Rushaga Region, Best Gorilla Safari Sector in Bwindi, Permit, Families

Rushaga region/area is the southern gorilla trekking sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are the two gorilla trekking regions located at the Southern end of Bwindi National Park.

Rushaga is lying in the Kisoro District and is home to the highest concentration of habituated gorilla groups.

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Gorilla Families in the Rushaga Region

The checklist of habituated gorilla groups to explore on gorilla trekking in Rushaga includes Mishaya, Nshongi group, Kahungye gorilla group, Bweza, Busingye, Bikingi, Mucunguzi group, and Kutu, etc.

Rushaga region, Best gorilla safari sector in Bwindi, permit, families

Updated list of gorilla groups in the Rushaga region

  • Nshongi gorilla group: Nshongi takes its name from Nshongi River where the group was originally spotted. Nshongi originally featured the highest gorilla population in Bwindi, but the number kept reducing creating the Bweza group. About 8 members currently make up the Nshongi gorilla group.
  • Mishaya gorilla group: This group broke away from the extensive Nshongi gorilla group. It derives its name from Mishaya silverback.
  • Bweza gorilla group: This gorilla group was part of the Nshongi. It was formed in 2013.
  • Kahungye gorilla group: This was created in 2011 with more than 27 individuals. It takes its name from Kahungye hill.
  • Busingye gorilla group: Led by the Rumanzi silverback gorilla. This particular group officially opened for trekking in 2015.
  • Mucunguzi gorilla group: The word Mucunguzi is translated as saviors and it broke away from the Bweza group under the leadership of Mucunguzi Silverback.
  • Rwigyi gorilla group: This habituated gorilla group formed after breaking away from the Kahungye group.
  • Bikingi group: The Bikingi gorilla group family officially completed habituated after two since 2015. It can be trekked in Rushaga region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
  • Kutu gorilla group: This is comprised of 8 mountain gorillas and is led by Kutu silverback gorilla. Kutu is also open for gorilla habituation experience whose gorilla permits cost USD 1500 per person. But the gorilla habituation experience guarantees an absolute 4 hours for you to enjoy with mountain gorillas in the wild. Overall, a gorilla trekking adventure and interaction with mountain gorillas in the Rushaga is a great chance to explore their social behaviors, structure/composition, and more.

Why visit the Rushaga Region in Bwindi

Rushaga region is one of the best sectors in Bwindi National Park and is most popular for its rewarding experiences. The popular experiences to enjoy in the Rushaga sector include gorilla trekking, birding, nature/forest walks, and cultural experiences.

List of activities to do in Rushaga

  • Gorilla trekking
  • Gorilla habituation experience
  • Bird watching or birding
  • Forest or nature walk
  • Batwa cultural experience

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is the leading adventure that Rushaga is most popular for.

You can engage in a gorilla trek in Rushaga and explore any of the habituated groups including Mishaya, Kutu, Rwigyi, Kahungye, Busingye, and more.

A gorilla permit must be obtained a valid gorilla permit and each costs USD 800 per person.

Your expert –Flawless Adventure Planners is in position to secure a gorilla permit and also plan the entire gorilla tour not only to Uganda but also Rwanda.

Get a free quote via inf@premiumafricasafaris.comor WhatsApp Us: +256(0)751246370, +256782045763, or +256781376747.

Gorilla habituation

It is possible to engage in gorilla habituation in Rushaga. A gorilla habituation experience provides visitors plenty of time to explore more about mountain gorillas, their behaviors, social structures, and a lot more.

A valid mountain gorilla habituation permit costs USD 1500 per person and can be booked through the local tour operator info@premiumafricasafaris.com.

Birding

A checklist of birds that make the Rushaga sector an interesting region to explore on a birding tour includes the dwarf honey guide, crowned hornbills, and African harrier hawks.

Other birds include the black-faced rufous warblers, Shelley’s greenbul, black-bee eaters, red-fronted antpeckers, montane oriole, Doherty’s bush shrike, short-tailed warblers, and Kivu ground thrush.

Batwa experience

Visitors can also be part of the authentic Batwa cultural experience. This involves unearthing more about the Batwa pygmies’ unique behaviors, traditions, cultures, and practices.

The Batwa lived in the Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga for years as hunters and gatherers till they were evicted when these parks were created.

Forest walks

Nature/forest walks are among the rewarding options for visitors to unearth the wonders of Rushaga region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The Rushaga region features many hiking trails to explore on forest/nature walks including the Kara Ridge Trail, Kapata trail, and Kajembehajambe trail.

Best time to visit Rushaga for a vacation

Rushaga sector in Bwindi can be visited at any time of the year. However, the peak dry season is the most preferred period to explore the wonders of Rushaga from primate to birding excursions. The peak dry months run from June to September and December to February.

The packing list for your Rushaga gorilla safari includes waterproof hiking boots, a camera, a long-sleeved shirt, a daypack, long trousers, a valid gorilla permit, a first aid kit, a sweater, bottled drinking water, snacks, and more.

Where to stay in & around Rushaga Region

The lodges to stay in and around Rushaga sector in Bwindi National Park include Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Nshongi Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Gorilla Leisure Lodge.

Others include Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

Getting to Rushaga Region

Road transportation: Rushaga region in Bwindi is 8-9 hours’ drive from the heart of Kampala or Entebbe City. The ideal access route to take is Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara to Kabale-Kisoro.

From Kigali City, you need 4-5 hours to connect to Rushaga via the Katuna/Chanika border crossing. A 4×4 safari vehicle is essential for all road trips to Rushaga considering the nature of the routes or landscape in Southwestern Uganda.

Air transportation: You will spend 1-2 hours flying from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip where you can undertake a road trip to Rushaga.