The Four Gorilla Sectors of Uganda

The four gorilla sectors of Uganda are divisions within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the southwestern region of the country. Each sector contains habituated mountain gorilla families that travelers can track during gorilla trekking tours. Visitors are allowed to spend one hour with a selected gorilla family per trek.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers about 321 square kilometers and lies along the Albertine Rift. The park is home to over 450 mountain gorillas nearly half of the world’s remaining population of these endangered apes. Currently, there are 22 habituated gorilla families that can be tracked across the four sectors, described below

1. Buhoma Sector

Located in the northern part of Bwindi, Buhoma is the first sector where gorilla trekking began in 1992 with the habituation of the Mubare family. Today, it is one of the most popular sectors, attracting a large number of visitors.

Buhoma is home to several gorilla families including Mubare, Rushegura, Muyambi, Katwe, Binyindo, Kanywanyi, and Habinyanja, with about 64 individual gorillas. Apart from trekking, visitors can also enjoy hiking, birding, and cultural encounters. The sector has a wide range of accommodation options for overnight stays.

2. Nkuringo Sector

Nkuringo lies in the southwestern part of Bwindi. The sector is named after the original Nkuringo gorilla family and also hosts Christmas, Bushaho, and Posho families, with a total of about 51 individual gorillas.

The terrain here is rugged and requires good physical fitness for a rewarding trek. A visit also offers cultural interactions with the Batwa communities, giving travelers a chance to learn about the traditions of the forest’s original inhabitants.

3. Ruhija Sector

Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi. It is home to at least 67 gorillas across six families: Kyaguriro A and B, Oruzogo, Mukiza, Happy, and Bitukura.

The sector features steep terrain, making it more physically demanding but also rewarding for adventurous trekkers. Highlights include hiking trails leading to Rwamunyonyi Peak and opportunities to spot monkeys such as colobus and vervet. Birdwatching and cultural encounters with the Batwa people are also popular activities here.

4. Rushaga Sector

Rushaga, situated in the southern part of Bwindi, is the sector with the highest number of gorilla families 10 in total. These include Tindatine, Rwigi, Bweza, Busingye, Mishaya, Kahungye, Kutu, Bikingi, Mucunguzi, and Nshongi, with about 69 individual gorillas.

This is the only sector where gorilla habituation experiences are conducted, allowing visitors to spend more time with gorillas under habituation. Besides trekking, visitors can enjoy nature walks, birding, and Batwa cultural experiences. Rushaga also has a variety of accommodations ranging from mid-range to luxury lodges.

Accessing the Gorilla Sectors

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is about 502 kilometers from Kampala by road, taking approximately 10–11 hours via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro. The drive offers scenic views and a chance to stop at the Equator monument along the way.

For those who prefer a quicker option, domestic flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi Airstrip. From there, ground transport is needed to reach the park sectors. Advance booking of flights and transfers is recommended for convenience.

What to Pack for a Gorilla Trek

To ensure a comfortable and successful experience, travelers are advised to pack the following essentials:

• Hiking boots with firm grip
• Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing (shirts and trousers)
• A pair of gardening gloves
• Warm sweater
• Poncho or rain jacket
• Gaiters
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Backpack
• Insect repellent
• Basic first-aid kit
• Refillable water bottle
• Gorilla trekking permit