How many tracking locations does Bwindi have?
The most popular sight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the mountain gorilla. There are an estimated 400 mountain gorillas living in the park, which are spread throughout various areas. You can find a variety of fascinating gorilla families in these areas, which are spread across the park and are home to mountain gorillas. Most travelers always ask How many tracking locations does Bwindi have?
The Buhoma Sector
One area where visitors can trek mountain gorillas is the Buhoma gorilla sector, which is situated in the northern region of Bwindi. The first habituated gorilla family was introduced here in 1993, making it the oldest trailhead in Bwindi. There are several habituated gorilla families in Rushaga, including the Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Mubare groups.
How can one access Buhoma Sector?
It takes 8 to 9 hours to drive from Kampala or Entebbe to the Buhoma sector. If you would rather not drive, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airport, which takes 1 to 2 hours. After that, you can drive to the Buhoma sector from the Kihihi Airstrip.
Additionally, Buhoma is easily accessible from Kigali, Rwanda, via the Kyaninga and Gatuna borders. The greatest choice for a less expensive 3-day gorilla trekking safari from Rwanda in Bwindi is Buhoma.
Accommodation facilities in Buhoma Sector
The Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, and Engagi Lodge are just a few of the many lodging options in Buhoma.
Ruhija Sector
The Ruhija sector is located in the eastern part of Bwindi, the Ruhija sector is the closet sector to Buhoma and currently has four habituated gorilla families including the Mukiza gorilla family, the Bitukura gorilla family, the Kyanguliro gorilla family and the Oruzongo gorilla family. The Ruhija sector provides an amazing trekking experience among the four sectors and the only sector where you can see elephants and other wildlife. The highest and coldest place in Bwindi, Rwamunyonyi, is 2607 meters above sea level and can only be reached by hiking in Ruhija. The sector is elevated about 2500 meters and this offers beautiful scenery around the national park including the Virunga ranges
Accommodation in Ruhija sector
Additionally, there aren’t many lodging options, which limit the options available to tourists. Nonetheless, Ruhija offers a number of lodging options, such as Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, and Broadbill Forest Camp.
Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo, the least popular trekking destination in Bwindi, is situated adjacent to the Rushaga sector in the southern section of the National Park. The Nkuringo gorilla family was the first to become accustomed in this area; other guerilla groups that have done so include the Bushaho and Christmas families. Nkuringo is one of the best options for travelers who are interested in challenging terrain and long hikes. The sector has the best views of the Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo mountains which are located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nkuringo can be accessed through the Kyaninga border in Rwanda through Kisoro town.
Accommodations in Nkuringo Sector
In contrast to Buhoma and Rushaga, Nkuringo offers fewer lodging options. Among the attractions in Nkuringo are Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla heights Lodge and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.
Rushanga Sector
The Rushaga sector is adjacent to the Nkuringo sector and is situated in the southern region of Bwindi, close to Kisoro. The Bweza, Mucunguzi, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bikingi, and Mishaya gorilla families are among the ten habituated gorilla families found in the Rushaga area. Because it is the only area in Bwindi where gorilla habituation and research are conducted. The Rushaga sector enjoys widespread popularity.
For both gorilla trekking and the gorilla habituation process, it is the ideal location. By road and air, Rushaga is also conveniently accessible from Kampala and Entebbe. It also takes 4 to 5 hours to get there from the Kyaninga border. The area is good, with community hours, bird viewing, and guided nature hikes.
Accommodation in Rushanga Sector
In addition to Buhoma, the Rushaga sector offers a variety of lodging options. These include Rushaga Gorilla Resort, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge and Rushaga Haven Lodge
Best time to go for a gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Although gorilla trekking is available year-round. Some travelers would like track gorillas during the dry season, while others would rather do it during the rainy season. Because the mountain gorillas and other park wildlife are more active during the dry season. The trails are less flooded and slick than they are during the wet season. And it is simpler to combine the gorilla trekking safari with other safaris like game drives during the dry season. The best seasons are June to September and December to February.
How many tracking locations does Bwindi have?
