Rushaga sector, which is situated in the southern end of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is the only gorilla trekking region/trailhead with many gorilla groups. Approximately 10 habituated gorilla groups live in the Rushaga sector, a region characterized by high terrain and offering breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the Congo area. Rushaga region is strategically located, whereby visitors from Mgahinga National Park or Kisoro can also connect to explore its habituated families of mountain gorillas.
The multiple gorilla groups make Rushaga the best region for most tourists to realize their gorilla trekking dream. This is considering the fact that each group of gorillas is visited by a maximum of only 8 tourists per day. Beyond standard gorilla treks, Rushaga also happens to be the only region where gorilla habituation experience is offered.
Gorilla groups to visit in the Rushaga sector in Bwindi
Explore all the habituated gorilla groups in the Rushaga trailhead. Get to know the composition of each gorilla family and more. Each of the gorilla families features a unique story and great facts worth sharing. Here is the list of gorilla groups to explore in the Rushaga region.
Rwigyi
The Rwigyi gorilla family broke away from the Kahungye gorilla family. The group is led by the Rwigyi silverback gorilla. Its separation follows the internal fights and Rwigyi departed with females and infants from the Kahungye group.
Mucunguzi gorilla family
The Mucunguzi gorilla family is led by Mucunguzi silverback gorilla and split from Bweza. The group derives its name from Mucunguzi silverback, where the word Mucunguzi translates as savior. Currently, Mucunguzi has a composition of 10 individuals which includes many females.
Kutu gorilla family
The Kutu gorilla family is among the newly established groups in the Rushaga region. This group is led by Ndugu Silverback gorilla and currently features 20 individuals. These include females, infants, and sub-adult females, and also juveniles.
Tindatine gorilla group
The Tindatine gorilla family is the newest group in the Rushaga, which officially opened for trekking in 2024. Visitors with an interest in experiencing authentic adventures can embark on the trek to explore the Tindatine group. This gorilla family was part of the larger Nshongi family group.
Mishaya gorilla family
The Mishaya gorilla family group is among the numerous habituated gorilla groups to visit in the Rushaga sector. The Mishaya group is named after the Mishaya silverback gorilla. Originally, this gorilla family belonged to Nshongi family but broke away to form the present Mishaya gorilla group. Mishaya Silverback used to fight and raid other groups. As a result, he departed with many members and has a composition of 12 gorillas.
Nshongi gorilla family
The Nshongi group was initially spotted around the Nshongi River. Nshongi roams freely in the Rushaga sector in Bwindi and happened to be the largest family with 32 members during the Nshongi silverback gorilla leadership. The group later reduced in its composition to currently 18 members following splits and other natural factors.
Bweza gorilla group
Bweza group, which was part of the Nshongi group, begun with 10 individuals. Bweza silverback gorilla departed Nshongi group to form his and has females other members. The Bweza gorilla family split from Nshongi in 2012 and it can be trekked today in the Rushaga sector.
Kahungye gorilla family
Kahungye opened to trekking in 2011. This gorilla family was formed by 29 individuals but later, the composition reduced to 17 members. The numbers reduced due to fights and splits. As a result of splits, other groups were formed, including Busingye and Tindatine gorilla group.
Busingye gorilla family
Busingye gorilla family derives its name from Rukiga word “Busingye” meaning peace. This is considering the peaceful behavior often displayed by Busingye. Busingye group is among the challenging families to track in the Rushaga region. This is because its members often go deeper into the heart of the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Currently, Busingye is comprised of 10 members.
Bikingi gorilla family
The Bikingi gorilla family freely roams in the Rushaga sector, and its habituation cycle ended in 2016. This was part of the Mishaya gorilla family and left after a successful defeat of Mishaya. As a result, females and other Mishaya group members joined Bikingi.
The best time to visit the Rushaga sector
Rushaga can be visited for gorilla trekking at any time of the year. But the dry months are the most preferred, thanks to their favorable weather conditions that allow smooth exploration of gorillas in the jungle. The dry months in Bwindi often start from June, July, August, to September, then from December, January, to February.
During the dry months, less rain is received and the ground can be drier while vegetation is shorter and clear. This is different from the wet season, which extends from March to May then from October to November. These are the months when heavy rains are recorded and the ground tends to be muddy/slippery.
Where to stay in Rushaga
Available places to consider for overnight in and around Rushaga include Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and more.
How to reach Rushaga sector
Rushaga is accessible by road whereby you can travel from Kampala or Entebbe for 8-9 hours via the Masaka-Mbarara route. Driving from Kampala through Mbarara to Rushaga allows you to have a stopover at the Equator plus other sites. Still, by road, you can depart from Kigali to Rushaga driving via Katuna or Chanika border. Kigali to Rushaga can take between 4 and 5 hours when driving.
By flight, you can spend about 1-2 hours to connect from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip. Air transportation is the fastest option to access the Rushaga region. Upon arrival at Kisoro Airstrip, expect to drive a short distance up to the Rushaga sector.
Conclusively, the Rushaga sector holds the largest concentration of habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The highest concentrations of these gorilla families make Rushaga an ideal sector to explore, especially on large group gorilla tour. Trust Maranatha Tours and Travel for all gorilla trekking tours in Uganda.