Things to do in Rushaga after gorilla trekking

Rushaga sector is located in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Rushaga is a home for 5 Gorilla Families which by far is the most of any sector and its gorilla families being easy to trek due to the nature of terrine in the region. Rushaga can be easily accessed through Kisoro and becomes a straight forward tracking point for those travelling from Kigali. The habituated families in this region include Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya and Kahungye which are all available for tracking and open to tourists. Also, this is the only region in Bwindi that offers Gorilla Habituation experience with two families Bushaho and Bikyingi currently going through the process. The sector, also like Buhoma and ruhija sectors, offers a chance of the Batwa community visit experience for those interested in cultural encounter. Gorilla trekking is one of the main activities in this sector done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, however there are other various activities you can do in Rushaga sector after your gorilla trekking day tour and these include;

Gorilla habituation experience

Among the things to do in Rushaga after your gorilla trekking Is the newly established gorilla habituation experience activity that gives one up to four hours with mountain gorillas under habituation. This gorilla activity is only possible in Rushaga and Nkuringo regions of Bwindi impenetrable National Park. At the moment only four people are allowed to visit a given gorilla family under habituation experience. Encounter Africa safaris organizes amazing gorilla habituation experience safaris to see mountain gorillas in Rushaga and Nkuringo throughout the whole year. A gorilla habituation experience permit costs $1500 and includes spending four hours with mountain gorillas, services of an English-speaking ranger guide, park fees and a certificate after your trek.

Batwa Cultural Experience

On your Batwa cultural experience tour you will be guided by one of the Batwa guides giving you an opportunity to learn about traditional forest life of the Batwa in Bwindi Forest which is historically the home of the Batwa, you will also enjoy the traditional dances of the Batwa and their practices including making traditional fire among others.

Nature walk in Rushag side of Bwindi

The Nature walk is done in Bwindi forest. It is a very exciting activity to do apart from gorilla trekking which gives you an opportunity to learn more about tree species as well as other wildlife species in the forest. All nature or forest walks are guided by well trained UWA ranger guides well conversant with what nature has to offer. You can take up a forest walk to some of the rivers and waterfalls in the forest, do birding, tree and plant identification among others. This can be done after gorilla trekking in Rushaga region of Bwindi impenetrable National Park. For more details on how to include a nature or forest walk in your itinerary, please do contact us.

Birding

Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park is one the best birding spots in Uganda home to an impressive 350 species and the main birding area in Nkuringo is the pocket forest known as Nombe which is located 5km and Buniga forest 300meters from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. We recommend you carry your birding book in case you have limited safari time and you will identify some birds that visit the gardens at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.

Where to stay in Rushaga Sector during gorilla trekking tour

Lodges in Rushaga sector include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge and Gorilla Valley Lodge among others.

What is the best time to visit Rushaga sector for Gorilla trekking

Rushaga just like all sectors of Bwindi impenetrable national Park can be visited all year round since Uganda has favorable climatic conditions. The best time to visit Rushaga for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of mountain gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high. For those doing gorilla trekking, we do recommend what to pack so that even if weather conditions are not all that good, one is able to participate in all activities in the forest.

How to get to Rushaga for Gorilla trekking

By Road; Depending on where you are coming from, Rushaga region of Bwindi impenetrable National Park can be accessed by road. If coming from Entebbe/kampala, Rushaga can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which is approximately 8-9 hours’ drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Rushaga. The drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Rushaga will have you stop at Mpambire royal drum makers, the equator for photography and you will likely meet the famous Ankole long horned cattle grazing in the savannah grasslands on Kiruhura. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours drive. This is the shortest route for those going to Rushaga. You may opt to use Katuna or chanika boarder from Rwanda to Uganda onwards to Rushaga in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park.

By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to access Rushaga. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to your Lodge.

Why book your Gorilla trek in Rushaga with Encounter Africa Safaris

Encounter Africa Safaris will help you book your gorilla trek in Nkuringo contact us and we advice you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla safari packages to Nkuringo sector of Bwindi ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to checkout our trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda with us.