Gorilla tracking regions in Bwindi — Everything you need to know

Gorilla tracking regions in Bwindi – Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo

This article is focusing on Gorilla tracking regions in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is wholly located in Uganda and is a home to more than half of the surviving endangered Mountain Gorillas. Located in the South-Western part of Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is regarded as one of the best destinations to trek Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Great Adventure Safaris is proud to be providing quality and affordable Gorilla safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Tracking Regions

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has 4 Gorilla tracking regions which include Buhoma in the Northern, Ruhija in the Eastern, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the Southern. Each Gorilla region has several habituation Mountain Gorilla families that can be trekked. For more information about accommodation and how to access each of the regions, do not hesitate to contact Great Adventure Safaris.

This part of the world’s most ancient forest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park located in the south western part of Uganda near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and next to Virunga National Park at the edge of Albertine rift covering a total space area of 331 square kilometres of both the montane and lowland forest.

Also described as the Mountain Gorilla’s haven, Bwindi Forest is a UNESCO heritage site with a unique bio-diverse and mountainous landscape featuring over 120 species of mammals, 348 species of bird species, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, and many others.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is most popular for over half of the world’s total population of these remaining endangered apes which feed on roots, leaves and a fruit from the National Park’s many tree and fern species.

The National Park has 18 habituated Mountain Gorilla families open to visitors in four different Gorilla tracking regions all managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and all these regions have different terrain and satisfying experiences.

Buhoma Region. This is the most recommended region for travellers looking for a satisfying Gorilla safari in Uganda. Being the first Gorilla trekking region to host the first group of tourists, Buhoma has ever since been the most famous Gorilla trekking region in Uganda. It is located in the north of the park in Kanungu district with 5 habituated Gorilla families that can easily be trekked by tourists

It has an easy connection from Queen Elizabeth National Park and a wide range of accommodation facilities have made Buhoma still the top best Gorilla region in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park though the same Gorilla tracking experience.

Ruhija Region. This is another Gorilla trekking region in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, situated in Eastern part near Kabale district. It has 4 habituated Gorilla families explored daily by tourists. In terms of accessibility, Ruhija’s position in between Buhoma and Kabale town has made it easily accessed from both the south and the north. So one can simply choose to stay in Ruhija, Buhoma or even Kabale and still make it to the starting point in time.

It is the second preferred region after Buhoma especially for tourists who don’t have a lot of time on their schedule to spend in the forest. Gorillas in Ruhija region are easily spotted and reports say that tourists who trek Ruhija come back earlier than other regions; however this does not guarantee a quick trek.

Rushaga Region. This region is located in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and is the region with the highest number of habituated Gorilla families among other regions. The 8 habituated Gorilla families are all based in this region and an encounter with any of these families gives you an ultimate experience with the great apes.

This region being with the biggest number of habituated Gorilla families has a potential of rising to momentums and take over other regions. It is a simple region with compound Gorilla trekking experiences.

Nkuringo Region. For strenuous adventures, Nkuringo region is the best recommendation. It is located in the South of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and has 2 habituated Gorilla families. The Gorilla trekking experience here is amazingly exciting though appropriate for physically fit trekkers.

Note that all you need to trek the Mountain Gorillas is a valid Gorilla permit and it includes the Gorilla region you are to trek from. So for trekkers interested in specific regions, its better you inform Great Adventure Safaris in time of reservation.

While in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, combine your Gorilla safari in Uganda with the Batwa experience, bird watching and stunning nature walks that expose you to various wildlife species like forest elephants and different species of monkeys.