gorilla family to be habituated in this sector is called Nkuringo Gorilla Group, the sector has two other habituated gorilla families which include Bushaho and Christmas Gorilla Families.
Nkuringo Sector is popular for its Mount Nyirangongo and Mount Nyamuragira which are situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this sector is a best option for visitors looking to have a stopover visit at Lake Mutanda or Lake Mulehe in Kisoro. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on Lake Mutanda or Lake Mulehe before or after a gorilla trek in Nkuringo Sector.
Nkuringo Sector is recommended for visitors who love long hikes given that the terrains in the sector are not as steep as those in other sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The sector is also perfect for visitors interested in gorilla trekking in Bwindi from Kigali City in Rwanda, Nkuringo can easily be accessed via the Cyanika Border in Kisoro District taking approximately 5 hours.
Gorilla Families in Nkuringo Sector
- Bushaho Gorilla Family
- Christmas Gorilla Family
- Nkuringo Gorilla Family
Rushaga Sector
Rushaga Sector is situated in the Southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kisoro district neighboring Nkuringo Sector. The sector has 8 habituated gorilla families and is popular for research and is the only sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where Gorilla Habituation Experience is done.
Rushaga Sector is the best option for visitors interested in doing both gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience, the sector is also perfect for visitors on a Bwindi gorilla trekking safari from Kigali City. Rushaga Sector can easily be accessed from Kigali City – Rwanda via the Cyanika Border in Kisoro, it is a drive of approximately 4-5 hours.
Gorilla Families in Rushaga Sector
- Shongi Gorilla Family
- Bweza Gorilla Family
- Bikingi Gorilla Family
- Kahungye Gorilla Family
- Busingye Gorilla Family
- Mishaya Gorilla Family
- Mucunguzi Gorilla Family
- Kutu Gorilla Family
In conclusion: All four Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Sectors offer incredible gorilla trekking experience. However, for tourists looking for a more challenging gorilla trekking experience, Nkuringo and Ruhija Sectors are the best Bwindi forest gorilla trekking sectors to visit.
Buhoma Sector and Rushaga Sectors are the best options for visitors interested in a less strenuous gorilla trekking experience. Also, for visitors interested in spending more time with mountain gorillas, Rushaga Sector is the perfect sector as it the only place in the world where gorilla habituation experience is offered.