Best area for trekking in Bwindi – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla population and is located in the southern part of Uganda.
The park has four trekking sectors, which include:
Each sector has different gorilla families that can be trekked throughout the year.
While some people suggest that the Rushaga sector is the best area for gorilla trekking, each individual’s experience can vary.
Therefore, the best sector is often determined by personal experience after trekking in the different sectors.
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Below are brief descriptions of each sector to serve as a simple guide:
Buhoma Sector
Buhoma is the oldest sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with its first habituated gorilla family introduced in 1993.
It is located in the northern part of Bwindi and is easily accessible by an 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe or a 2-hour flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip. From there, it’s a short drive to Buhoma.
Habituated gorilla families in Buhoma include: Katwe Gorilla Family, Rushegura Gorilla Family and Bunyindo Gorilla Family among others.
Guided nature walks are available in Buhoma using trails such as: Muzabajo Loop Trail, River Ivy Trail, Munyaga River Trail and Rushura Hill Trail among others.
Ruhija Sector
Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi and is the closest sector to Buhoma.
It is the only sector in Bwindi where tourists can find elephants and other animals, such as antelopes.
Ruhija is at an elevation of 2,500 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Virunga ranges. It features a hike to the Rwamunyonyi Peak, which stands at 2,607 meters above sea level, making it the highest and coolest point in Bwindi.
Since Ruhija is the highest point in the park, it provides the most challenging gorilla trekking hikes in Bwindi.
The sector has limited accommodation options, but its proximity to Buhoma allows tourists to hike in Ruhija and stay in Buhoma accommodations.
Rushaga Sector
Rushaga is located in the southern part of Bwindi, near Kisoro, and borders the park’s Nkuringo sector.
It is the only sector where research and gorilla habituation take place, making it very popular. It is an excellent option for both gorilla trekking and the gorilla habituation experience.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Rushaga offers guided nature walks, birding, and community tours. It can be accessed by road or air, but the journey takes slightly longer compared to other sectors, about 10-11 hours by road.
The sector has a rough terrain, which can make trekking challenging at times. It has 8 habituated gorilla families available for trekking.
Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo is also located in the southern part of Bwindi, neighboring the Rushaga sector. It is the least visited sector in the park.
The sector gets its name from the first gorilla family to be habituated, the Nkuringo Gorilla Family.
Some gorilla families in this sector include:
Nkuringo offers breathtaking views of Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo Mountains in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is ideal for those planning to visit Lake Mutanda and Lake Mulehe for boat rides.
This sector is also suitable for tourists seeking more challenging terrains and long hikes.
The above information provides a brief overview of the sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, helping tourists choose the best area for trekking based on their preferences and desired experiences.
