Rushaga Sector Uganda | Gorilla Trekking Permits, Families & Lodges 2025
Rushaga Sector is a popular gorilla trekking region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda with different mountain gorilla groups, Batwa communities and outstanding lodges.
Rushaga sector is famously known for holding the largest number of endangered mountain gorillas compared to other sectors. It is Comprised of 5 gorilla families namely Nshongi, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye and Bweza gorilla families , that are subdivided, found on different hills of the region, each documented to have at least 40 gorillas.
The rolling hills of Rushaga sector also offer uninterrupted magnificent views of distant Virunga mountains of Rwanda, the Forest Canopy, Mgahinga, Bisoke and Lake Mutanda ad so much much
The love for watching these endangered mountain gorilla species will always lead you into the thick trails of Bwindi to encounter with these amazing primate species.
Where is Rushaga Sector Located?
Rushaga Sector lies in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, spanning the districts of Kisoro and Kanungu in southwestern Uganda.
Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, it’s a remote, scenic area characterized by rolling hills, volcanic landscapes, and the expansive Virunga Mountains in the distance.
One of Rushaga’s biggest advantages is its accessibility from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali—just a 4-5 hour drive via the Cyanika border crossing.
This makes it ideal for travelers combining Rwanda gorilla safaris with Uganda’s offerings. From Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport or Kampala, expect an 8-10 hour road journey through Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale.
For a quicker option, domestic flights from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip (operated by Aerolink Uganda) take about 1.5 hours, followed by a 1-hour transfer to the sector. Rushaga’s location also positions it near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, perfect for golden monkey trekking.
Brief History and Facts of Rushaga Sector:
Rushaga as a name was derived from the hard wood trees that had dominated the rolling hills of Bwindi Forest which made lumbering to be one of the major economic activities of the people who lived around the forests by that time in the early 1970’s.
The fine timber cut was exported to the neighbouring countries of Uganda, that’s Kenya and Rwanda and others to Ugandan cities, Kabale and Kampala. During that process of extracting timber from the forest, a passable road was created from the main road deep into the forest to Rushaga from where it proceeded to the Mpororo gold mines.
Currently, apart from giving you access to Rushaga, the road is a good destination for nature walks as it fully immerses you into the wild, with splendid views of nature offering very relaxing and refreshing moments.
All the economic activities majorly mining, hunting and lumbering, that were very profitable to the local, taking place in the region where put on hold, declaring them illegal in 1990 by the government when the forest received a gazetment status. conservation rules and regulations were put in place paving way for conservation of the gentle giants.
This saddened the locals, the Batwa people locally known as the forest people, the first inhabitants of Bwindi Forest who are believed to have lived there for more than 1,ooo years were seen being evicted from their homes, in the forests to its outside to join the Bakiga locals who were living just adjacent to Bwindi forests.
Restrictions on the access to the forest led to an outbreak of famine in the Rushaga local families and to survive without depending on the forest, they resorted to subsistence farming, growing crops like maize, beans, Irish and sweet potatoes, millet and sorghum majorly for their own consumption and sell the balance to get basic necessities like kerosene, soap, salt, medication and school necessities for their children.
However, the indigenous people to the forest, the Batwa people, who had never imagined life without Bwindi Forest, found it very hard to come up with life outside it. The opening of the forest to mountain gorilla tourism in 2,000, particularly in Rushaga sector brought them joy and restored hope in their hearts for those who understood the value that was coming with it.
Different mountain gorilla groups started being habituated in the sector by Uganda Wildlife Authority starting with Nkuringo gorilla family, followed by Nshongi group. The sector was officially opened for tourism in 2009.
Since that year, ways of living started improving among the locals. Investors were attracted to construct hotels and lodges which as results led to employment opportunities to the locals, park rangers and guides living in the area attracted investment in rentals, more retail shops, hand craft shops.
Local markets were also opened up targeting majorly a cent from tourists to this destination. They got serviced with Hydro Electric Power and their standard of living indeed changed.
Today the locals, for a decade now, are celebrated each year for the conservation efforts they have put in, it is amazing to know that people who were once poachers in the forest that are now among the support staff team, working hand in hand with the management to conserve wildlife in Bwindi forest.
Currently apart from being a home to the famous mountain gorillas holding 5 habituated gorilla families, with each family estimated to have more than 40 gorillas making the sector to have more gorillas compared to other sectors of Bwindi impenetrable national park.
It is becoming the top destination of encountering the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rushaga sector is also a habitat to a diverse of animal, birds and plant species. Rushaga sector is a perfect destination for mountain climbing, nature walks, cultural encounters.
Still Rushaga sector is the only sector of Bwindi offering Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience introduced as a new tour package by Uganda Wildlife Authority to allow tourists to spend at least 4hrs with a specific assigned gorilla family instead of the the standard 1hour assigned to a typical gorilla trek experience.
This is done to help mountain gorillas get wildlife familiarity in the presence of humans.
Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector;
Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga
Rushaga gorilla trekking is an exhilarating adventure through dense, mist-shrouded rainforests teeming with biodiversity. The sector hosts eight habituated gorilla families available for standard trekking: Mishaya, Nshongi, Bweza, Kahungye, Busingye, Mucunguzi, Bikingi, and Rwigi.
Each family consists of 10-30 members, led by a dominant silverback, and visitors are limited to groups of eight per family to minimize disturbance.
Compared to other sectors, Rushaga shines with its sheer volume of families, offering higher sighting success rates (nearly 100%) and flexibility in group assignments. Buhoma, in the north, has easier trails but fewer families (four), while Ruhija’s eastern location means longer, hillier hikes.
Nkuringo, Rushaga’s southern neighbor, offers steeper ascents but stunning ridge views. For Bwindi Rushaga sector trekkers, the reward is intimate encounters: watching silverbacks forage, mothers cradle infants, or playful juveniles tumble through the undergrowth.
Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rushaga Sector
Gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector starts with a mandatory per-tracking briefing at the park headquarters. Rangers share information about the safety measures, gorilla behavior, gorilla trekking guidelines and park rules plus brief history of the conservation process of the mountain gorillas.
Trackers are then divided into groups of 8 people with each assigned to a specific gorilla family which are then accompanied by armed rangers for safety, porters to assist on caring trekking gear and experienced guides, then you embark on the adventurous journey, taking trails, immersing yourselves deep into the dense forests, hiking for a couple of minutes or hours depending on the gorilla location.
Once your gorilla family is located, you have only one hour observed them and as much pics as you wish. The same process applies to trackers on a Gorilla Habituation Experience only that for it takes 4 hrs and more with the gorillas.
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga
For an unparalleled immersion, Rushaga is the world’s only sector offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHE). Unlike standard trekking’s one-hour visit, GHE allows four hours with semi-habituated families like Bikingi and Bushaho, observing unscripted behaviors—from foraging and grooming to inter-family interactions—alongside researchers and rangers.
The experience begins similarly: an early briefing and hike. Once located, you settle in quietly, witnessing the gorillas’ daily rhythm without the rush of a timed exit.
It’s more physically demanding and emotionally intense, ideal for conservation enthusiasts. As of 2025, the GHE permit costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $1,000 for foreign residents, and UGX 750,000 for East Africans—unchanged from prior years but a premium over standard permits. Only eight spots per family daily, so book early through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rushaga
Securing Rushaga permits is straightforward, making it a top choice for last-minute planners. In 2025, a standard gorilla trekking permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for other Africans, and UGX 300,000 for East Africans—available year-round without seasonal discounts. With 40 daily slots (eight per family), availability outpaces Buhoma’s 32, reducing sell-out risks.
Book via UWA’s website, offices in Kampala/Kisoro, or licensed tour operators like Achieve Global Safaris. Provide passport details, dates, and preferred family (based on fitness—e.g., Nshongi for longer hikes).
Permits are non-transferable and valid only for the assigned date; rescheduling requires two weeks’ notice. Pro tip: Bundle with a tour for seamless logistics, including porters ($15-20) and tips ($10-20 per ranger).
Gorilla Families Found in Rushaga Region;
Nshongi Gorilla Family.
It is the largest of them all before the first split to get Mishaya gorilla family group. It used to comprise of 36 gorillas but after the split, it now consists of 26 gorillas with one dominant silver back, two overpowered silverback, 6 adult females, 2 adult male black backs 6 juveniles and four infants, (The population can change at any time).
The group currently split again to get Bweza gorilla family comprising of 10gorillas reducing the Nshongi group to 18members. Nshongi is the name of the gorilla which is leading the group peacefully with no fights over power from other silver-backs older than him.
Mishaya Gorilla Family.
Led by a silverback called Mishaya, a famously known fighter who split-ted away from Nshongi gorilla group because of some misunderstandings, going away with 7 females.
He gathered a lot more and he held up to 12 female mountain gorilla inclusive of 3 infants but currently the group consists of 7 gorillas caused due to continuous battles from the head that led to splits.
Kahungye Gorilla Family.
It is led by Rumansi, the dominant silverback. The group consisted of 13 female gorillas and 3 silverback and 2male black back gorillas. This group split and by that time it had grown big consisting of 27 members leading to formation of a new gorilla family called Busingye.
Busingye Gorilla Family.
Busingye silverback gorilla broke away from Kahungye and formed his own group which consisted of 9 mountain gorillas, 3 infants, 2 adult blackbacks and 4 females that he got through fighting other gorilla families he encountered, taking away their members to add to his group.
Bweza Gorilla Family.
An exciting, adaptable gorilla family consisting of 7 mountain gorillas inclusive 2 infants leaving under one silverback. Watching this gorilla family going about its daily life in the dense forests in peace leaves you with unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodations at Rushaga Sector;
Accommodations at Rushaga sector range from budget to mid-range to luxury suiting all traveler’s budget needs featured with well-maintained rooms, a bar, and a restaurant offering local and international dishes, with splendid views of nature offering a unique experience and comfortable stay while on your adventurous activities in Rushaga sector.
The top 10 Safari Lodges in Rushaga Sector include;
- Four Gorillas Lodge.
- Rushaga Gorilla Lodge.
- Bweza Gorilla Lodge.
- Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge.
- Gorilla Valley Lodge.
- Rushaga Gorrilla Camp.
- Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge.
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
- Wagtail Eco Safari Lodge.
- Nshongi Camp.
Budget (Under $100/night): Rushaga Gorilla Camp offers tented cottages overlooking the canopy ($80-90 pp), while Nshongi Camp provides basic bandas amid bird-filled gardens ($70-80 pp).
Midrange ($150-250/night): Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge features spacious chalets with private balconies ($180-220 pp), and Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge sits lakeside with canoe access ($200-250 pp).
Luxury (Over $300/night): Four Gorillas Lodge delivers opulent cottages on the park edge ($400-500 pp), and nearby Chameleon Hill Lodge boasts infinity pools and Virunga vistas ($350-450 pp).
Most are 10-20 minutes from the trailhead; book directly or via operators for 2025 packages.
Best Time to Visit Rushaga Sector
Timing your Rushaga visit maximizes comfort and sightings. The dry seasons—June to September and December to February—offer the best conditions: clearer trails, less mud, and gorillas foraging in open areas. Temperatures hover at 20-25°C, with minimal rain, though mornings can be chilly.
Wet seasons (March-May, October-November) bring lush greenery and fewer crowds (20-30% less), but expect slippery paths and possible delays.
Permits are cheaper indirectly via off-peak tours, and the misty forests feel magical. Year-round trekking is possible, but avoid if mobility is a concern. Birding peaks in dry months, with over 350 species like the African grey parrot.
How to Get to Rushaga Sector
Reaching Rushaga is an adventure in itself. By Road from Entebbe/Kampala: An 8-10 hour scenic drive via the Mbarara-Kabale route; hire a 4×4 ($150-200/day) or join a group tour. From Kigali: 4-5 hours through Cyanika border ($100-150 transfer).
By Air: Fly Aerolink from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip (1.5 hours, $250 one-way), then a 45-minute transfer ($50-80). Charters via Fly Uganda suit groups.
Roads are paved but winding; fly for efficiency. Visas (East Africa Tourist, $50) and yellow fever certificates required.
Other Activities Around Rushaga
Beyond gorillas, Rushaga enriches Uganda gorilla safaris. Join Batwa cultural experiences: Learn pygmy hunting skills, storytelling, and dances from the forest’s original inhabitants ($30-50 pp).
Canoe on Lake Mutanda for hippo sightings and birding ($20-40). Nearby Mgahinga offers golden monkey trekking ($40 permit). Nature walks reveal chimpanzees, elephants, and 120+ butterflies; birders spot 350+ species.