Talking Bwindi impenetrable national park; one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, with arid conditions from the ancient ice age, we introduce to you all four of its gorilla sectors, their locations and the unique attractions in each of them. The Sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park all have habituated gorilla families ready for trekking. These sectors have headquarters that act as a base camp on your expedition.
The park got its status in 1991, and covers about 325 km2 land in the midst of the great rift valley, on the slopes of the Virunga massif, with remarkable biodiversity, and rare species, notably; about 50 reptile species, 350bird species, 120 mammal species, about 200 trees, about 88 moths, over 310 butterfly species and half of the world’s mountain Gorilla population among others.
Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in the remote region of south-western Uganda in east Africa. The dominant and famous residents of this kingdom are the sought-after rare Mountain Gorillas; only found in the continent of Africa. Neighboring Bwindi is Mgahinga gorilla national park; home to the golden monkeys and gorillas, the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth national park; home to the tree-climbing lions, the magnificent Lake Bunyonyi, and the Virunga volcanoes national park in Rwanda – co-host of the endangered mountain Gorillas.
Gorilla trekking is the main safari activity at the park, with visitors made to choose one of the four sectors to track from, though it is also very possible to track in more than one. Below are all the four sectors of Bwindi, and whatever you will need to know about each. Note that the Gorilla trekking experience differs depending on the region because the landscape and the vegetation dictate it.
Buhoma sector.
This is the most visited region and the first to receive visitors of all sectors of Bwindi. This sector is located in the northern area of the park, accessible from Rwanda, Kabale via kanungu route, and the Ishasha sector; asylum to the tree-climbing lions. The gorilla’s families in this sector are; Mubare; the first to be habituated and tracked, Habinyanja and Rushegura among others. There are about 24 Gorilla permits up for grabs each day, for persons aged 15 and above.
Accommodations in this sector range from budget to luxury facilities, with high-quality services. Those we can mention include among others; Buhoma lodges, Bwindi guest house, Bwindi volcano lodge, Bwindi view Banda’s, and the Bwindi community lodges.
Nkuringo sector.
Situated at the southern part of the park, the Nkuringo sector is one of the most exciting regions for the Gorilla trekking experience, though positioned in a high region which requires physical fitness and a determined tracker. The most famous Gorilla family in this region is the Nkuringo family, led by a dominant silverback called Rwamutwe. Accessing this sector is very possible through the Kabale-kisoro road, or from the Buhoma sector via the Kihihi route.
Variety of accommodation options in this sector range from luxury, budget to midrange, notably; Nkuringo Gorilla camp, Bwindi Backpackers and Gorilla Heights among others.
Rushaga sector.
This sector is situated in the southern part of the park, with the highest number of gorilla families of all the different sectors, in addition to two families preserved for a Gorilla habituation experience. Tracking one of its 5 gorilla families offers a very thrilling and unforgettable experience. Accommodations at this park include among others; Rushaga gorilla safari lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge and Ichumbi lodge among others.
Ruhija sector.
This is situated in the eastern sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park, with a trail that stretches to the Rwamunyonyi summit. The landscape is quite raised thus making hiking quite strenuous, though worth the effort. It is the coldest region in the park, yet with a green cover and a variety of flora and fauna. Fully habituated families here include; Oruzogo family, Bitukura, Mukiza and Kyaguriro. Accommodations range from Budget to Luxury, with excellent services.
Gorilla trekking in all these is 700usd for foreign non-residents, 600Usd for foreign residents, and 250,000 for east African community residents per day, according to the June 2020-2022 Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) tariff. Only those aged 15 and above qualify for the tracking adventure.
All the four sectors of Bwindi impenetrable national park offer the best experience, and unforgettable encounter with birds, the fascinating landscape, unique tree species and the rare endangered mountain gorillas.
