Bwindi Forest has four (04) official Gorilla trekking Regions; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga & Nkuringo. Choosing the Best Region for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest can be a daunting experience if not guided well. This article will help you make the right decision on where to trek Gorillas in Bwindi Forest NP.
With a thriving Mountain Gorilla population of slightly over 500 gorillas (half of the world gorilla population currently estimated at 1,063 as of the 2015/16 Gorilla Survey), Four (04) official Gorilla Trekking regions, and a total of up to 19 habituated Mountain gorilla families open for trekking, choosing the best place to see gorillas in Bwindi then becomes a tough decision to make especially considering that you are possibly visiting Uganda for the first time – the reason you will need to read through all the way to the end of this article. The best region for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Which is the Best Gorilla Trekking Region In Bwindi Forest?
First, we need to understand that Bwindi Forest National Park is divided into four (04) compass-like regions; North (Buhoma Region), West (Nkuringo Region), South (Rushaga Region) & East (Ruhija Region). Choosing what you would consider as the best place can be very complicated. However, we are going to thoroughly explain (based on our experience and that of our previous clients) what each region has got to offer – just so you can be able to make a well-guided choice on where to go gorilla trekking.
- Buhoma Region
Buhoma Gorilla Region is the headquarters and first place where mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda all Started in April 1993. Buhoma has a total of three (03) habituated Mountain gorilla families open for trekking. Buhoma Habituated Mountain gorilla groups include; Habinyanja Gorilla Group, Mubare Gorilla Group & Rushegura Gorilla Group. The Buhoma region offers accommodation in three (03) categorize; Budget, Midrange & Upmarket – Opulent Lodging.
The Upside of Trekking gorillas in the Buhoma region is its proximity to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale and Murchison Falls makes it easy to see more than just one park. Flying in and out of Entebbe to Buhoma Via Ishasha Airstrip saves you the 10-hours long drive.
The down-side of trekking gorillas In Buhoma is the stiff Competitiveness for gorilla permits as most of the permits are often bought out by the Big tour operators and Lodges around Buhoma region.
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Ruhija Region
Ruhija Gorilla Region lies approximately 50km – from Buhoma and is the second-best option (after Buhoma Sector) for travellers intending to merge a visit to Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park with Uganda’s most sought-after Adventure Experience of Mountain gorilla trekking In Bwindi. Ruhija has three (03) habituated Mountain gorilla families open for tourists to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda. The Mountain gorilla groups in Ruhija Sector include; Bitukura Mountain gorilla Group, Oruzogo Mountain gorilla Group & Kyaguliro Mountain Gorilla Group.
The Up-side with Trekking gorillas In Ruhija is proximity to Murchison Falls NP, Kibale Forest National Park & Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Ruhija region is only 7 -hours from Kigali – a lot less than driving from Entebbe -10 hours which makes it possible for travellers to fly-in through Kigali for gorilla trekking in Ruhija.
The Down-side of choosing to trek gorillas in Ruhija region is the lodging options are limited to midrange & Budget. Ruhija compared to any other gorilla trekking regions has the least number of lodging options – there are currently a few great-value midranges to budget options. If Ruhija is your choice of place to trek and see the gorillas, we like to recommend staying at great-value midrange Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, or the budget-friendly Ugandan-owned Broadbill Forest Camp. However, there is hope that more lodges will be set up in this region.
For clients with gorilla permits to trek in Ruhija Region but are seeking to splash a bit more on comfort, we recommend staying at the Upmarket Bwindi Lodge which unfortunately is about 2-hours. (See: Why stay in Buhoma, and trek in Ruhija).
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Rushaga Region
Rushaga Gorilla Region lies further South of Uganda (west of the Park) approximately 35Km from Kisoro border town close to Rwanda – Uganda’s Cyanika Border post – 5 hours from Kigali and is our best recommendation for travellers intending to fly-into Kigali to trek Mountain gorillas In Uganda – Gorilla Permits in Uganda cost USD700 per person as opposed to Rwanda where Gorilla permits cost USD1,500 per permit.
Rushaga region has five (05) habituated mountain gorilla Families open for travellers to trek. These include; Nshongi Gorilla Group, Mishaya Gorilla group, Kahungye Gorilla group, Busingye Gorilla Group and Bweza Gorilla Group.
The Up-side of Trekking Gorillas in Rushaga is it’s proximity to the Uganda – Rwanda border Post of Kyanika / Cyanika – Meaning travellers can fly-in through Kigali Airport, drive to Bwindi from Kigali in 5 hours – Trek Mountain gorillas in Uganda for USD700 per person as opposed to USD1,500 per person in Rwanda. The best region for gorilla trekking in Bwindi
The Down-side, however, given the location of Rushaga region at the far south of Uganda, combining your gorilla trek to visiting other National Parks of Uganda might involve extra driving or otherwise you fork out some extra cash for a flight from Kisoro to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The other alternative is to take the guided Adventure trail – Nature walk from Nkuringo to Buhoma which then brings you Buhoma Region much closer – 2hours drive to Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National park popular for Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda.
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Nkuringo Region Best Gorilla Trekking Region in Bwindi
Nkuringo Gorilla Region lies close to the DR. Congo border – Worry NOT, the Ugandan Side is safe for Mountain gorilla trekking. This region has three (03) Habituated mountain gorilla groups; Nkuringo, Bushaho and Christmas gorilla families. Treks in Nkuringo are considered more physically challenging and only a recommendation for the upbeat, and physically fit Travelers. However, those that have endured the tough terrains of Nkuringo say Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo offers the real Forest trekking experience.
The Up-side of Trekking mountain Gorillas in Nkuringo is the Proximity to Kigali International Airport in neighbouring Rwanda. The drive from Kigali International Airport to Nkuringo Region is ±5-hours which is a lot shorter than driving from Entebbe International Airport – 10 hours. Nkuringo Region also offers a wide range of accommodation options for travellers to choose from – we like to stay at the Ugandan-owned great-Value Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge a well-placed property with comfortable rooms, stunning views over the forest canopy all complimented by great food & service. (See: Tripadvisor reviews of Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge)
The down-side of trekking Mountain gorillas in Nkuringo region is the terrain. Nkuringo Region is Known to be the toughest place to trek Gorillas in Uganda – the terrain is steep and challenging for the average trekker (old & unfit) but those that have made it – have enjoyed the experience of trekking gorillas in this region.
Our Opinion: The Best region to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest largely depends on several things;
- Age & Level of fitness; The seniors (Older & unfit) might consider Staying in Buhoma but trekking in Ruhija Region, while the young & fit might want to choose trekking gorillas in Nkuringo region.
- Style of Accommodation; If you are into staying at fancy or luxury places, then Buhoma or Nkuringo Regions might be your pick. There varied options of upmarket lodges in these two regions.
- Low Budget; If you are looking to save some money on your trip, then Ruhija region is the Place for you. There are many low budget accommodation options in this region. Alternatively, you could stay in Kabale and drive to trek gorillas the next day.
- Accessibility; If you are into Flying safaris and would like to get in & out Of Bwindi after your gorilla trek, then the best place for you would be either Buhoma or Nkuringo region.
- More than just Gorilla Trekking; If you would like to do a lot more than just gorilla trekking, Buhoma Region is the Best place to visit on your safari.
- Walking Safari Ethusiasist; If you are an active person that would like to engage in additional walking safari experiences, then consider going to Nkuringo region. Make it a point to indulge in the Nkuringo to Buhoma walking Safari ( See sample Itinerary: 5 Days gorillas twice in Uganda ).
Related: How to save money on your Gorilla Trekking Holiday.
In a nutshell, whether you choose to visit Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija or Buhoma Gorilla Regions, you must remember that gorilla permits in Uganda are a lot more competitive to book now than they were in the previous years. This is so because many tour operators from neighbouring Rwanda are now offering cheaper Gorilla trekking Safaris to Uganda following the increase of the Rwanda gorilla Permit fees from USD750 to USD1,500 per permit. We recommend that you pre-pay your gorilla permits at least six (06) months in Advance. Gorilla Permits in Uganda still remain cheaper – USD700 per person.
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