There are four (4) main Bwindi gorilla tracking sections in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Buhoma sector, in the north western part, is the pioneer and major gorilla tracking section within the park.
The 4 Bwindi Gorilla Tracking Sections
Buhoma Gorilla Section
Buhoma is located to the northwest of the park and faces the dark, hilly forests of Bwindi. Three gorilla family groups can be tracked from here, together with community-run village walks. These help guests to explore the culture and lifestyle of the local Bakiga and Batwa tribes.
Bird watching is also a major activity with great opportunities to see various Albertine rift endemics such as the short-tailed warbler. Other activities include mountain biking and nature walks to waterfalls and other parts of the forest. There are also numerous accommodation facilities to suit all budgets and many local craft stalls.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Tracking
Nkuringo, on the southwestern edge of the park, became Bwindi’s second gorilla tracking trailhead in 2004. Tracking gorilla families in the Nkuringo section is strenuous, because their forest home lies a full 600m below the trailhead at Ntungamo village on Nteko ridge.
Walks along the ridge-top road provide superb views north towards the forested hills of Bwindi and south to the virunga volcanoes. There are also opportunities to discover the Bakiga culture through village walks, vibrant dance performances and cultural workshops organized by community groups.
Rushaga Gorilla Section
Rushaga trailhead, in the southeast of the park was opened for gorilla tourism in 2009. There are three gorilla groups (Shongi, Mishaya and Kahungye) which can be tracked from this point. The trail descends into the depths of the forest directly to the south of the park.
Furthermore, this area offers amazing village walks, bird watching and spectacular views of waterfalls.
Ruhija Bwindi Gorilla Tracking
On the eastern side, sitting on top of the hill at 2,345m, there is Ruhija gorilla tracking section. Ruhija is home to the Bitukura, Oruzoojo and Kyaguriro gorilla groups.
It is Uganda’s highest tracking trail, and one of only two areas (the other being Rushaga), where forest elephants reside.
A six-hour bamboo trail leads you to Rwamunyoni Peak; at 2,607m, it is the highest point in the park and notable for good birding experience. Also of interest to birders is the three-hour trail descending to Mubwindi swamp along which one could find the endemic and localized African Green Broadbill.