Gorilla trekking trip starting from Rushaga trailhead
Gorilla trekking trip starting from Rushaga trailhead

Gorilla trekking trip starting from Rushaga trailhead

Half of the world’s mountain gorillas live in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to the gorillas in the Rushaga area. You will get the opportunity to see the Mountain Gorillas in their native habitat in the steep tropical woods of southwestern Uganda.

Since Rushaga and Bwindi are home to half of the world’s population of these large endangered apes, the odds of encountering one in the wild are 98%. Rushaga allows 8 visitors per gorilla family per day, so you may see the gorillas whenever you want, year-round.

One of the main areas for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Bwindi is Rushaga of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are four sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where you can go on a trek and see the world’s magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

The Rushaga trail head is located in southwestern Uganda, on the border with Congo. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for being the best place to go trekking with mountain gorillas because it is home to more than half of the world’s remaining wild mountain gorilla population.

The park was designated as a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO because it has one of the oldest forests in Africa. In Bwindi Forest National Park, gorilla monitoring takes place in four distinct sectors: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. In every area, you can expect the same great experience.

Beginning from the Rushaga trailhead, gorilla trekking

Among the many things to do in the Rushaga sector is gorilla tracking, which entails visiting the gorillas in their forest home. The trek begins at 7:00 am with a briefing at the headquarters of Rushaga Park on what to do and what not to do while in the forest and with the gorillas. You will be led to the jungle by park rangers, trackers, and guides to see the gorillas after a briefing.

Once you see a family of gorillas in Uganda, you’ll have an hour to observe them before heading back to the trailhead to collect your certificate of accomplishment. Gorillas are fascinating to see since they share 95% of our DNA. In order to protect the gorilla population, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has implemented a regulation that limits the number of people permitted to witness habituated families to eight per day.

As a matter of policy, gorilla trekking is only open to those who are at least 15 years old. Younger children cannot be permitted on the treks due to the fact that they pose a health risk to the gorillas and the forest environment. Starting at the beginning of the Rushaga Trail, you will enjoy an amazing gorilla trekking experience.

The number of habituated gorilla families at the Rushaga trailhead is what?

The country of Uganda is home to nineteen habituated gorilla groups, including those in the Rushaga sector (Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Kahungye, Busingye, and Mucunguzi) and two other national parks, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga. The Uganda Wildlife Policy on Gorilla Tourism in Uganda states that no more than eight tourists accompanied by rangers, porters, and guides may travel with each gorilla family. In Rushaga, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, 56 permits are available daily for gorilla tracking.

Can you tell me how much the Rushaga gorilla trekking permit costs?

The cost of a Rushaga gorilla trekking permit is the same as it is in Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. Foreign residents pay USD700 per person, non-residents pay USD800, while East African citizens pay Shs.300,000 for the gorilla trekking permit. There is a one-hour time limit on observing the gorillas with the trekking permit.

During the peak months of January, February, July, August, September, and December, gorilla trekking permits often sell out in record time. Get in touch with Katland Safaris with the details of your trek and when you’d like it to take place. We’ll check the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s online system for permit availability and, if they’re available in Rushaga, we’ll send you an invoice to pay for them.Gorilla trekking trip starting from Rushaga trailhead

If they aren’t, you can choose another date that does. We will confirm your journey and email you a copy of the receipt along with your booking ID after we receive payment. Getting a gorilla permit is a breeze, and visiting Uganda will undoubtedly provide an unforgettable encounter with these majestic creatures.

When would you recommend beginning your gorilla trekking adventure at the Rushaga trail head?

Despite the fact that the weather may change at any moment, the months of January, February, June, July, August, and early September are ideal for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rushaga since they are drier. You are welcome to see the gorillas at any time of year.

Because gorillas are more visible and the vegetation is lusher after a rain, some people believe that the rainiest season is the best time to observe them. Those hoping to go gorilla trekking around this season should definitely reserve their permits in advance, since they sell out fast.

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, how can I get to the top of the Rushaga Trail?

From Kampala or Entebbe, it’s about 8 or 9 hours by car to Rushaga, or you may fly to Kisoro Airstrips, which are just an hour away from the Rushaga area. It is also possible to fly into Kigali International Airport and then drive to the southwest of Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna Border. This route takes around four or five hours, including the time spent at immigration.

Obtaining an East African Visa, which allows multiple entries to Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, is something we consistently recommend to our guests. An East African visa, which may be purchased online or at the airport upon arrival, costs USD100. This is a more economical option than purchasing a visa for each individual entrance. However, you also have the option of obtaining individual visas; for example, a Rwandan visa would cost $30 and a Ugandan visa would cost $50. Gorilla trekking in the Rushaga area is a great option since it is easily accessible.

From the Rushaga trailhead, where can one stay on a gorilla trekking trip?
Guests on gorilla trekking tours may choose from a variety of lodges and hotels in the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With the assistance of Katland Safaris, you may reserve a room at any of these hotels, from the most modest to the most extravagant.

You have your pick of Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge in Rushaga, and Nkuringo Bwindi and Clouds Mountain gorilla lodges in Nkuringo, respectively. While Rushaga is home to a plethora of lodges, it is recommended to make your reservations well in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak season. As a normal service, we guarantee the safety of our guests at all times.

When planning a gorilla trekking trip from Rushaga, why should you book with Katland Safaris?
The Ugandan travel company Katland Safaris has its headquarters in the town of Entebbe. A Ugandan family owns and operates Katland Safaris. Our company has been providing eco-friendly vacations and once-in-a-lifetime adventures to every country in East Africa for over 15 years.

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has officially recognized us as a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). Booking your gorilla permits and gorilla trekking safari is made easier because to our long-standing and positive partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Safari reservations and TripAdvisor both give Katland Safaris great reviews. If you are interested in going on a gorilla hike in Uganda’s Rushaga in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you should get in touch with Katland Safaris.

 

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