Bweza gorilla family features among the 9 habituated gorilla groups in Rushaga gorilla trekking sector. It is an interesting gorilla family to explore while in the southern sector (Rushaga) of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bweza gorilla group originally was part of Nshongi group of Rushaga but broke away in 2013. Today, it is open for gorilla trekking with a composition of 12 members and it is led by Kakono silverback gorilla.
Trekking this gorilla family offers a memorable experience but interested holidaymakers must have a valid gorilla permit. These should be presented on the day you will be briefed about gorilla trekking rules and regulations also best known as dos and don’ts. All gorilla permits cost US $700 for non-resident foreigners, US $600 for foreign residents and Shs. 250,000 East African Community citizens. To trek Bweza group, you first get briefed on guidelines for gorilla trekking at 7:00am and you will be accompanied by an experienced park guide.
In addition to Bweza, Rushaga region also has many other habituated gorilla groups already open for gorilla trekking. They include Mishaya which split from Nshongi family in 2010, Kahungye gorilla family with about 27 members, Nshongi group with presently 26 members, Mucunguzi group-newly habituated with 8 mountain gorillas, Rwingi family comprising of 6 individuals, Busingye gorilla group, Kutu families which is still visited for gorilla habituation experience and Bikingi gorilla group family with 15 mountain gorillas previously explored during gorilla habituation experience.
All these make up the 9 habituated gorilla families in Rushaga region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a home to estimated population of about 459 mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is exceptional on its own from the rest of the African safari park and it is nestled in the extreme Southwestern Uganda.
It is a compact rainforest protected area, sprawling in land area of about 331sq.kms and protects 20 habituated families. These gorilla groups are trekked in the 4 regions; Rushaga sectors, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Buhoma sectors.
Best time to visit Bweza gorilla family.
The dry season is the best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park if you are to enjoy your trek to see Bweza gorilla family. Each year, there are 2 phases of the dry season experienced in Bwindi; the one that begins in June, July, August, September and another one beginning from December, January and February.
Trekking Bweza group doesn’t restrict holidaymakers to dry season only but it is possible to plan your trip even during the wet or rainy months (March, April, May, October, and November). The disadvantage with wet/rainy season is that visitors face challenges due to heavy rains, muddy ground, slippery steep slopes among other challenges.
Things to pack.
The top things to expect to carry for your gorilla trekking safari include insect repellent, camera, trousers, cotton socks, long-sleeved shirts, sweater, poncho or rain jacket, valid gorilla permit, passport, sunscreen, snacks, bottled drinking water, sun hat, visa, valid passport.
Accommodation in Rushaga region.
Anyone who is interested in trekking Bweza should book for lodges around Rushaga region. They include Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp and many others.
Getting to Rushaga
Bweza is in Rushaga sector Uganda and it is accessible from Kampala Uganda or Kigali, Rwanda. From Kampala or Entebbe expect to spend up to 9 hours driving taking the Masaka-Mbarara to Kabale.
Starting from Kigali to Rushaga sector of Bwindi, it takes holidaymakers approximately 3-5 hours’ drive via Chanika border in Kisoro or Katuna border in Kabale.
