Uganda Gorilla Trekking Sectors : Bwindi National Park is a central location for Uganda Gorilla Safaris. Mountain Gorilla trekking safari takes place in four different gorilla sectors in Uganda. It is advised that everyone visiting Uganda partake in gorilla trekking. This is due to the fact that, given their rarity, viewing mountain gorillas may never present itself again. Uganda is one of only three countries in the world where mountain gorillas live, making them rare primates. Along with Bwindi National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to over half of the world’s officially recognized population of endangered mountain gorillas. It is a part of the Virunga conservation area.
Mountain gorillas inhabit harsh, mountainous areas that are heavily forested, as their name would imply. This kind of area is found in the southwest of Uganda. The extension of the Virunga volcanoes, which include Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, and Gahinga Mountain, makes up this region of the nation. Because these three mountains are in the tropics, their slopes are covered in dense, thick rainforest.
Virunga region is an advanced ecosystem with hundreds of flora species, both wood and low-lying plants, and fauna. That being said, the mountain gorillas have all the necessary conditions to survive.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the majority of Uganda’s mountain gorilla population. The mountain gorillas and other incredible wildlife coexist in this park’s dense rainforest, which is its main draw. The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an alternate location where one can locate mountain gorillas. Although there are fewer mountain gorillas there than in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is still a different mountain gorilla hub.
Mountain gorilla trekking and mountain gorilla habituation are the two main tourist safari activities that take place in the gorillas’ natural habitat. The amount of time spent engaging with the mountain gorillas and the degree of intimacy the visitor experiences are the two main differences between the two activities.
In the Mgahinga National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, mountain gorillas are grouped in families. Families of mountain gorillas are subsequently divided into various sectors. These are primarily divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. As will be explained below, each sector has its own distinct history and beauty.
Buhoma sector.
This is the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s original and most well-known gorilla sector. It boasts drawing the greatest number of visitors within the park as a result. The sector can be accessed from Kanungu district or Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth national park. It is positioned to be the most strategically important sector in Bwindi Forest because it can also be accessed via the Kihiihi airstrip.
It’s the first sector where mountain gorilla tourism began in this park and Uganda at large. This came after the Mubare Gorilla Family was successfully habituated in 1992. One of the routes to Buhoma via Queen Elizabeth National Park passes through the Ishasha sector, which is well-known for its tree-climbing lions, due to its proximity to the park. Visitors travelling to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park now have the chance to see the elusive tree-climbing lions thanks to this.
Notable gorilla families in Buhoma sector include Mubare, Rushegura, Muyambi, Katwe and Habinyanja.
As earlier noted, Buhoma sector is one of the oldest sectors in Bwindi Forest, and is home to some of the high-end / luxurious lodges for tourists that intend to sleep and refresh after a long trek. One of the key factors influencing tourists’ decision to make Buhoma their first choice for gorilla trekking is the area’s excellent lodge services. The Batwa and Bakiga people’s cultural excursions are accessible via its hiking trails.
Buhoma is also an excellent spot for bird watching, through the beautiful trails like Waterfall trail, Muzabairoloop trail, Rushura trail and the River Ivy trail.
Rushaga sector.
Rushaga is located in the Kisoro district in the southernmost region of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is the ideal region for mountain gorilla trekkers because it is home to eight different mountain gorilla families. Additionally, it’s the only area where mountain gorilla habituation occurs. Renowned gorilla families including Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye, Bikingi, Rwigi, and Mucunguzi call Rushaga home. The Kutu gorilla family continues to be habituated.
Rushaga sector also offers rewarding cultural encounters to the Batwa community. Numerous bird species are able to survive in the Rushaga sector, which makes it an ideal location for birdwatching excursions.
Nature walks can also be taken in this sector. The Rushaga area boasts amazing lodging options, including Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, and Gorilla Valley Lodge. The cost of these lodges varies and spans from affordable to opulent.
Rushaga sector has a good road access network whether from Kisoro or Kabale. Along the way, you see incredible views of Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi. The tranquil waters of these lakes are well-known for being ideal for boat trips to discover more than 20 historical islands.
Ruhija sector.
The Ruhija Sector is located in Bwindi National Park’s southeast. The four gorilla families in the Ruhija sector the Oruzogo, Kyaguriro, Mukiza, and Bitukura families are the main draws of the area.
Similar to Nkuringo sector, Ruhija sector is located 2,350 metres above sea level in a higher altitude. In the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this area is the coldest. Hiking is therefore made possible by it.
One of its main features is the hiking trail that leads up to the Rwamunyonyi peak. Therefore, it is advised that hikers not pass up the opportunity to explore this area. In addition to mountain gorillas, the Ruhija sector boasts impressive populations of vervet and colobus monkeys. A few forest elephants are also visible in the area, feeding on the verdant flora.
Nkuringo sector.
The historical Nkuringo Gorilla Family is the source of the name Nkuringo Sector. However, the sector now is home to 4 habituated families including Bushaho Gorilla Family, Christmas gorilla family, Nkuringo families.
The relatively rough topography of the Nkuringo Sector is one of its main draws. Hiking excursions are encouraged because the altitude is higher than in other Bwindi Forest sectors.
It is therefore advised that hikers be reasonably physically fit before attempting the Nkuringo sector. Hiking in the Nkuringo sector is highly recommended for young, fit hikers who can manage long distance treks due to its altitude.
Visitors can also engage in Batwa cultural encounters in this sector. Similar to Rushaga sector, Nkuringo sector offers a wide range of lodging options for tourists, with the most well-known being Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Bwindi Backpackers Lodge.
