Top Budget Lodges in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi – The Rushaga sector is located in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
It boasts the highest number of gorilla families in the world, with eight habituated families.
These gorilla families include the Busingye, Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Kahungye, Mucunguzi, Bwigi, and Bikyingi gorilla families.
Rushaga is home to over 200 individuals of these magnificent apes, and tourists are guaranteed a 100% chance of seeing the gentle apes during their trek.
One unique aspect of the Rushaga sector is that it is the only place in the world where gorilla habituation is conducted, allowing tourists to spend more than an hour with the gorillas.
A gorilla trekking permit costs around USD 800 per person per trek. About 40 gorilla permits are sold in this sector, making it relatively easy to book your permit.
Eight people are allowed to trek each gorilla family, and groups of four are formed for habituation.
Top Budget Lodges in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi
Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge
Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge is located in Ryarutagara in Kisoro District, Uganda, offering spectacular views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
The lodge sits on property bought by Bishop Enoch Kayeeye in 1964. It consists of comfortable single and triple rooms with stunning views of Bwindi.
Services and facilities include: WiFi, car parking, shuttle bus services, free breakfast, 24-hour security, laundry services, first aid kit, baggage storage, TV area, and BBQ facilities.
Nshongi Camp
Nshongi Camp is located 340.3 km from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. It is an ideal spot for spending the night during a gorilla safari in Bwindi.
The camp is just a few meters from the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and has four traditional bandas with double beds and private bathrooms, each equipped with mosquito nets.
The camp offers three-course meals prepared by professional chefs, with lunch boxes available upon request.
Bwindi Backpackers Lodge
Bwindi Backpackers Lodge is located on the edge of Bwindi, offering both budget and mid-range accommodations. The lodge features rooms with shared bathrooms, self-contained rooms, cottages, and a self-camping facility.
The lodge also processes gorilla permits for clients at an extra fee, with payment methods available via card, bank transfer, or cash in USD, Ugandan Shillings, Pounds, or Euros.
Wagtail Safari Lodge
Wag Tail Safari Lodge is a top budget lodge located in Rubuguri town, southwestern Uganda, recommended for tourists visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
The lodge offers incredible views of the Kigezi hills, providing a home-away-from-home experience for those seeking adventure.
Constructed with African local materials, Wag Tail Safari Lodge is eco-friendly and offers spacious, comfortable rooms where guests can relax and enjoy soft breezes from the surrounding areas.
Best Time to Visit the Rushaga Sector
Tourists can visit the Rushaga sector during the dry season, which is considered the best time for gorilla trekking. The dry months are from June to September and December to February.
How to Access the Rushaga Sector
- By Road: The sector can be accessed via the Kampala-Mbarara-Kisoro route, which is about an 8 to 9-hour drive. Tourists coming from Rwanda can access the Rushaga sector via the Cyanika border in about 4 to 5 hours, which is a shorter route compared to those coming from Entebbe or Kampala.
- By Air: Tourists can book a flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, which is a 1 to 2-hour flight. From Kisoro Airstrip, it’s about an hour’s drive to Rushaga.
Budget lodges in Rushaga are affordable for both local and international travelers, offering high-quality services to all tourists.