Top 4 Things To Do in Rushaga Region after Gorilla Trekking
Situated in the Southern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rushaga region is one of the 4 amazing gorilla trekking regions Bwindi boasts of. This sector isn’t only popular for gorilla trekking but also the only region where mountain gorilla habituation experience is conducted. It also features 9 gorilla families (Bweza, Kutu, Mishaya, Busingye, Bikingi, Nshongi, Kahungye, Mucunguzi and Rwigi) already open to visitors to track to see mountain gorillas while on gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
While on Uganda safari in Rushaga, gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the top highlight but there is a lot more to enjoy. Other than gorilla trekking, here are some more exciting activities to do in Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Mountain gorilla habituation experience is one distinct primate adventure you can take part besides the normal gorilla trekking experience while on Uganda safari. This is remarkably a unique wildlife experience currently done in only Uganda and only in Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Southwest.
With Bikingi and Bushaho already opened for gorilla trekking, visitors on gorilla habituation experience can now explore Kutu group. Permits for Uganda gorilla habituation cost US Dollars 1500 for foreign non-residents, US Dollars 1000 foreign residents while East Africa Community citizens pay shs. 750,000.
Securing/booking a gorilla habituation permit is possible with AfriTrek Holidays Uganda. Book one and have a great opportunity to spend 4 hours with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The cost of your gorilla habituation permits covers park fees, service of ranger guide and certificate thereafter your adventure.
Bird Watching
Bwindi houses an estimated population of 360 bird species, some of which can be identified while on a tour in Rushaga region. The nearby and key birding sites here include Nkuringo especially the Nombe Forest which is 5kms and Buniga Forest 300m away from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.
Nature walks
If your plan is to have an in-depth exploration of Bwindi’s hidden treasures in its varied habitats then a guided nature walk should be a must-do. A nature walk in Rushaga area offers a remarkable experience of its own. You get to enjoy sight of birds, wildlife, flora and butterflies. Alternatively, you can trek up to the scenic rivers and waterfalls in Bwindi while on nature walk in Rushaga.
Batwa Cultural Experience
The Batwa cultural experience offers the best of authentic African experience. It is entirely done with local guides onlead to the Batwa community to interact with the Batwa pygmies. The Batwa experience includes exploring the unique traditions, cultures and enjoying music performances plus dances.
Lodges in Rushaga Sector, Bwindi
While on gorilla trekking in Rushaga, holidaymakers can have overnight stay in the nearby lodges. These include Gorilla Valley Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge.
Best Time to Visit Bwindi / Rushaga Region
Trips to Rushaga region of Bwindi can be organized at any time of the year whether for gorilla trekking or bird watching. However, the best time to get to Rushaga for your holiday is during the dry season beginning from June to September or December to February. These drier months are the most preferred times to trek mountain gorillas in Rushaga area of Bwindi National Park.
Access to Rushaga Region of Bwindi
By road, Rushaga area is found in the Southern part of Bwindi and getting here means you drive from Entebbe/Kampala via Kabale, about 8-9 hours’ drive. From Kigali Rwanda, cross to Bwindi through Katuna/Chanika border for about 3-4 hours’ drive.
By air, fly starting from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield in Kampala and finally land into Kisoro airstrip. From Kisoro airstrip, you can easily reach to Rushaga in the southern section of Bwindi to commence your Uganda safari holiday.