Each of the gorilla sectors in Uganda has already habituated gorilla groups with a unique story worth sharing with the rest of the world. There are five (5) gorilla sectors in Uganda and include 4 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The four gorilla sectors in Bwindi include Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. In each of these sectors or region, there habituated families of mountain gorillas to be spotted.
Buhoma sector is a gorilla trekking region found in the Northern side of Bwindi National Park. It is in this sector where the first gorilla family to open for gorilla trekking was habituated from and can be trekked on gorilla safari in Uganda. The sector lies nearby Kihihi airstrip thus making it most accessible by visitors who embark on fly-in gorilla safaris. From Kabale, you can also spend about 2 hours to drive up to Buhoma and if you are starting from Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park, expect to spend at least 4 hours.
Visiting Buhoma sector for gorilla tourism allows you explore habituated gorilla groups such as Mubare, Habinyanja, Muyambi, Katwe and Rushegura. Mubare is the oldest group in Buhoma and Bwindi at large. By 1993, Mubare was ready for gorilla trekking after undergoing full habituation process from 1991.
Ideal places to consider for a night stay at Buhoma sector include Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Engagi Lodge, and others.
Rushaga Gorilla Sector
Rushaga isn’t only known for normal gorilla treks but also for thrilling mountain gorilla habituation experience. Rushaga lies in the Southern side of Bwindi and is where the highest population of gorilla families exist. Some of the gorilla families to find in Rushaga include Kutu, Bweza, Mishaya, Mucunguzi, Kahungye, Busingye, Rwigi, Nshongi, Bikingi and more.
Rushaga is strategically located in an area where you easily connect to other magnificent tourist sites including Lake Mutanda where you can enjoy a boat or canoe ride. It is also possible to connect from Kigali to Rushaga via Cyanika border.
Places to consider for a night stay in or around Rushaga sector include Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge and others.
Nkuringo Gorilla Sector
Like Rushaga, Nkuringo is found in the Southern part of Bwindi National Park. It is one sector in Bwindi National Park that is ideal for visitors who prefer a bit of challenging gorilla treks. This sector is comprised of gorilla families such as Nkuringo, Posho, Christmas and Bushaho.
The available lodges and campsites in and around Nkuringo sector in Bwindi include Gorilla Heights Lodge, Albertine Gorilla Campsite, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Guesthouse, and others.
Ruhija Gorilla Sector
Ruhija sector is a remarkable gorilla sector in Uganda and is found in the Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It holds habituated gorilla families such as Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguriro gorilla group, and Mukiza group.
Accommodation in and around Ruhija sector include Ruhija community rest camp, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Guesthouse, Gorilla Mist Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge and more.
Ntebeko
Ntebeko gorilla sector is found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is in Ntebeko where your trek begin the treks in search for mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park. Other than gorilla treks, visitors also begin their day from Ntebeko, especially those interested in golden monkey trekking, golden monkey habituation experience, birding and others.
The ideal places to consider for a night stay on gorilla tour in Mgahinga include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Ntebeko Homestay, Mount Gorilla Rest Camp, Golden Monkey Guesthouse and others.
Possible activities to be done in the gorilla sectors in Uganda
Some of the exciting safari experiences to enjoy in some of the gorilla sectors include gorilla trekking (which applies to all the sectors), birding, nature walks, and in the nearby, visit the community of the Batwa pygmies or Bakiga people for a thrilling cultural experience.
Besides mountain gorillas what else to see in gorilla sectors in Uganda?
Other primates –In the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, there are several other primates to see including blue monkeys, chimpanzees, galagos, pottos, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons and others. At Mgahinga National Park, do not end your gorilla trekking expedition without a glimpse at the golden monkeys. Mgahinga is the only location in Uganda where golden monkeys are open for trekking and also gorilla habituation safaris.
Birds –Bwindi alone protects up to 350 bird species and in Mgahinga, over 184 bird species survive in its diverse habitats. Bwindi & Mgahinga inhabit a significant population of Albertine rift endemic bird species including Kivu ground thrush, Shelley’s crimson wings, African green broadbills, Rwenzori turacos, lagden’s bush shrikes, golden-winged sunbird, and many others.
