GORILLA REGIONS IN BWINDI FOREST

There are different gorilla regions in Bwindi Forest, also a National Park. Part of the world’s most ancient forest, is the Bwindi impenetrable national park located in the south western part of Uganda near the boarder of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, next to Virunga national park at the edge of Albertine rift covering a total space area of 331 square kilometers of both the montane and lowland forest.

Also described as the mountain gorillas’ haven, Bwindi national park is a UNESCO heritage site. It has a unique bio diverse and mountainous landscape featuring over 120 species of mammals, 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, and many other endangered species.

Bwindi impenetrable forest is most popular for over 400 mountain gorillas that call it home, totaling to almost half of the world’s total population of these remaining endangered species which feed on roots, leaves and fruits from the park’s many tree and fern species.

There are 12 habituated mountain gorilla families open to visitors in four different Gorilla regions in Bwindi Forest. these include; of Buhoma, Ruhijja, Rushaga and the Nkuringo and are all managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.    The regions mentioned have different terrain and satisfying experiences.

Gorilla regions in Bwindi Forest include;

Buhoma sector is the most recommended region for travelers looking for a satisfying gorilla safari in Uganda. Being the first trekking region to host the first group of tourists, Buhoma has ever since been the most famous gorilla trekking sector in Uganda. It is located in the northwest of the park in Kanungu district. And it has three gorilla families including Habinyanja, Mubare and Rushegura. These can easily be trekked by tourists who would not love to spend a lot of time in the jungle.

It has an easy connection from Uganda’s capital Kampala, proximity to Queen Elizabeth national park and a wide range of accommodation facilities have made Buhoma still the top best gorilla region in Bwindi impenetrable national park.

Ruhija sector; this is another gorilla trekking region in the park, situated in eastern part near Kabale district. It has 3 habituated gorilla families which include, Bitukura, Kyaguriro and Oruzogo explored daily by tourists. In terms of accessibility, Ruhija’s position in between Buhoma and Kabale town. This makes it easily accessible from both the south and the north. So, one can simply choose to stay in Ruhija, Buhoma or Kabale and still make it to the starting point in time.

It is the second preferred region after Buhoma. This is so especially for tourists who don’t have a lot of time on their schedule. Gorillas in this 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 sector; Located in the south of Bwindi impenetrable national park is the region with the highest number of gorilla families among other regions. The Nshongi, Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye and Mishaya families are all based in this region and an encounter with any of these groups gives you an ultimate experience with the great apes.

This region being with the biggest number of gorilla families has a potential of rising to momentums and take over other regions if more facilities are built here. It is a simple region with compound gorilla trekking experiences.

For strenuous encounters, Nkuringo region is the best recommendation. It is located in the west of Bwindi impenetrable forest and has one gorilla group called Nkuringo. The trekking experience here is amazingly exciting though appropriate for physically fit trekkers.

Meet a gorilla group of 19 members with 1 dominant male and 3 silver-backs and uncommon gorilla twins.

Note that all you need to trek the gorillas is a valid gorilla permit. It usually includes the gorilla region you are to trek. So for trekkers interested in specific regions, its better you inform your booking agent in time of reservation.

While in Bwindi impenetrable national park, accompany your gorilla safari in Uganda with the Batwa experience, birding and stunning nature walks that expose you to various wildlife species like forest elephants and monkeys.