Why Your Permit and Lodge Should Be in the Same Sector?
Before looking at each sector in detail, there is one important thing to keep in mind: your gorilla permit and accommodation should ideally be in the same sector.
This may seem obvious advice, but I am often surprised by how many travellers get this wrong. They book a lodge in one sector and a permit in another. As a result, they have to drive to a different trekking headquarters early in the morning and return to their lodge after the trek.
Some combinations are manageable. Buhoma and Ruhija are about two hours apart, while Rushaga and Nkuringo are around one hour apart. But other combinations involve much longer drives. Buhoma and Nkuringo, for example, are about six hours apart. With trekking starting early in the morning, that journey is simply not possible on the same day.
At Choose Uganda Safaris, we look not only at the availability of permits, but also at the location of the accommodation and the travel time to the starting point of the trek. A lodge with a beautiful view is of course nice, but if it means you spend an unnecessarily long time in the car on the morning of your trek, it doesn’t really help you much.
The Four Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi
1. Buhoma Sector
Buhoma is located in the northern part of Bwindi and is the oldest and most established gorilla trekking sector. It is a good choice for travellers coming from Queen Elizabeth National Park, particularly those passing through the Ishasha sector, the home of tree-climbing lions.
It also fits well into itineraries that include Kibale Forest, Lake Mburo National Park and Lake Bunyonyi. Compared with some other parts of Bwindi, Buhoma is relatively easy to reach by road and generally has less steep trekking routes. There is also a good choice of accommodation, from comfortable budget lodges to some of the finest places to stay in the forest.
Buhoma is where gorilla trekking in Bwindi began. In 1992, the Mubare family became the first gorilla group to be habituated for tourism. Today, several habituated families live in this area, including:
- Mubare Gorilla Family
- Habinyanja Gorilla Family
- Rushegura Gorilla Family
- Katwe Gorilla Family;
- Muyambi Gorilla Family
Each has its own history, although the family you visit is assigned on the morning of your trek.
There is also plenty to do around Buhoma if you have an extra day or two. You can walk through the forest to beautiful waterfalls, explore some of the local trails or go birdwatching. The area is particularly interesting for bird lovers, with many forest species, including Albertine Rift endemics. You can also visit nearby communities and learn about the traditions of the Batwa people, who lived in the forest as hunter-gatherers before it became a national park in 1991. Another lovely activity is a local cooking experience, such as the one offered by Ride 4 A Woman initiative.
2. Ruhija Sector
Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi, high in the mountains. It is generally quieter than Buhoma, with cool temperatures, misty mornings and thick montane forest. If you prefer a less busy part of the park, you may enjoy staying here. The sector is home to three well-known gorilla families:
- Kyaguriro Gorilla Family,
- Oruzogo Gorilla Family,
- Bitukura Gorilla Family, and
- Mukiza Gorilla Family.
The forest lies at a relatively high altitude, and some of the trails are steep. You should therefore be prepared for a hike that can be quite demanding. However, as with all sectors in Bwindi, the actual difficulty depends largely on where the gorillas are found that day.
Ruhija is also an excellent area to see some of Bwindi’s 350 recorded bird species. Its forests are home to several Albertine Rift endemics. You may also come across forest elephants, although sightings are rare. They are shy animals and are not easily spotted in the thick vegetation.
One thing to consider is the choice of accommodation. Ruhija has fewer lodges than Buhoma, particularly if you are looking for luxury accommodation. However, it can be a very good alternative if you cannot secure a gorilla permit in Buhoma. Permits for Buhoma are often in high demand and can sell out quickly. Since Ruhija is only about two hours away by road, you can stay in Buhoma and trek from Ruhija instead. You simply need to book a permit for the Ruhija sector.
We particularly recommend Ruhija to travellers who enjoy birdwatching and prefer a quieter forest setting. It is also a good option when permits in Buhoma are no longer available.
3. Rushaga Sector
Rushaga is located in the southern part of Bwindi and has the highest number of habituated gorilla families in the park. These include:
- Bikingi Gorilla Family
- Bweza Gorilla Family
- Busingye Gorilla Famy
- Kahungye Gorilla Family
- Mucunguzi Gorilla Family
- Rwigi Gorilla Family
- Mishaya Gorilla Family and
- Nshongi Gorilla Family.
With so many families in the area, Rushaga also has the highest number of daily gorilla trekking permits. This gives us a little more flexibility when arranging a trek. If you have a preference for a shorter or less strenuous walk, you can sometimes request a gorilla family that is closer to the starting point on the day of the trek.
Rushaga is also the only sector in Bwindi where you can take part in a gorilla habituation experience. Instead of the usual one hour with the gorillas, you can spend up to four hours with a family that is still getting used to human presence. It is a different experience and requires more time in the forest.
There is also plenty to do around Rushaga if you have an extra day. Lake Mutanda is nearby, with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and Virunga volcanoes. You can go swimming in the safe and clean water, try stand-up paddleboarding, take a traditional dugout canoe across the lake or enjoy a sunset boat cruise. You can also visit a nearby village. If you prefer to explore on your own, you can take a walk or go for a jog around the lake.
You can also visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is about two hours away. Here, you can hike one of the Virunga volcanoes or go golden monkey tracking. The park is home to these rare primates, which are not found in Bwindi.
Rushaga is also a practical option if you are travelling from Kigali of Rwanda. The Cyanika border is relatively close, and the drive from Kigali takes around five hours. Accommodation is more limited than in Buhoma, especially if you are looking for luxury lodges. However, there are comfortable mid-range options in Rushaga and nearby town of Kisoro.
Rushaga has become increasingly popular, so permits can also sell out, particularly during busy travel periods. If you cannot get a permit here, it is worth checking availability in the neighbouring Nkuringo sector or in Mgahinga. You can still look at accommodation in Rushaga, but you will need to arrange your stay and transport around the sector where your permit is issued.
We recommend Rushaga to travellers who want a good choice of gorilla trekking permits, are interested in the habituation experience or would like to spend some time around Lake Mutanda. Its location also makes it a convenient option for those travelling from Rwanda.
4. Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo is also located in the southern part of Bwindi, about an hour’s drive from Rushaga. It is often considered the most scenic sector, with steep hills, deep valleys and wide views towards the Virunga volcanoes. The landscape is beautiful, but the terrain is also quite demanding. Some trails involve steep climbs, so Nkuringo is better suited to travellers who enjoy walking and are comfortable with a more challenging hike. Several habituated gorilla families live in this area, including:
- Nkuringo Gorilla Family
- Bushaho Gorilla Family
- Christmas Gorilla Family
- Posho Gorilla Family
Gorilla trekking here can be strenuous, depending on where the gorillas are found that day. However, walking through this part of Bwindi, with its mountain views and dense forest, is a big part of what makes Nkuringo special.
There are also opportunities to learn about the Batwa people, who lived in the forest before it became a national park. The Buniga Forest Walk is a good way to learn about their traditional way of life, including how they used forest plants for medicine and other everyday needs. If you enjoy hiking, you can also take the trail from Nkuringo to Buhoma. The walk is about 10 kilometres and passes through forest, streams and rivers. It takes several hours and can be demanding, but it is a lovely way to see another part of Bwindi on foot.
Nkuringo is also within reach of Lake Mutanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, so you can combine your stay with a boat trip on the lake, golden monkey tracking or a hike in the Virunga volcanoes.
Accommodation is more limited than in Buhoma, although Nkuringo has a few excellent high-end lodges, including Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge. The area generally receives fewer visitors than Buhoma and Rushaga, making it a good choice if you prefer a quieter part of Bwindi. It is also very easy to get gorilla permits here.
We recommend Nkuringo to travellers who enjoy hiking, appreciate mountain scenery and do not mind a more demanding trek. If you are looking for beautiful views and a quieter forest setting, it is well worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions gorilla trekking in Uganda
How strenuous is a gorilla trek?
The difficulty of a gorilla trek can vary quite a lot. The gorillas move freely through the rainforest, and sometimes they are found relatively close to the starting point.
On other days, you may have to walk for several hours before finding them. The trails can be narrow and steep, and at times you may need to make your way through thick vegetation. Rain can make the paths muddy and slippery, which adds to the effort.
You do not need to be a top athlete to go gorilla trekking, but a reasonable level of fitness is important. If you walk regularly and are used to walking uphill, you will have a good starting point. Still, we do not want to underestimate the effort involved. Some treks can be quite demanding, especially when the gorillas are deep in the forest or on steep slopes.
If you are unsure whether you can manage the trek, perhaps because of knee problems or because you are not used to walking long distances, please talk to us before booking. We can take your physical condition into account when planning your trip and help you choose a suitable trekking sector. Rushaga, for example, has several habituated gorilla families, which can give the rangers more options when assigning a group. However, no sector can guarantee an easy trek.
On the morning of your trek, you can also tell the rangers that you would prefer a shorter or less strenuous walk. They will try to take your request into account, depending on where the gorillas are found. You can also ask to stop and rest along the way whenever you need to. There is no need to rush; the important thing is to walk at a pace you can manage.
How do you book a gorilla permit in Uganda?
To go gorilla trekking in Uganda, you need a permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The permit is valid for a specific date and trekking sector. The number of permits available each day is limited because only a small number of visitors can visit each habituated gorilla family.
We arrange the gorilla permits for our travellers as part of the trip. While planning your safari, we can check the current availability online on UWA portal and see which dates and sectors still have permits. This helps us work out the best option before making a final booking.
Once you confirm the trip and we receive your deposit, we purchase the permits for your preferred date and sector. We recommend doing this as early as possible, especially if you plan to travel during the busy months and popular sector like Buhoma.
What if permits are no longer available in your preferred sector? We will look at the alternatives with you. This may mean choosing another sector, adjusting the route or travelling on a different date. July, August and the Christmas holiday period are particularly popular, so we recommend planning well in advance if you intend to travel at these times.
Can you do a gorilla trek twice?
Yes. Some travelers deliberately choose two treks, for example in different sectors of Bwindi. Because every gorilla family is different and the route through the rainforest also varies, a second trek can provide a very different experience. You do need two separate permits for this.
Visiting gorillas during your Uganda Safari
For many of our travellers, gorilla trekking is one of the highlights of a safari in Uganda. And we understand why. However, a good experience starts with proper planning. Choosing the right trekking sector, finding suitable accommodation and allowing enough time for the journey all make a difference. It is also important to consider your physical condition when planning the trek.
We are a Ugandan team with years of experience in tourism. We know the different areas of Bwindi, the accommodation options and the routes that connect them. We can help you put everything together and choose the sector that best fits your travel plans. Would you like to combine gorilla trekking with other primates and wildlife? Take a look at our Uganda primate tours or get in touch with us. We would be happy to hear what you have in mind and help you plan your trip.
