Rushaga Gorilla sector.

Rushaga Sector is one of the gorilla sectors in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Magnificent sector is located in the southern province of the park and can be accessed through Kisoro. The sector stands out from the rest of the sectors as one with arguably the highest number of mountain gorillas, one of the many reasons why visitors always flock to the sector.

Visits to the sector allow visitors a chance to see and interact with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. A trek is accompanied by professional tourist guides or a team of researchers. Once the gorillas are tracked down, visitors are allowed a full uninterrupted hour to interact with them, take pictures and learn from them.

Accessibility of Rushaga sector

The sector can be accessed by visitors throughout the whole region as from Kigali it is only about 3 hour’s drive up to the sector from where you can access the sector. The sector is approximately 504.4 kilometers from Kampala which accounts for about 10 hours and 5 minutes’ drive.

However, it is important to note that flights are conducted by Entebbe International Airport and its sister air strips especially Kajjansi to Kihiihi airstrip in southern Uganda from where a visitor can be picked by the tourist guide to embark on the journey to the sector which is approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes.

Gorilla families in Rushaga sector.

The sector has several gorilla families in it and they are as explained below;

Nshongi: The Nshongi gorilla family is one of the largest families with several members. The exciting gorilla family is one of the Pioneers in the sector and therefore the oldest. It was named after a river – Nshongi that flows through Bwindi and was named after it because that’s where it was first seen. This exciting gorilla family is renowned for being quiet, calm and easily accessible as well to visitors.

Mishaya: The Mishaya family is led by a ferocious dominant silverback called Tinfayo. This group gets its origin from the hereditary Nshongi family and was started in early 2010 after some of the members broke off. The family has since then established itself as an independent gorilla family and it’s one of the most entertaining and joyous to be around. This gorilla family is made up of two adult silverbacks, two adult females, two juveniles and five infants.

Busingye: The word Busingye means peace in the local Rukiga language. The family is led by a silverback called Busingye, this strong family originated from the Kahungye group. It’s renowned for its unique composition, calm demeanor and Busingye’s strong and sensational leadership at all times. This group is made up of one adult silverback, two adult females, two juveniles and three infants. The members of this group were first habituated in 2008 in the Kahungye family.

Mucunguzi: Mucunguzi family on the other hand is arguably new in the sector and smaller in size as compared to the rest. This makes it less well-known in the sector. But the ones who get to access it always talk about the entertainment it gives that is out of this world and worth the effort. Visitors take pictures of the gorillas in the family, observe adults as they groom their young ones and also get a glimpse into their social life. The family is made up of 8 mountain gorillas.

Bweza: The Bweza gorilla family is also smaller in the sector and has faced challenges in this thick jungle due to its small size and several internal dynamics. The exhilarating gorilla family is still in the process of growth, habituation and stabilization. This group consists of 1 silverback, 4 black backs, 3 adult females, two juveniles and two infants adding up to a total of 12 individuals. The 12 individuals combined provide extraordinary entertainment to visitors in the natural habitat.

Rwigi: The original Rwigi family is named after their dominant silverback leader Rwigi. It’s a smaller gorilla group that is gradually gaining attention and sensational recognition from visitors as it develops. This spectacular family is made up of 10 members and they also originate from the indigenous Kahungye gorilla family. Adult silverbacks broke away from the family and started their own which is also outstanding today.

Each of the above gorilla families gives unique experiences and that is why visitors often have their preferences of the families they like to visit. It is however important to note that only one gorilla family can be visited at a time.