Overview
Rushaga sector is one of the four main sectors within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. It is one of the most popular areas for gorilla trekking due to the high number of habituated gorilla families in this sector. Known for having several habituated mountain gorilla families that visitors can trek to see including Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Kahungye, Busingye, and Rwigi; Rushaga is the one sector where gorilla habituation is also done.
Rushaga sector offers both Gorilla trekking and the gorilla habituation experience, community walks, birding and guided nature walks. The more prominent activity is Gorilla trekking which is hiking through the forests in order to observe and interact with the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and is a unique experience particularly in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The trek is always conducted by trained guides and trackers who ensure a smooth activity for both the beautiful apes and the humans. Trekking takes about 30mins-6hours depending on the location of the intended family and once located, tourists are given an hour with the family to observe and take pictures.
Gorilla Habituation experience is a special activity that allows visitors to spend extended time with the mountain gorillas as they are in the process of being accustomed to human presence. This process normally takes 2-3 years; researchers, conservationists and park rangers work with a specific in that time frame slowly introducing them to human observers in order for the mountain gorillas to become comfortable and natural regardless of human presence. Habituation gives tourists 4hours of a more intimate and personalized encounter as they gain insight into the gorilla’s behaviors, habits and social structures which includes feeding, playing, resting and interaction with each other.
Rushaga as one of the gateways into Bwindi Impenetrable national park; can be easily accessible from towns like Kisoro and Kabale making it a little easier to trek also as elevation is slightly lower than the other sectors. To get to Rushaga a tourist has two options which are either by Air or Road. By Air, you will get a domestic flight from Entebbe airport to Kisoro airstrip and this will take between an hour to an hour and 15minutes and a tourist will also enjoy the scenic views of the Ugandan landscape. It’s always safe to book the flight in advance so one doesn’t miss out on a seat especially when its peak season. Once you get to Kisoro airstrip, you will be picked and driven to Rushaga sector which takes about 2hours. You will be checked into your lodging for the time intended for your experience.
Getting to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by road involves a scenic journey through Uganda’s countryside. From Kampala to Rushaga it will take between 9-10hours depending on the roads with two options of either driving via Kabale or Kisoro. With a lunch break in Mbarara, on route to Rushaga you can expect to experience the diverse and stunning landscapes, the Equator, lush greenery and a forested landscape and rugged terrain as you approach Rushaga sector. As the roads are not great as you get closer to the sector however passable, it is advisable to use a 4WD to ensure the drive is smooth. Once you arrive in the Rushaga sector, you’ll be near the starting points for gorilla trekking and other activities as you will check into lodgings that are close or located within the forest itself.
A tourist has the option of hiring a private driver guide which comes with comfort and reliability or using public transport from either Kampala or Kisoro and Kabale which may not be as comfortable or reliable especially the final leg of the journey.