A hub for Uganda Gorilla Safaris is Bwindi national park. There are four Uganda gorilla sectors where Mountain Gorilla Trekking happens. Gorilla trekking is an activity everyone coming into Uganda is recommended to engage in. This is because one may never have any other similar opportunity to view mountain gorillas given their rarity. Mountain gorillas are rare primates and Uganda is among the only three countries that host these endangered primates globally. Uganda’s Mgahinga gorilla national park is a member of the Virunga conservation area and together with Bwindi national park boasts over half the global registered number of endangered mountain gorillas.

As their name suggests, mountain gorillas live in rugged mountainous regions that are covered by dense forest cover. In Uganda, this sort of area is situated in South Western region. This area of the country is comprised of the extension of Virunga volcanoes, including the Mount. Muhabura, Mount. Sabyinyo and Gahinga Mountain. These three mountains have their slopes covered with thick and dense rainforest lands given their location in the tropics.

The Virunga region is a sophisticated ecosystem with hundreds of flora species, both wood and low-lying plants, and fauna. The mountain gorillas therefore don’t fall short of having the required environment to thrive.

The highest population of mountain gorillas of Uganda is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This Park is known for its dense rainforest in which the mountain gorillas coexist with other amazing fauna. The alternative area where to find mountain gorillas is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It’s an alternative mountain gorilla hub but has fewer numbers of mountain gorillas compared to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

There are mainly two tourist activities around the mountain gorillas, and these include; mountain gorilla trekking and mountain gorilla habituation. The two activities differ greatly by the closeness the visitor spends with mountain gorillas, and the duration spent while interacting with the mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas live in families in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga national park. Mountain gorilla families are later classified within distinct sectors. These are mainly 4 sectors (Rushaga sector, Nkuringo sector, Ruhija sector, and Buhoma sector). Each sector has its uniqueness, history and beauty as explained below.

Buhoma sector.

This is the pioneer and most famous gorilla sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Because of this, it boasts attracting highest number of tourists within the park. The sector can be accessed from Kanungu district or Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth national park. It can also be accessed via Kihiihi airstrip, and this positions it as the most strategically placed sector in Bwindi Forest.

It’s the first sector where mountain gorilla tourism began in this park and Uganda at large. This followed the successful habituation of Mubare Gorilla Family in 1992. Being close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the routes to Buhoma through Queen Elizabeth National Park crosses the Ishasha sector well-known for its tree climbing lions. This therefore gives an opportunity to visitors moving to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to view the elusive tree climbing lions.

Notable gorilla families in Buhoma sector include Mubare, Rushegura, Muyambi, Katwe and Habinyanja.

As earlier noted, Buhoma sector is one of the oldest sectors in Bwindi Forest, and is home to some of the high-end / luxurious lodges for tourists that intend to sleep and refresh after a long trek. The sector’s lodge superb services are one of the main reasons why visitors choose Buhoma as their preferred gorilla trekking region. Its hiking trails also have access to cultural expeditions by the Batwa and Bakiga people.

Buhoma is also an excellent spot for bird watching, through the beautiful trails like Waterfall trail, Muzabairoloop trail, Rushura trail and the River Ivy trail.

Rushaga sector.

Rushaga is situated in the Southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Kisoro district. It has a composition of 8 mountain gorilla families, making it the best area for mountain gorilla trekkers. It’s equally the only sector where mountain gorilla habituation takes place. Rushaga is home to famous gorilla families such as Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye, Bikingi, Rwigi and Mucunguzi. Kutu gorilla family is still undergoing habituation.

Rushaga sector also offers rewarding cultural encounters to the Batwa community. The Rushaga sector provides safe haven for numerous bird species to survive, which creates a good environment for birdwatching tours.

Nature walks can also be taken in this sector. Rushaga sector has incredible accommodation facilities such as Rushaga Gorilla Havens lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, among others. These lodges differ in prices, and range from budget, midrange to luxurious.

Rushaga sector has a good road access network whether from Kisoro or Kabale. Along the way, you see incredible views of Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi. These lakes are well-known for their calm waters which favor boat cruises to explore over 20 historical islands.

Ruhija sector.

Ruhija sector is found in South Eastern part of Bwindi national Park. Ruhija sector is mainly known for its 4 gorilla families i.e., Oruzogo Gorilla Family, Kyaguriro Gorilla Family, Mukiza family and Bitukura Gorilla Family.

Just like Nkuringo sector, Ruhija sector is situated in a higher altitude area of 2,350 meters above sea level. This sector is the coldest in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It therefore provides an opportunity for hiking.

As a major characteristic, its hiking trail leads to Rwamunyonyi peak. It’s therefore recommended for trekkers not to miss engaging in hiking this sector. Apart from mountain gorillas, Ruhija sector has admirable presence of monkey species such as colobus and vervet monkeys. There are also a few forest elephants that can be seen feeding on the green vegetation in the sector.

Nkuringo sector.

Nkuringo sector attains its name from the historical Nkuringo Gorilla Family. However, the sector now is home to 4 habituated families including Bushaho Gorilla Family, Christmas gorilla family, Posho and Nkuringo families.

Nkuringo sector is popular due to its terrain that is fairly rugged. The altitude is higher compared to other sectors in Bwindi Forest and therefore invites hiking expeditions.

Consequentially, hikers are recommended to be fairly physically fit before taking on Nkuringo sector. Because of its altitude, hiking Nkuringo sector is greatly recommended for young athletic trekkers –ones capable of handling long distance treks.

Batwa Cultural encounters are also available for visitors in this sector. Nkuringo sector, just like Rushaga sector, has numerous accommodation facilities available for its visitors, but popularly the Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Bwindi Backpackers Lodge.