5 Uganda Gorilla Trekking Sectors
The 5 Uganda gorilla trekking sectors (regions/areas/trailheads) include Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ntebeko. 5 gorilla trekking sectors or regions in Uganda exist in the 2 gorilla safari parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The five gorilla safari sectors in Uganda each contain already habituated mountain gorilla families to be explored by trekkers.
What are the sectors of Bwindi National Park?
Located in Southwestern Uganda, Bwindi National Park is comprised of 4 regions or sectors. The 4 Bwindi gorilla regions or areas to explore include the Ruhija sector in the East, Buhoma to the North, then Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors/areas located in the Southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Each of the 4 Bwindi regions comprises already habituated gorilla families. About 24 habituated gorilla groups live in Bwindi National Park alone and each is visited by a maximum of 8 (eight) guests.
Gorilla sectors in Mgahinga National Park. There is only the Ntebeko sector where all gorilla treks in Mgahinga begin. Here is a detailed list of the 5 Uganda gorilla trekking sectors available per gorilla safari destination and their habituated gorilla family groups.
Top 5 Uganda gorilla trekking sectors
Buhoma Sector or region
The Buhoma sector is a gorilla safari region/trailhead in the northern part of Bwindi National Park. It is the most popular trailhead thanks to its oldest habituated gorilla group –Mubare family. It is in Buhoma where gorilla trekking first began in 1993 when the Mubare gorilla family group was launched.
Besides Mubare, the Buhoma sector also contains other habituated gorilla families including Katwe, Rushegura, Habinyanja, etc. Trekking any of these gorilla families is a great chance to meet the mountain gorillas in the wild. In addition to gorillas, Buhoma also features a diversity of bird species worth exploring on the trails. They include Shelley’s crimsonwing, Black bee-eaters, Doherty’s bush shrikes, Black-billed turacos, African green broadbills, and others.
The existing trails worth exploring on guided nature walks in the Buhoma sector or region include the Munyaga River trail, Muzubijiro Loop trail, Rushura Hill, and River Ivy trails. These trails are best explored during birding excursions.
Where to stay in and around Buhoma. After trekking gorillas in Buhoma, the available lodges or camps to have a night include Mahogany Springs Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Engagi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Silverback Lodge, and others.
Buhoma sector, one of the 5 Uganda gorilla trekking sector can be reached by road or by air. Accessing this sector by road involves driving from the heart of Entebbe or Kampala via the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route. This takes between 8 and 9 hours’ drive and from Kigali, expect to spend at least 4 to 5 hours which includes crossing via Katuna border.
By air, you can spend only 1 to 2 hours in normal weather conditions to get to Kihihi Airstrip. At Kihihi, you can be picked up and driven to the Buhoma sector to explore mountain gorillas. The flights take off from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip. A 3-day Uganda gorilla safari is the best alternative for you to explore the wonders of the Buhoma sector. This sector can also be reached from Queen Elizabeth National Park and for long trips, you can have a combined gorilla safari and wildlife tour.
Ruhija sector
Ruhija gorilla region is one of the top 5 Uganda gorilla trekking sectors. The Ruhija region is found in the eastern part of Bwindi and is close to Buhoma sector. This Uganda gorilla sector is comprised of habituated gorilla families including Mukiza group, Kyaguriro, Bitukura, and Oruzogo groups. Ruhija is where Rwamunyonyi Peak (2607m) the highest peak of Bwindi National Park is found.
Access to Ruhija can be by road or air. Driving from Kampala or Entebbe to Ruhija can take about 8-9 hours and from Kigali takes about 4-5 hours. Places to consider for an overnight stay in Ruhija include Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Ichumbi Lodge, and others.
Rushaga region
Rushaga sector is lying in the Southern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is the sector with the largest number of habituated gorilla groups. These include Bikingi, Mishaya, Mucunguzi, Kahungye gorilla group, Nshongi, Kutu, Rwigi, and more. Rushaga is also known for its enriching hiking trails worth exploring by hikers/nature enthusiasts.
Accommodation to book in and around Rushaga gorilla sector include Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga Haven Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Resort.
Nkuringo sector
Nkuringo region/sector is situated in the Southern sector and comprises of gorilla groups like Bushaho, Christmas, Nkuringo, and Posho groups. The gorilla family groups in Nkuringo range in the higher altitude which them the preferred choice by visitors who desire a little challenging gorilla treks.
While on gorilla trekking safaris in Nkuringo, there are places to consider for overnight stay including Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Campsite, Lake Mulehe, and others.
Ntebeko
Ntebeko is located in Mgahinga National Park and is where visitors begin their treks to explore mountain gorillas in the wild. Starting your gorilla trek in Ntebeko is a great chance to explore the Nyakagezi gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Kisoro. Mgahinga is the smallest of the 10 Uganda Game Parks with a land area coverage of 33.7 sq. km.
Uganda gorilla trekking permits per sector.
Booking gorilla permits is a must in case you want to explore any of the gorilla groups in any of the 5 Uganda gorilla trekking sectors. Each gorilla permit is issued to visitors at USD 800 per person – for all foreign nonresidents, USD 700 for all foreign residents, USD 500 per person for all the Rest of African tourists, and UGX 300,000 per guest (Ugandans/East African citizens).
The current rates have been set by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are effective till 2026.
How to obtain or book a permit in Uganda. A gorilla permit in Uganda should be booked at least 2 to 6 months earlier and this can be done through Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd info@premiumafricasafaris.com.
Best time to go for Uganda gorilla trekking in the sectors of Bwindi & Mgahinga
Uganda gorilla trekking safaris are not restrictive. You can travel any time of the year to engage in the trek with mountain gorillas but the most preferred time is during the peak dry months. This is from June to September which marks the long dry months, then December, January, to February marking the short dry months.
What to take on a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda
The checklist of essentials to pack for a Uganda gorilla trekking expedition includes waterproof hiking boots, a camera, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, insect repellents, an additional battery for the camera, extra space or memory card, and a daypack. Other items on your packing list include a sweater, gaiters, snacks, bottled water, and more.