Comparing the Four Sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in the southwestern part of Uganda, spans three districts: Kisoro, Kabale, and Kanungu. It is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, with 321 square kilometers (124 square miles) of lush lowland and montane forest. The park can only be accessed on foot and is divided into four sectors: Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Each sector has different gorilla families available for trekking throughout the year. Many travelers hear that Rushaga is the best sector for gorilla trekking, but the best way to decide which sector suits you best is to look at what each one offers.

While you cannot choose the specific gorilla family you will trek, especially during peak season, you can request a sector when you book your trek. Factors like physical fitness and age are considered when allocating gorilla families right after the morning briefing.

The Buhoma Sector

Buhoma is located in the northern part of Bwindi and is the oldest trailhead in the park. It was the site of the first habituated gorilla family introduced in 1993. The habituated families in Buhoma include the Mubare, Rushegura, and Habinyanja gorilla families.

Pros of Buhoma:

• Accessibility: Buhoma is easily reachable from Kampala or Entebbe, taking about 8 to 9 hours by road. Alternatively, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airport, which takes about 1 to 2 hours, followed by a drive to Buhoma.
• Variety of Gorilla Families: Buhoma hosts several habituated gorilla families, including Bunyindo, Rushegura, Habinyanja, Katwe, and Mubare.
• Good for Rwandan Travelers: For those traveling from Rwanda, Buhoma is accessible via the Kyaninga and Gatuna borders, making it a suitable option for a 3-day gorilla trekking safari from Rwanda.
• Combined Safaris: Buhoma is ideal for tourists looking to combine their gorilla trek with a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Nature Walks: Buhoma offers guided nature walks and birdwatching opportunities on trails like the Muzabajiro Loop, River Ivy, Munyaga River, and Rushura Hill.
• Accommodation: There are various accommodation options in Buhoma, including Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge, and others.

Cons of Buhoma:

• High Demand: Due to its popularity, permits for Buhoma can sell out quickly, so booking at least 6 months in advance is advisable.
• Location: Buhoma is not the best option for those trekking from Kigali due to its location.

The Ruhija Sector

Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi and is the closest sector to Buhoma. It has four habituated gorilla families: Mukiza, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, and Oruzongo.

Pros of Ruhija:

• Quiet Experience: Ruhija offers a more private trekking experience compared to the other sectors.
• Wildlife Sightings: This is the only sector in Bwindi where elephants and other wildlife like antelopes can be spotted.
• Scenic Views: At about 2,500 meters above sea level, Ruhija provides stunning views, including the Virunga ranges.
• Hiking Opportunities: Trekkers can hike up to Rwamunyonyi Peak, the highest point in Bwindi at 2,607 meters.
• Combined Hiking: It’s possible to hike in Ruhija and stay in Buhoma due to their proximity.
• Activities: Ruhija offers activities like bird watching, guided Batwa walks, and nature walks.

Cons of Ruhija:

• Physical Challenge: The high elevation makes trekking more difficult, so it’s not ideal for those who are not physically fit.
• Limited Accommodation: Options are fewer compared to Buhoma and Rushaga, though places like Broadbill Forest Camp and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge are available.

The Rushaga Sector

Rushaga is in the southern part of Bwindi and neighbors the Nkuringo sector. It is home to 8 habituated gorilla families, including Bweza, Mucunguzi, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bikingi, and Mishaya.

Pros of Rushaga:

• Habituation Experience: Rushaga is known for gorilla research and habituation experiences, making it a unique place for trekking.
• Access: The sector is accessible from Kampala and Entebbe via road or air. The Kyaninga border is also a 4 to 5-hour journey.
• Activities: Visitors can enjoy guided nature walks, bird watching, and community visits.
• Stopovers: Trekking in Rushaga allows for a stopover at Lake Mutanda for boat rides.
• Accommodation Options: There are many accommodation choices in Rushaga, such as Rushaga Gorilla Resort and Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Cons of Rushaga:

• Long Travel Times: It takes longer to reach Rushaga from Kampala, taking about 10 to 11 hours.
• Challenging Terrain: The rugged terrain can make gorilla tracking more difficult.

The Nkuringo Sector

Nkuringo, located next to Rushaga in the southern part of the park, is the least visited sector. It has gorilla families like Nkuringo, Christmas, and Bushaho.

Pros of Nkuringo:

• Challenging Terrain: It is perfect for tourists seeking a more physically demanding hike.
• Stunning Views: Nkuringo offers beautiful views of the Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo Mountains in the DRC.
• Easy Access: Travelers can easily reach Nkuringo from the Kyaninga border, taking about 5 hours. It is also close to Lake Mutanda for boat rides.

Cons of Nkuringo:

• Difficult Tracking: The higher locations of the gorilla families can make tracking them challenging, especially in the rainy season.
• Limited Accommodation: Nkuringo has fewer accommodation options than Buhoma and Rushaga.

Booking a Gorilla Permit

Booking a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi can be challenging due to limited availability. If you want to choose a specific sector, request it well in advance, preferably 6 months to a year before your planned trek. When you reach out to Iconic Africa Safaris to plan your trip, make sure to have your travel dates and the number of travelers ready. It’s advisable to have multiple date options to increase your chances of securing permits. You will need to provide personal information such as your passport details for the permit application.

When to Go

Gorilla trekking is open year-round, but many travelers prefer the dry season from June to September and December to February. During this time, the mountain gorillas are more active, and the trails are less muddy. The wet season, while offering lower tourist numbers and potential discounts, can make tracking more challenging due to rain and slippery trails.