The sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park each offer a different gorilla trekking experience, from Buhoma’s easy accessibility to Nkuringo’s more demanding terrain. Bwindi sits in Uganda’s extreme southwestern corner, on the edge of the western Rift Valley, and is one of the world’s most important habitats for endangered mountain gorillas.
History of Bwindi
Bwindi was first established as a Crown Forest Reserve in 1932, covering about 298 square kilometers. It became a wildlife sanctuary in 1964, aimed specifically at protecting the then critically endangered mountain gorilla population. In 1991, the area was expanded by incorporating the Mgahinga Gorilla Reserve and the Impenetrable Central Reserve, forming the larger Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, in recognition of its exceptional biodiversity.
Buhoma Sector
Buhoma, in the north of the park, was the first sector opened to gorilla trekking and remains the most visited, thanks to good road access from Rukungiri and Kanungu, plus a nearby airstrip at Kihihi. Its proximity to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to Uganda’s tree-climbing lions, makes it a convenient base for combining two experiences in one trip.
Buhoma is home to four gorilla families:
- Mubare Family: Bwindi’s first habituated family, opened to trekkers in 1993 with an original 18 members. Deaths and migrations have since made it the smallest family in the park, currently led by blackback Kanyonyi.
- Habinyanja Family: Habituated for trekking in 1997, with 20 members and 2 silverbacks.
- Rushegura Family: Split from Habinyanja in 2000, with 20 members and 1 silverback, Kabukojo. Often found near park headquarters and nearby lodges.
- Katwe Family: The newest Buhoma family, habituated in 2018, with 7 members led by silverback Katwe.
Other activities in Buhoma include birding, Batwa cultural encounters, cycling, and nature walks. Accommodation options include Buhoma Lodge for luxury, Buhoma Community Haven for mid-range, and Bwindi Guest House for budget travelers.
Rushaga Sector
Rushaga sits in the southeastern part of Bwindi, between Rubanda and Kisoro districts, and holds the highest number of habituated gorilla families of any sector in the park.
- Nshongi Family: Named after a nearby river, with 25 members and 2 silverbacks, the largest habituated family in Bwindi.
- Mishaya Family: Split from Nshongi in 2010 following a dispute between silverbacks, with 12 members, now led by Mwine following founding silverback Mishaya’s death.
- Kahungye Family: Currently 13 members, led by dominant silverback Rumansi alongside two other silverbacks.
- Busingye Family: Split from Kahungye, with 9 members: 1 silverback, 5 blackbacks, and 3 infants.
- Bweza Family: Split from Nshongi due to internal rivalry, with around 12 members.
Accommodation in Rushaga includes Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge for luxury, Gorilla Valley Lodge for mid-range, and Nshongi Camp for budget and camping options.
Ruhija Sector
Ruhija sits in the eastern part of Bwindi, along the Kabale-Kisoro highway, about 45km from Kabale and 50km from Lake Bunyonyi, making it one of the more accessible sectors.
- Bitukura Family: Known for its calm dynamics, with 15 members and 3 silverbacks.
- Oruzogo Family: Open year-round, with 17 members led by dominant silverback Bakwate alongside younger silverback Busungu.
- Kyaguriro Family: First habituated in 1995 primarily for research. The group later split into Kyaguriro A, with 10 members open for trekking, and Kyaguriro B, with 10 members reserved exclusively for ongoing research.
Activities in Ruhija include birding, gorilla trekking, and nature walks. Lodging options include Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge for luxury, Bakiga Lodge for mid-range, and Broadbill Forest Camp for budget travelers.
Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo sits in the southwestern corner of Bwindi, in Kisoro district, and is home to two gorilla families.
- Nkuringo Family: With 19 members and multiple silverbacks, including dominant silverback Safari. Known for a physically demanding trek given its deep forest location, but a rewarding encounter once found.
- Christmas Family: Formed in 2018 after splitting from the Nkuringo family under silverback Christmas, with 9 members: 1 silverback, 1 blackback, 3 females, and 1 infant.
Accommodation in Nkuringo includes Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge for luxury, Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel for mid-range, and Virunga Campsite for budget stays.
With four distinct sectors of Bwindi, each offering its own gorilla families and terrain, there’s a trekking experience here for nearly every fitness level and interest. Book your Bwindi gorilla trekking tour with our team today, and we’ll help you choose the sector and family that fits your trip.
