Uganda is amazingly one of the leading gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. Gorilla treks in Uganda start in specific regions or sectors, each with already habituated gorilla groups.
Overall, Uganda is comprised of 5 regions that exist in the gorilla safari parks including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Out of the 5 gorilla sectors in Uganda, 4 of them are in Bwindi National Park.
The key gorilla sectors/regions to explore on gorilla tours in Uganda include Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ntebeko.
Rushaga gorilla region
Rushaga region/sector is one of the best sectors to begin your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Rushaga is located in the southern end of Bwindi and is where the highest concentration of gorilla groups can be found. Visitors have higher chances to find a group to track in Rushaga than any other region.
The main gorilla groups to expect to explore on guided gorilla trekking in the Rushaga region include Bikingi, Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Rwigi, Kutu, Rwigi, Kahungye, Mishaya, and Mucunguzi gorilla groups.
Gorilla treks at Rushaga are made easier thanks to the availability of accommodation options. Top places to stay before or after your gorilla tracking experience in Rushaga include Gorilla Valley Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and Mutanda Lake Resort, etc. Rushaga can reached from Kampala about 8-9 hours’ drive or 4-5 hours’ drive starting from Kigali city.
Buhoma sector
Buhoma sector lies in the Northern part of Bwindi and is where the first gorilla family ‘Mubare’ was officially opened to the public to track. Buhoma is strategically set whereby visitors around Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kanungu can easily connect.
In the Buhoma region, visitors have interesting gorilla groups to explore including Habinyanja, Muyambi, Rushegura, Mubare, and Katwe. The key places to consider for overnight stays include Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Trackers Safari Lodge.
Ruhija sector
Ruhija sector is in the Eastern end of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is an interesting region to begin your gorilla trek. At Ruhija, visitors can explore habituated groups such as Kyaguriro, Mukiza gorilla group, Oruzogo, and Bitukura gorilla group. It is at Ruhija where Rwamunyonyi peak lies and remarkably, this sector also offers great birding and hiking experiences.
Available safari lodges to stay in and around Ruhija region include Broadbill Forest Camp, Bwindi Panorama, Bakiga Lodge, Agandi Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, and others.
Nkuringo gorilla region
Nkuringo region is one of the best sectors located in the southern part of Bwindi National Park. Nkuringo is famous for its rugged terrain and challenging gorilla trekking adventures. The Nkuringo sector features habituated groups like Christmas, Nkuringo, Bushaho gorilla group, and Posho.
Beyond gorilla treks, the Nkuringo region also offers the best hiking experiences and opportunities for you to interact with the Batwa pygmies. The available safari lodges to book for your overnight stays include Gorilla Heights Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Albertine Gorilla Campsite, and others.
Ntebeko area
Ntebeko is found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Ntebeko gorilla sector is where you can track the Nyakagezi gorilla group- the only habituated group of mountain gorillas in Mgahinga. Briefing about gorilla tracking rules starts at the visitor center.
Besides tracking gorillas, visitors also have a chance to enjoy golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, birding, and golden monkey habituation experience. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest park with a land area coverage of 33.7 sq. km. Regardless of its compact size, Mgahinga is home to over 39 mammal species and several bird species,
On a gorilla tour in Mgahinga, some of the places to stay include Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Traveler’s Rest Hotel, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, and more.
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
Regardless of the region/sector you intend to start your gorilla adventure in Uganda, a valid permit is essential for all visitors. One gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per visitor for all foreign nonresidents, USD 700 per guest for all foreign residents, and Ugandans UGX 300,000 –this cost also applies to the rest of the East African citizens.
Access to gorilla sectors/regions in Uganda
All the five sectors can be accessed by road or air. By road, tourists can drive for 8-9 hours to Bwindi or 9-10 hours to Mgahinga National Park in Kisoro starting from Entebbe or Kampala. You can also cut down on long hours by connecting from Kigali via Katuna or Chanika border and your journey takes between 4 and 5 hours. By air, flight services are available and visitors set off from the Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi to Kihihi/Kisoro Airfield.