Lying in Uganda’s furthest southwestern corner on the periphery of the great western Rift Valley, Bwindi is the famed habitat of some of the most endangered apes on planet Earth: the mighty Mountain Gorillas. Loved and visited by a majority of visitors in Uganda and other countries that host these magnificent species, this is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi’s history dates back to 1932 when it was first established as a Crown Forest reserve covering a total land area of approximately 298 sq. km. It was later designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1964, primarily to protect the then critically endangered mountain gorillas. In 1991, the park was expanded to include neighboring wildlife reserves such as the Rwenzori Mountain Reserve, Mgahinga Gorilla Reserve, and the Impenetrable Central Reserve, forming the larger Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
In 1994, the newly created Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its richly biodiverse ecosystem that supports a profusion of unique flora and fauna.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a vast conservation area with diverse terrains, divided into four distinct regions: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga in the south, and Nkuringo in the far southern part of the park. Each of these sectors holds great treasures, as detailed below.
Buhoma Region
Buhoma gorilla region is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is the most famous sector. This is where the first habituated gorilla family, Mubare, was established in 1993.
It is also the most accessible region, well-connected to Rukungiri and Kanungu towns, and served by the nearby Kihihi airstrip, making it the most visited throughout the year. Buhoma is home to a plethora of luxurious lodges and its proximity to Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which hosts the elusive tree-climbing lions, makes Buhoma sector a traveler’s paradise.
Buhoma sector is home to four impressive gorilla families, including:
- Mubare Gorilla Family: The first habituated family in Uganda, established in 1991, currently comprising 5 members.
- Habinyanja (H) Group: Established for trekking in 1997, this family has 18 members, including two Silverbacks.
- Rushegura Gorilla Family: One of the largest in the park with 21 members, often found near the park’s headquarters, lodges, and campsites.
- Katwe Group: Recently habituated in the Nkuringo sector. Habituation was completed in the summer of 2018, and the group has been open for trekking year-round.
Other activities in Buhoma sector include birding, Batwa cultural encounters, cycling, and nature walks/hikes. Accommodation facilities in this sector include Buhoma Lodge for Luxury, Buhoma Community Haven for midrange, and Bwindi Guest House for budget options.
Rushaga Sector
Rushaga, located in the remote Rubanda district, is the southernmost sector of Bwindi. It hosts the highest population of habituated gorilla families compared to any other region in the park. Some of these families include:
- Nshongi Gorilla Group: Named after a nearby river, currently consisting of 25 members and continuing to expand.
- Mishaya Gorilla Group: Split from Nshongi in 2010 due to disputes with the silverback Mishaya, forming its own group.
- Kahungye Gorilla Group: With 13 members, led by the dominant silverback Rumansi and two other male mountain gorillas.
- Busingye Gorilla Group: Split from Kahungye, comprising 9 individuals, including one dominant silverback, five black backs, and three infants.
- Bweza Gorilla Group: Approximately 12 members, also split from Nshongi due to rivalry.
While in Rushaga, visitors can stay at Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge for luxury, Gorilla Valley Lodge for midrange, and Nshongi Camp for budget accommodation and camping options.
Ruhija Sector
Located in the eastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija gorilla region is home to four gorilla families and is one of the more easily accessible sectors of Bwindi. It is situated along the Kabale-Kisoro Highway, only 45 km from Kabale and about 50 km from Lake Bunyonyi.
Some of the gorilla groups in Ruhija sector include:
- Bitukura Group: Known for its calm demeanor, with approximately 12 members, including 4 silverbacks.
- Oruzogo Family Group: Open year-round for trekkers in Ruhija, comprising about 16 members with one silverback, and one of the most recently opened groups for trekking.
- Kyaguriro Gorilla Group: A research-focused group of 20 members, habituated and launched in 2011.
Activities in this sector include birding, gorilla trekking, and nature walks. Lodging options in Ruhija include Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge for luxury, Bakiga Lodge for midrange, and Broadbill Forest Camp for budget accommodations.
Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo is located in the extreme southern corner of Bwindi, in Kisoro district. It is home to two gorilla groups: Nkuringo and Christmas families.
- Nkuringo Group: Comprising 19 members, this group is known for its thrilling encounters, although trekking to find them can be strenuous due to their deep forest location. Meeting the members of this group face to face is a rewarding experience.
- Christmas Family: Formed in 2018 after splitting from the Nkuringo family due to disputes under the leadership of silverback Christmas. This group consists of 9 members, including 1 silverback, 1 black back, 3 female gorillas, and a baby.
When the sun sets on your adventure, a variety of accommodations await in Nkuringo, including Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge for luxury, Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel, and Virunga Campsite for budget options.
With these diverse gorilla sectors, rest assured that all your journey interests are catered to as you witness the beautiful landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
