Gorilla tracking sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is huge spot in Uganda; part of its area is occupied by the Bwindi impenetrable forest, home to the unrivaled species of Gorillas.
Gorillas are grouped and inhabited in four sectors that make up Bwindi forest. These sectors are situated indifferent regions of the Park including North, East and the southern region. Each sector can be easily accessed by different routes depending on the direction you are coming from.
With a visit to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park you are exposed to variety of Gorillas species. These apes live in groups (Gorilla family) and each sector is recorded with more than one Gorilla family.
Though the sectors are scattered in different sides of the Park, it’s very possible to connect from one sector to another if it’s your interest.
Different hill hugging routes that winds through dense forests and open grasslands lead to several off the beaten track spots in Bwindi’s biodiversity.
Our detailed highlight below gives a clear picture about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s four sectors
Buhoma Sector
Just in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National park, you find Buhoma one of the mostly visited among the four sectors. This was the first to be gazetted in Bwindi when the first gorilla family “Mubare” was habituated and declared in 1992.
Currently four gorilla families call this sector home namely Katwe, Mubare, Rushegura and Habinyanja Gorilla family.
Buhoma sector is close to Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, this makes it suitable to be accessed from Queen Elizabeth National Park or switch from this sector to the Wildlife packed Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This route which connects the two exciting spots in Western Uganda passes through the Ishasha sector where sights of the famous tree climbing lions are usual on a lucky day.
On a drive through the Ishasha sector, you can stop by for stunning photo shoots of these lions as there are resting up in the fig tree branches.
Besides Mountain Gorilla trekking in Buhoma, visitors can engage in other activities such as the community visits to the Bakiga and Batwa communities. Hiking adventures through different trails like Waterfall trail, Munyaga, River Ivi, Rushura and Muzabairoloop trail. Buhoma is as well one of the best birding hotspots in Bwindi, common species include Blue Turaco, pelicans and more.
Ruhija Sector
Ruhija sector is nestled in the Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It stands at 2350 m high and recorded with the coolest areas in the Park. Three Gorilla families are inhabited within this sector and these include Oruzogo, Kyaguriro and Bitukura Gorilla family.
Several scenic views of stretching inland vegetation, forest ridges, and towering Virunga volcanoes add to the fascinating Gorilla trekking experience offered by the sector.
Travelers are as well delighted by the six hour bamboo trail that leads to the highest peak in the Park “Rwamunyonyi peak”. It stands at 2607 meters. Along the way, visitors are exposed to sights of other Wildlife species as they stroll into view. Common primates include Black and White Colobus, blue monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, Vervet and more.
Rushaga Sector
Situated on the southern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rushaga sector was declared among Bwindi’s sectors for Gorilla trekking in 2009.From Kabale drive along Kisoro road to Muko, it’s about 40km.
At the foot of the hill beyond Muko, turn right off the tarmac to join the murram road up to Rushaga.
This sector houses the highest numbers of Gorilla families for trekking including the ones used for habituation experience.
Gorilla families here include Bikingi (one for Gorilla habituation experience), Busingye, Khungye, Nshongi, Bweza and Mishaya.
On top of Mountain Gorilla trekking, Rushaga offers splendid cultural encounters with the Batwa people, bird watching and incredible boat rides along the nearby Lake Mutanda.
This sector is scattered with lots of lodging facilities, some of the options to choose from include Chameleon hill lodge, Gorilla haven lodge, Bwindi Jungle lodge to name but a few.
Nkuringo Sector
This sector started with only one habituated Gorilla family known as Nkuringo Gorilla family. Currently its home to three Gorilla families and the other two are by names of Christmas (recently introduced family) and Bushaho Gorilla family.
The sector opened in 2004 and is just 40 km north of Kisoro town. Travelers used to access the sector on day tours from Kisoro due to limited accommodation facilities but a number of lodges have emerged for the past few years. You can now even spend two or three days within.
Presence of different hiking trails turn it an inspirational adventure site for lovers of hiking expeditions. The Nteko ridge trail offers sweeping views across the streaming Kishasha River, then heading to the south and western side of the sector you can’t stop admiring breathtaking views of Western rift valley and Virunga volcanoes.
Nkuringo is located at higher altitudes, therefore any trekker packing for a Gorilla trekking experience in this sector, must be physically fit.