Which sector of Bwindi is best for gorilla trekking
Situated in the south western parts of Uganda lies the country’s epitome of adventure Bwindi impenetrable national park. The park is mainly famous for its large concentration of gorillas (half of the worlds population) and its rich biodiversity.
The park is a home to primates, birds, monkey species and many more. Wondering on which sector is best for gorilla trekking in Bwindi, you need to be aware of certain factors such as accessibility, terrains and many more
Bwindi national park is composed of 4 sectors with each offering its unique trekking experiences. These sectors include Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga and Nkuringo. In this article, we are going to discuss more about which sector is best for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
Which sector of Bwindi is best for gorilla trekking
To determine the best sector for gorilla trekking with in Bwindi Impenetrable national park. You need to make vast research and accurate information on each specific sector. Please note that there are certain measures to consider while allocating a particular gorilla family such as fitness and many more. However, to know the best area for gorilla trekking in Bwindi depends on your itinerary, activities that you need to do before or after your gorilla trekking adventure. For example, tourists interested in visiting close parks to Bwindi such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, or a boat cruise at Lake Bunyonyi, the northern part of Bwindi is the suitable for trekking.
Buhoma Sector
Buhoma sector is the most popular and ancient sector of Bwindi national park with the first habituated gorilla families. Located in the northern parts of the park, the sector is known for harboring lush landscapes and a rich bio diversity. Some of the gorilla families in Buhoma include Mubare, Rushegura, Katwe and Habinyanja
Advantages of selecting Buhoma sector for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Accessibility.
Buhoma sector is very accessible by visitors coming from Entebbe or Kampala. The journey is approximately 8 to 9 hours drive as compared to another sector such as Rushaga and Ruhijja
You can decide to fly to Bwindi impenetrable national park as you fly from Kajjansi or Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip.
Buhoma sector also offers an opportunity to tourists interested in enjoying gorillas and wildlife with in Queen Elizabeth national park.
Buhoma offers serval accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury making it n ideal place for visitors to travel. Buhoma is not the best option to select if you are coming from Rwanda then to Bwindi. The sector is very far.
Disadvantages.
The fact that Buhoma sector is very popular, you need to place your bookings earlier especially in the peak seasons to prevent inconveniences.
Ruhijja Sector
Situated in the eastern parts of Bwindi impenetrable national park. This sector is very close to Buhoma and has over 5 habituated gorilla families. Some of these gorilla families include Oruzogo, Bitukura, Mukiza and many more.
Advantages of trekking gorillas with in Ruhijja sector.
Relaxation
Tourists interested in relaxing and calmness Ruhijja is the best option to consider. After your gorilla trekking adventure, you can decide to cross to Lake Bunyonyi and relax at the lake. Ruhijja sector is the quietest among the four gorilla trekking sectors thus providing a conducive environment for trekking.
This sector can be accessed by either air or road. From Entebbe or Kampala, the journey is approximately a 10 hours drive. You can still fly from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip.
Fewer crowds. Ruhija is less crowded compared to Buhoma, offering a more conducive environment especially for tourists who hate over crowding.
Disadvantages.
Ruhijja has less lodgings compared to other sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Some of the lodges include Bakiga lodge, Broadbill Forest camp and many more.
Trekking in Ruhijja is a bit strenuous since its at a high altitude so physical fitness is key.
Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo sector is situated with in the southern portions of Bwindi Impenetrable national park very close to Rushaga sector. This sector of Bwindi is less popular but it still offers exceptional gorilla trekking adventures. It was opened in 2004 with the first habituated gorilla family known as Nkuringo.
Advantages.
Accessibility.
The Nkuringo sector is very accessible for people seeking ng to carry out gorilla trekking departing from Kigali. Nkuringo is very accessible through the Cyanika boarder then cross to Kisoro district.
This sector can still be accessed from Entebbe or Kampala. You can either road transport means or fly by air.
Disadvantages.
Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo sector is physically demanding, since gorilla families are situated in high altitudes, this may make trekking very challenging.
You should also notice that Nkuringo has limited accommodations compared to other sectors.
Rushaga Sector
This sector of Bwindi is located in the southern parts of the park in Kisoro district. The park is famously known for harbouring large numbers Some of the gorilla families to see include Bweza, Kahungye, Busingye, Mucungunzi and many more. Rushaga sector
Advantages.
This is the only sector that offers gorilla habituation among the sectors in Bwindi national park. The process allows you to spend almost 4 hours with the gorillas in their habitat.
The sector is very accessible for those coming from Rwanda, using the Cyanika boarder about 4 to 5 hours.
Tourists trekking gorillas in the Rushaga sector can also make a stopover at Lake Mutanda to enjoy a boat ride
Disadvantages
It takes longer to travel to Rushaga from Kampala or Entebbe as it takes 10 to 11 hours.
It is also difficult to connect to other National parks because of its distance.
The Rushaga sector is composed of rough terrain thus making tracking gorillas very challenging.
How to book a gorilla permit for deferent sectors
Purchasing a gorilla permit in Bwindi’s different sectors is very simple and smooth what you need to do is getting in touch with a local tour operator such as gorilla expeditions.
Contact a local tour operator with the trekking dates you would love to do and the number of people travelling. This will help you because they will be able to tell you the availability of permits in order to secure your booking.
Always note that these permits are limited and have visitors numbers so booking them in advance is one of the first steps to do while planning your safari.
When is the best time to go gorillas trekking
A gorilla trekking safari can be done at any time of the year. However please note there is a perfect and more ideal time for carrying out this activity and its generally during the dry season.
The dry season runs from (June to August). This is the best time for carrying out Rwanda safaris & tours since there is little or no rains thus less mud in the park, which eases navigation with in the parks. Further more during the dry season the sky is very clear for easy viewing of the wildlife species.
On the other hand, gorilla trekking can still be done with in the rainy season. The rainy season also provides its own experience. The season covers (March to April). This is the perfect season for people to visit especially those who hate over crowding and also budget travellers since some lodges tend to provide discounts in order to attract clients.
NOTE
Gorilla trekking is completely an all-year-round activity, however depending one’s interest and concerns, you are free to select an appropriate season for visting the park that aligns with you.
The best time sector for trekking gorillas in Bwindi depends on various factors such as time for booking and many more. However, the gorilla experience is completely a once life time experience.