Sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

By Bujuku Eco Tours Accommodation, Activity, Uganda, Uganda gorilla trekking safaris, Uganda Trips 1 Comment

Sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Are you planning a trip to one of the sectors of this amazing safari destination in Uganda? This article will introduce you to everything that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has to offer. Situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best parks to visit on a Uganda to safari. The park has thrived as one of the few homes to the critically endangered mountain gorillas. These gorillas dwell in different sectors of the park.

The four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include; Rushaga Sector, Buhoma Sector, Ruhija Sector, and Nkuringo Sector. Each of these sectors is home to specific mountain gorilla families. Visiting at least one of the sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park allows you to create a signature of everlasting memories.

The major sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable is divided into major 4 sectors namely; Nkuringo Sector, Ruhija Sector, Buhoma Sector, and Rushaga Sector. Each of these sectors has different accommodation facilities. Tourists on a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi can stay at any of the lodges in these sectors.

Buhoma Sector

Located in the northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Buhoma Sector is one of the best places to be for a gorilla trekking safari. The sector can easily be accessed from Queen Elizabeth National Park. From Kampala, it takes about 8 hours to drive to Buhoma Sector of Bwindi. Some of the gorilla families in the Buhoma sector include; the Mubare gorilla family, the Habiyanja gorilla family, the Muyambi gorilla group, the Rushegura gorilla family, and the Katwe gorilla family. Tourists tracking gorillas in the Buhoma sector can easily connect to Kihihi Airfield.

A gorilla trekking safari in the Buhoma sector also involves Batwa Community tours. During such tours, tourists get a chance to interact with the local members of the communities. The Batwa are believed to be ancient inhabitants of the rainforests of Bwindi. Some of the activities tourists do include; harvesting crops, making fire, brewing local beer, and learning traditional hunting skills. Some of the lodges in the Buhoma Sector include; the Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman Guest House, Lake Kitandara Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Silverback Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Camp, Jungle View Lodge, many more.

Rushaga Sector

Rushaga sector is located in the Kabale district in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The sector is one of the most popular gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are over 7 habituated mountain gorilla families in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rushaga sector is popular because of its easy accessibility from both Kigali (Rwanda) and Kampala (Uganda). More so, the Rushaga gorilla trekking sector is a reliable destination for bird lovers. The sector is home to some Rift Valley endemic bird species.

If you are an enthusiastic bird lover, you may consider taking a trip to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Some of the habituated mountain gorilla families in the Rushaga sector include; the Nshongi gorilla family, the Mishaya gorilla family, the Kahungye gorilla group, the Busingye gorilla family, the Bweza gorilla family, the Bikingi gorilla family, the Mucunguzi gorilla group, and the Rwigi gorilla family. Additionally, the Rushaga gorilla sector has some of the best lodges for tourists. These include among others but are not limited to the following; Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, and Nshongi Camp.

Nkuringo Sector

Talking of one of the best gorilla trekking sectors, Nkuringo is one of them. The Nkuringo sector is located in the southern sector of the park. It is close to the Rushaga sector and some mountain gorilla families cross from one sector to the other. Some of the gorilla families that live in the Nkuringo sector include; the Nkuringo gorilla family, the Bushaho gorilla family, and the Christmas gorilla family. A gorilla trekking session in the Nkuringo sector and other parts of Bwindi takes 2 to 8 hours. It all starts with a briefing session as early as 7:30 am. After this briefing, tourists are divided into groups and assigned a particular group. With the help of an experienced ranger, meeting the gorilla family becomes somehow easier. Do not be misled to think that gorilla trekking in Bwindi is easy, you need to be physically fit.

The walk involves passing through rugged terrain, impenetrable forests, and crossing swamps. The walk is worth enduring since it is rewarding from the word go. After meeting the gorilla family being tracked, tourists are allowed to spend an hour in their presence. This is the perfect time to practice one’s photography skills. Ensure to follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations while in the Nkuringo sector and other sectors of Bwindi. Below are some of the lodges in the Nkuringo Sector; Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and many others.

Ruhija Sector

Ruhija sector is located in the eastern section of Bwindi National Park in the newest district of Rubanda (originally Kabale). Ruhija sector is easily accessible from Kigali, Rwanda, via the Kyanika or Katuna land border crossing. The drive time from Kigali to Ruhija is between 4 and 5 hours. Ruhija is also accessible through the nearby Kihihi Airport. There are several habituated mountain gorilla groups in the Ruhija sector. These include; the Bitukura gorilla group, Oruzogo gorilla family, Mukiza gorilla family, and Kyaguriro gorilla family. Some of the accommodation facilities found in the Ruhija sector include; Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, and many more.

What is the best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

All four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be visited any time of the year. However, the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) makes a gorilla trekking safari easier.

Does a gorilla trekking permit cost the same price in all the sectors of Bwindi?

Yes, a mountain gorilla trekking permit in all the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs USD 800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents. Foreign residents buy permits at USD 700 per person. Lastly, members of the East African community purchase gorilla trekking permits at UGX 300,000 per person per trek.

If you are interested visiting in Bwindi impenetrable National Park, having any questions, making bookings, getting tour guides, and drafting Bwindi impenetrable National Park itinerary, do not hesitate to inquire from our company we shall be happy to help.