Are you seeking an extraordinary adventure this Christmas? Look no further than a flying gorilla safari to Rushaga and Bwindi! This incredible journey promises an unforgettable holiday amidst the wild beauty of Uganda’s Rushaga region. For travelers who prefer to avoid long drives and wish to reach their lodgings early to relax and unwind, a flying gorilla safari is the ideal option.
Rushaga, situated within the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is one of the prime locations for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Notably, Uganda is the leading destination for gorilla safaris, boasting half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. Here, in the lush and hilly tropical forests of southwestern Uganda, you will have the incredible opportunity to observe these magnificent endangered apes in their natural habitat. The chances of encountering gorillas in Rushaga and Bwindi are exceptionally high, standing at an impressive 98%, given the large population of gorillas inhabiting this region.
Rushaga gorilla region within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the core sectors for gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Bwindi. Located in southwestern Uganda near the border with Congo, Rushaga is one of the four sectors within the national park where visitors can embark on a trek to witness the majestic Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for housing more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it an iconic and unparalleled destination for gorilla trekking enthusiasts. This ancient forest, declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, offers a rare and unparalleled experience with nature.
In Rushaga, you will encounter several gorilla families available for trekking, including the Nshongi Gorilla Group, Mishaya Gorilla Group, Bweza Gorilla Group, Bikyingi Gorilla Family, Kahungye Gorilla Family, Busingye Gorilla Family, and Mucunguzi Gorilla Family. To ensure conservation efforts, each habituated gorilla family is limited to hosting only eight visitors per day, accompanied by expert guides, rangers, and porters, as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority policy on gorilla tourism.
Christmas, being a festive holiday for many, makes it an opportune time for travelers to partake in once-in-a-lifetime experiences like gorilla trekking. The trekking adventure commences early in the morning at 7:00 am from Rushaga Park headquarters, where participants receive a thorough briefing on the dos and don’ts while navigating the forest and interacting with the gorillas. Guided by park guides, rangers, and trackers, you’ll set off into the forest in search of these incredible creatures. Once the gorillas are located, you will have a precious one-hour window to observe and appreciate their natural behaviors before returning to the starting point to receive a certificate of successful gorilla trekking in Uganda.
It is important to note that only individuals aged 15 years and above are allowed to participate in gorilla trekking, as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority policy, aimed at safeguarding both visitors and the gorillas themselves. This policy ensures minimal disturbance to the gorilla families and helps mitigate the risk of disease transmission.
To secure your spot for gorilla trekking in Rushaga during Christmas, it is crucial to acquire a gorilla trekking permit in advance. The permit prices for Rushaga are the same as for other sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The cost of a permit is USD800 for Non-Foreign Residents, USD700 for Foreign Residents, and Shs.300,000 for East African Citizens. These permits offer the incredible opportunity to spend an hour in the company of these majestic gorillas.
Considering the high demand for permits during the peak season in December, we strongly recommend booking your permits well in advance to ensure availability. As a reliable local tour operator, Trek Africa Expeditions can assist in securing your permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority‘s online system. If permits are available for your desired date, we will promptly send you an invoice to facilitate payment. In case of limited availability, we will work with you to explore alternative dates with permit availability, ensuring you don’t miss this extraordinary experience.
While Christmas offers an excellent opportunity to travel and indulge in a life-changing experience, the best time for gorilla trekking in Rushaga is during the drier months of January, February, June, July, August, and early September. During these months, rainfall is relatively lower, and the climate is more favorable. Nonetheless, any time of the year presents the chance to meet the gorillas in their natural habitat. In fact, the rainy season can offer unique advantages, such as better visibility of the gorillas amid plentiful food growth in the forest.
For those seeking the convenience of a flying gorilla safari, Kisoro Airstrip, located in southwestern Uganda, is the nearest airstrip to Rushaga region. Morning flights depart from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip, as weather conditions typically favor morning travel to Kisoro. The drive from Kisoro Airstrip to the Hotels, Camps, and Lodges in Rushaga is approximately one hour, allowing you to revel in the scenic beauty of the region during the short journey.
At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in creating customized and sustainable tours and holidays across all East African countries. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, we have forged strong relationships with Uganda Wildlife Authority and have been highly reviewed on Tripadvisor and Safari Bookings. Our dedicated team can assist you in tailoring your flying gorilla safari to Rushaga, arranging your flights, and planning your entire Christmas holiday to ensure an enriching and comfortable experience. You can choose from a variety of lodges and hotels in Rushaga, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious high-end accommodations. Due to high demand during peak seasons, we recommend booking your stay well in advance to secure your preferred lodging.
Make this Christmas truly unforgettable by embarking on a flying gorilla safari to Rushaga with Trek Africa Expeditions. Contact us today to begin planning your extraordinary adventure. Our team of professional, experienced, and English-speaking driver guides will be waiting for you upon arrival at Kisoro Airstrip, ready to accompany you on an enchanting journey through the lush forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With our top-of-the-line 4×4 safari vehicles, you can relish a comfortable and memorable safari experience as you celebrate the holiday season amid the remote beauty of Uganda. Book your flying gorilla safari to Rushaga with Trek Africa Expeditions for an unforgettable and life-changing Christmas.