In today’s article, we are going to focus on explaining gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park with the hope of providing an answer to one of our commonly asked question ” Which is the best region for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park.
Bwindi forest national park boasts of having the largest number of habituated gorilla families in Uganda. The current number of gorilla groups in Bwindi stands at 20 Habituated Gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest.
Trekking gorillas in Bwindi Forest can be done at any one of the four (04) gorilla trekking regions; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo Region.
** It important to understand that for anyone to trek gorillas in Uganda, you must be of age 51 years and above and must have booked and paid for your gorilla permit.
The Best Gorilla Trekking Regions in Bwindi
Buhoma region is where gorilla trekking in Bwindi all started in 1992 with Mubare gorilla group being the first gorilla group to be commissioned for gorilla trekking. Buhoma currently has three (03) Habituated gorilla families; Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura gorilla groups.
The Upside of trekking Gorillas in Buhoma Region:
- Offers a good range of accommodation options to choose from.
- Tracking in Buhoma is generally easier than in Rushaga or Nkuringo.
- The varied list of Community activities to do in Buhoma.
- Easy access for Fly-in Safaris
The downside:
- Very Competitive to get a gorilla permit – often bought out by the luxury lodges.
Ruhija region has four (04) habituated mountain gorilla families; Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, and Mukiza gorilla groups. There are fewer lodging options in Ruhija sector with most of the available ones being basic budget and midrange lodges. For the traveller looking to stay at a luxury property, you have to factor in the early morning drive from Buhoma Region.
The Upside of trekking Gorillas in Ruhija Region:
- Less challenging shorter treks – the terrain is no so hilly. **Recommended for older trekkers
- Offers the best eco-tourism experience.
- An easy connect for budget travellers considering trekking Gorillas by Bus.
The downside:
- Very limited accommodation choices – there is no luxury lodge in this region.
- Luxury travellers who stayed in Buhoma have to take in a two-way driver to trek in Ruhija.
Rushaga region has five (05) habituated mountain gorilla families; Nshongi, Kahungje, Mishaya, Busingye and Bweza family group. At Rushaga, you can opt to enjoy a More exclusive gorilla trekking experience where you get to spend 04 hours with a group of gorilla still undergoing habituation. (Read more: Gorilla Habituation in Rushaga)
The Upside of trekking Gorillas in Rushaga Region:
- Has the highest number of gorilla families.
- Here you could opt for Gorilla Habituation – 04 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group.
- Easy connection for fly-in Gorilla Safaris from Entebbe into Kisoro
- Easy connections for travellers intending to fly & drive to Uganda for gorilla trekking – Saves you the long drive from Entebbe to Bwindi which takes 9 – 10 hours. The drive from Kigali is 4 hours.
The downside:
- Accommodation options are still lacking – there are si limited lodge options in Rushaga.
Nkuringo region has three (03) habituated mountain Gorilla families; Bushaho, Nkuringo, and Christmas gorilla group. Trekking in this region can be challenging due to the steep terrain, however, this region is fast emerging as the favourite choice for visitors flying in through Kigali to trek gorillas in Uganda. Nkuringo region also boasts of a varied range of great-Value luxury safari lodges to stay at our favourite being the Ugandan owned Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.
The Upside of trekking Gorillas in Nkuringo Region:
- A varied list of luxury lodges – located hardly 5 minutes from the Gorilla Trekking Briefing point.
- Easy connection for fly-in Gorilla Safaris from Entebbe into Kisoro
- Easy connections for travellers intending to fly in through Kigali, and drive to Uganda for gorilla trekking – Saves you the long drive from Entebbe to Bwindi which takes 9 – 10 hours. The drive from Kigali is 4 hours.
The downside:
- Steep terrain – makes the treks quite strenuous – reasonable fitness needed for anyone attempting to trek here.
Our professional recommendation is that you work with a reputable local tour operator in order to ensure your Gorilla trekking holiday is planned well.