The 4 Best Gorilla Trekking Region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is undoubtedly the leading mountain gorilla trekking safari park in Uganda. But which is the best gorilla trekking region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Well, gorilla tours in Bwindi are carried out in anyone of its 4 major sectors. These include Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Each of these gorilla trekking regions rewards trekkers differently while on Uganda gorilla trekking safari holiday.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was founded in 1991 purposely to shelter a portion of the endangered mountain gorillas which today account for a population of 1063 in the world. Bwindi alone protects 459 of these impressive creatures and the rest are distributed in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Virunga National Park in DR Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda.

Today, in this article, we bring to you the detailed information about each of the 4 gorilla trekking regions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will make comparisons and find the best that suits within your Uganda gorilla safari desires.

Gorilla Trekking Region or Sectors in Bwindi

Buhoma Gorilla Trekking Region

Buhoma region is a Northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and it is a popular gorilla trekking area attracting thousands of travelers on Uganda gorilla safari to trek mountain gorillas. It is the first sector to record its first habituated gorilla family-‘Mubare group’ for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This group was habituated in 1992.

Presently, Buhoma sector has 4 habituated gorilla families; Mubare, Katwe, Habinyanja and Rushegura. This translates into 32 gorilla trekking permits that are always available for tourists to purchase on Uganda gorilla safari tour in Buhoma region. There is also possibility to incorporate other activities like birding, community visit, hiking and others while on gorilla trekking tour in Buhoma sector.

Interestingly, there are several accommodation facilities for visitors to have overnight stay while on gorilla tour in Buhoma area of Bwindi. They include Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Volcano Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Mahogany Springs Lodge and many more.

Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Sector

Rushaga region accounts for all the 9 habituated gorilla families making it a home to highest number of gorilla groups for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This gorilla trekking region lies on the Southern side of Bwindi and it is undoubtedly one of the most preferred regions by visitors on gorilla safaris in Bwindi National Park. The habituated gorilla families to explore in Rushaga area include Mishaya, Mucunguzi, Bweza, Nshongi, Busingye, Kahungye, Rwigi, Bikingi and Kutu.

The gorilla safari lodges to spend a night in Rushaga sector include Ichumbi Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mutanda Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and others. This gorilla region isn’t only popular for gorilla trekking but also for gorilla habituation experience which is presently carried out in Kutu gorilla group.

Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Region

Ruhija region is a gorilla trekking sector in Eastern side of Bwindi and it can easily be accessed via Kisoro/Kabale. It is one of the best regions to go trek mountain gorillas while on Uganda gorilla safari. This sector consists of 4 habituated gorilla family groups accounting for 32 gorilla permits that are available each day for gorilla trekking.

The groups to track in Ruhija sector include Oruzongo, Kyaguriro, Bitukura and Mukiza gorilla families. Ruhija is also well-known for bird watching, nature walks and other exciting activities. The best lodges to spend a night here include Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort Campsite.

Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking Sector

Nkuringo sector is another exceptional gorilla trekking region in Bwindi. It is set on Nkuringo hill and consists of 3 gorilla families. The groups to expect to track on Uganda gorilla safari in Nkuringo region include Nkuringo, Christmas and Bushaho. They translate into 24 gorilla permits that are available for purchase by visitors on Uganda gorilla safari to this region.

Note, each gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 foreign residents and shs.250000 East African Community citizens. Tourists can book for their permits through a reliable tour operator (this is considerably the easiest way) or via Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The gorilla lodges to spend a night in and around Nkuringo region include Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge and others.