Gorilla Tracking Experience In Rushaga Area Of Bwindi Forest

Over view

Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga area of Bwindi Park takes you to the southern section of the park. Lots of primates are residents of this naturally massive prehistoric forest. The area thrives with great mountain views, unmatched vegetation cover and lots of gorilla tracking families.

What To see In Rushaga Gorilla Tracking Area

On the top most of the list is Mountain gorillas. A number of gorilla trekking families area residents here like Mishaya gorilla family, Nshongi gorilla family, Bitukura gorilla family, Busingye gorilla family, Kahungye  gorilla tracking family, Bweza gorilla family and more are yet to be formed.

Lots of primates find comfort in spending there day and nights in Rushaga area like black and white colobus, vervet monkeys the life of the party in the forest, olive baboons, blue monkeys, L’Hoest, red tailed monkeys and so much more.

Huge numbers of rare birds on a daily basis flock the forest to spend there day time here. Some of the birds include Western Green Tinkerbird, Canopy and mid-storey flocks, Red-faced Woodland, Rwenzori Batis and so much more.

For hiking experience, Rushaga area is the place to go as it is covered with a number of volcanic residues that provide a lovely challenge. When you get to the top, you enjoy a great view of the forest canopy and Lake Bunyonyi is visible too.

Nature walks can be arranged upon request and this take you closer to the huge tress that have survived thousands of years. For Botanists this area is a plus because you may get to see a number of ancient plants that you might have studied about.

What Gorilla Families To Trek In Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Area

Nshongi Gorilla Family

In September 2009, Nshongi Gorilla family was opened for tourist viewing. By 2012, this family by then of 18 members split into smaller factions as a result of power struggle from many Silverbacks.

Mishaya Gorilla Family

Mishaya Gorilla family is a break away family from Nshongi gorilla family. Mishaya an aggressive silverback left with about 6 members to form his new family of 7.

He is an enthusiastic leader who fights tooth and nail to retain his sovereignty as witnessed one time when his family was attacked by wild gorillas.

Bweza Gorilla tracking family

Bweza gorilla family is another break away family from Nshongi gorilla trekking family. Nshongi was a huge family with so many disrespectful silverbacks who has turned unruly.

 In late 2012, this breakaway family was observed and later habituated as a sovereign gorilla group to watch.

Kahungye Gorilla Trekking family

Inheriting its name from a hill called Kahungye where they family normally hangs out, this family was opened for tourists viewing in 2011. It was a huge gorilla family of about 18 members with Gwigi as the dominant silverback.

Busingye Gorilla family

Busingye gorilla trekking family is a descendant of Kahungye Gorilla group. The group is a result of the continued aggressiveness of members. They broke away to make there own family.

 How To Get To Rushaga Gorilla Tracking Area

On the road, From Kampala, drive through Kabale, then Nkuringo area then Rushaga area.

By air, daily scheduled domestic flights can be arranged upon request but you need to book seats in advance as flights are normally over booked by even other travelers who do business in this area.

Flights depart from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro air strip then catch a transfer vehicle to your lodge.

Charters can also be arranged upon request and can depart at any time of your convenience based on the charter flight policy of the company.

Which Gorilla Tracking Rules To follow During A Trek in Rushaga Gorilla Area

Gorillas are very vulnerable primates that need protection so your cooperation to follow the gorilla trekking rules will secure there survival.

Anyone with a communicable infection is voluntarily requested to stay behind to reduce on the chances of passing it to the primates.

Try to stay in a close group to avoid surrounding the gorillas as this may frighten them and make them feel they are under attack.

Create a distance of about 8 meters away from the gorillas so as to avoid getting into direct contact with the apes.

Do not eat or smoke from in front of the gorillas as they may be curious to grab what you are chewing. This may not get well with there bodies and later may cause them to get ill.

In case you want to sneeze or cough, do it away from the gorillas to avoid passing any germs.

Ask the ranger to dig a hole at least 30 cm deep for you in case you want a long call and burry all faeces beyond recognition. This is to avoid creating any chances of the gorillas or monkeys digging out anything.

No body under 15 years is allowed to trek gorillas as they easily get tired while you trek.

What clothes to wear during gorilla tracking safari in Rushaga gorilla Area

Tracking boots to protect your feet from pricking objects as you trek to find the mountain gorillas.

Long sleeved shirt to protect your skin from stinging insects.

Insect repellant to add extra protection from biting insects in the wilderness.

Garden gloves to have a tight grip when you slide in the wild.

Rain gear to protect yourself from getting wet as it may rain at any time without warning.

A water proof bag to protect your property from getting wet while you trek.

A sound proof camera to cover and preserve all your safari memories as you do gorilla tracking in African jungle.

Energy bites to keep you energised while you hike in the wilderness.

Drinking water to keep you hydrated while in the forest.

A warm sweater to keep you warm as you trek

A large brim hat to protect your hair from getting wet from dripping tree leaf surfaces.

What Is The best time to visit Rushaga Gorilla Tracking area

Rushaga gorilla tracking area is open all year round but during peak season, gorilla permits of this area may get sold out. Peak time is June to September, December to January. February to May and November are usually low seasons for gorilla tracking in Uganda.