Gorilla tracking in Rushaga is one of the most amazing experiences because the section boasts the highest number of gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These include; Mishaya, Nshongi, Kahungye, Busingye and Bishaho, five in total at the moment.
Rushaga section lies between Kabale and Nkuringo when you are coming from either Ruhija or Kampala. The steep slopes immediately surrounding the park are heavily cultivated so, forest cover stops abruptly at the park boundary. The majority of the people in the surrounding communities belong to the Bantu group, that is, the Bakiga and Bafumbira and a few of the Batwa – the ‘pygmy’ people.
Rushaga has the highest number of gorilla families in Bwindi alongside the nearby Nkuringo area, that you can track. The southern area of Bwindi impenetrable forest is also one of the most scenic areas of the park.
New lodges have sprung up, given more choices in and around the south of Bwindi forest and lots of things to do and see.
The future therefore holds a lot of promise for the south of Bwindi forest, in particular for Rushaga and for Nkuringo. More and more tour operators, visitors and tourists are also eyeing Rushaga and Nkuringo areas, for amazing gorilla trekking opportunities.
Some even state that the Rushaga – Nkuringo will overtake the popular and original gorilla tracking area in Uganda – Buhoma section.
The Buhoma area of Bwindi impenetrable forest was the first spot for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Rushaga and Nkuringo came along years later, however, the most habituated for gorilla trekking groups are now in the south of Bwindi forest.
Accessing Rushaga sector for gorilla tracking.
The other main reason why Rushaga is becoming so popular is ease of accessibility. The sector is only a 3 and a half hours’ drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Gorilla tracking permit prices are only USD $600 compared to Rwanda’s USD $1,500. For USD $1,500 in Rushaga you get up to 4 hours with a gorilla family compared to 1 hour in Rwanda, at the same price.
It is a 10-hour drive journey from Entebbe Airport to Rushaga area of Bwindi forest. What most do not realize that, it is only a 3-hour drive from Kigali airport to the same section. So, it is easier to fly into Rwanda and then enjoy gorilla tracking in Rushaga, in Uganda.
When you access Uganda and visit the Rushaga section of Bwindi forest, you can take advantage of the East African Tourist Visa which allows you access to, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, at no extra visa fee.
The Rushaga area can also be easily accessed from Entebbe by taking a chartered flight to Kisoro airstrip. The flight provides one of the most scenic views in Uganda, including views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda.
The flight is one and a half hours long to the town of Kisoro from Entebbe. You will then take a short drive to the Rushaga or Nkuringo area to your lodge as you prepare for your gorilla tracking activity.