Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma.
It is not easy to say which sector is the best because each one has its good and bad sides. Where you trek depends mostly on the availability of gorilla permits.
The Rushaga Sector of Bwindi – Most People’s Choice
Many travelers say Rushaga is the best sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. This area has beautiful views and is also the only place where tourists can do gorilla habituation.
Gorilla habituation allows visitors to join rangers and researchers as they help gorillas get used to humans. This gives you the chance to spend four hours with a gorilla family instead of just one hour during normal trekking.
Rushaga is a good choice because you can do both gorilla habituation and gorilla trekking there.
It is also easy to reach Rushaga from Kigali in Rwanda, which makes it popular for tourists starting their trip in Rwanda.
Rushaga has the highest number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, so it has more permits available compared to places like Buhoma.
Because of the many families, it’s often easier to find a permit in Rushaga. The sector has eight gorilla families.
Rushaga is also cheaper than Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. You can use the same amount of money it takes to trek in Rwanda to instead do gorilla habituation in Uganda.
You can get to Rushaga by flying from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro airstrip.
Traveling by road from Kampala to Rushaga can be tiring, but the views on the way make the trip worth it.
In conclusion, all sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offer different experiences. You can trek gorillas in any sector.
Your choice will depend on which permits are available and your personal preference.
Gorilla permits in Bwindi cost $800 per person per trek, no matter which sector you choose.
Gorilla habituation permits cost $1500 per person.
Children under 15 years or people with sicknesses like flu are not allowed to trek with gorillas.
