Gorilla Leisure Lodge is located in Rushaga sector, south of Bwindi impenetrable National Park. The lodge can easily be accessed through Kisoro Airstrip or Kigali International Airport. Compared to the other three wings of Bwindi, Rushaga has the highest number of habituated families. Nine groups live here, including; Busingye, Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bikingi, Rwigi, Kutu and Mucunguzi. Each of these is comprised of 8-22 members of different age brackets; infants, juveniles and adults. All of these are available for tracking and open for tourism. More still, Rushaga is the only sector in Bwindi offering gorilla habituation experience with Bikyingi and Bushaho families currently going through the process. Gorilla trekking is among the main activities done by visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park; however, several other activities can do in the sector such as;
Gorilla Trekking & Habituation Experience
These are the prime safari activities done in Rushaga. Gorilla trekking gives travelers an opportunity to stay with mountain gorillas for a full hour while travelers can stay with gorillas for four hours if they book gorilla habituation experience in Uganda. Currently, only four people are allowed to visit a given gorilla family under habituation experience. A gorilla habituation experience permit costs $1500 and includes spending four hours with mountain gorillas, services of an English-speaking ranger guide, park fees and a certificate after your trek. On the other hand, the cost of gorilla trekking permit is $800 per person per trek.
Batwa Cultural Experience
Batwa cultural trails are guided by a Mtwa guide and this experience gives visitors an opportunity to learn about traditional forest life of the Batwa pygmy tribe. Bwindi Forest is historically the home of the Batwa. Prepare to be blown away by their enthusiastic traditional dances and charming cultures!
Nature Walk Experience
If you have a soft spot for nature walks, Bwindi forest will leave you enchanted. There are over 30 trails awaiting you. Whether you want a laidback hike or extreme climb that offers a great way to stretch muscles, there is something special for you. Each guided nature walk by the well trained rangers of Uganda Wildlife Authority gives you an opportunity to learn more about indigenous tree species, birds, mammals and other wildlife species of the forest. During your tour, you can encounter several rivers and waterfalls in the forest, as well as primates.
Birding Safari Experience
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful turacos, various species of sunbirds, and unique finches. Birding activity varies throughout the day, so consider early morning and late afternoon excursions when birdlife is often more active. Different seasons may bring different species, so the timing of your visit can impact the diversity of birds you encounter
