Bwindi sectors: Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhija and Rushaga
Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each has its own trailhead, its own access road and its own gorilla families. Your permit names the sector, and the sector decides where you sleep and how you travel.
The ground in all four is steep. Ridges and deep valleys make up the forest, and moderate fitness is expected. No sector is promised to be short or easy. If you want a ready-made trip for a sector, compare the Bwindi gorilla safari tours.
The four sectors compared
Location, access and what sets each trailhead apart.
| Sector | Location | Access | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buhoma | Northwest | Northern side, via the Kihihi airstrip or the road | The original tourism trailhead of the Mubare group |
| Ruhija | East | Kabale to Ruhija to Buhoma is 95 km, about 4 hours for the whole route | Higher forest and bamboo paths, the Mubwindi Swamp Trail |
| Rushaga | South | From Muko and Kisoro | Gorilla trekking. Confirm the sector if you book a Habituation Experience. |
| Nkuringo | South | Kabale to Nkuringo is 105 km, about 4 hours. Kisoro to Nkuringo is 35 km, about 1 to 1.5 hours. | The Buhoma to Nkuringo long walk |
For most travelers, the access decides. If you come by road or flight from the north, Buhoma and Ruhija are the natural fit. If you come from Kigali or fly to Kisoro, Rushaga and Nkuringo are closer. Choose the sector that matches your route before you look at anything else.
Our pick: a trek in Bwindi
A trek in Bwindi from Entebbe; ask which sector your permit covers before you book.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Gorilla treks in the Bwindi sectors
Gorilla treks and multi-day safaris to Bwindi, with live prices and availability. Check which sector, permit and park fees each offer includes.
Buhoma
The northwest trailhead.
Buhoma is where gorilla tourism in Bwindi began. The Mubare group was the first to be habituated for visitors, in April 1993. Today lodges, bandas and camping are available around Buhoma. The sector is reached from the northern side of the park, either by road or by flying to Kihihi and driving on.
Buhoma and Nkuringo are the two ends of the long walk across the park. Cultural visits with the Batwa are offered near Buhoma, and the Batwa page explains their history and how to visit respectfully. Buhoma does not mean "always the easiest walk", because the forest here is as steep as elsewhere.
Ruhija
The eastern trailhead.
Ruhija lies in higher forest, with bamboo and the Mubwindi Swamp Trail. Many visitors approach it from Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi, and the route from Kabale through Ruhija to Buhoma is 95 km, about 4 hours for the whole drive. The African Green Broadbill is a bird of the bamboo and the swamp trail, but no sighting is guaranteed.
Rushaga
A southern trailhead.
Rushaga is reached from Muko and Kisoro, which makes it the closest sector for travelers crossing from Rwanda or flying to Kisoro. Ask your operator which sector your Gorilla Habituation Experience permit is for, because the details differ. See the route from Kigali and the flight from Entebbe.
Nkuringo
A southern trailhead on the ridge.
Nkuringo is also reached from Muko and Kisoro. Kisoro to Nkuringo is 35 km and takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, and Kabale to Nkuringo is 105 km, about 4 hours. Lodges, bandas and camping are available around the trailhead. Nkuringo is one end of the Buhoma to Nkuringo long walk.
Birds and walks
What else the sectors offer beyond gorillas.
Birdwatching
The park has more than 350 bird species and 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Birdwatching and nature walks cost $40 for foreign non-residents, $30 for foreign residents and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens, and park entry is added on top.
Buhoma to Nkuringo long walk
The long walk across the park costs $60 for foreign non-residents, $50 for foreign residents and UGX 50,000 for East African citizens. It is a full day on steep ground, so ask about the transfers at both ends.
Gorilla permits
The gorilla permit is a separate item and includes the guide, park entry on the day and a community contribution. Prices and refund rules are on the permit page.
Where to sleep
Match the lodge to the sector, not to the park name. See lodges by sector.
Bwindi sectors: frequently asked questions
Which Bwindi sector suits gorilla trekking?
That depends on your route. Buhoma and Ruhija suit travelers coming from the north, Rushaga and Nkuringo suit those coming from Kigali or flying to Kisoro. No sector is promised to be easy or short.
Can I choose my sector?
When you book the permit, ask your operator for the sector and get it in writing. Availability depends on the date.
How far apart are the sectors?
They are separate trailheads on different roads. Kabale to Ruhija to Buhoma is 95 km, Kabale to Nkuringo is 105 km and Kisoro to Nkuringo is 35 km. Do not plan to trek in two sectors on one day.
Where do I see the African Green Broadbill?
It is a bird of the bamboo and the Mubwindi Swamp Trail near Ruhija. No sighting is guaranteed.
How much does a bird walk cost?
$40 for foreign non-residents, $30 for foreign residents and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens, plus park entry. Check the current amount before you book.
How many gorilla families are there?
The number open to visitors differs by sector and changes over time. Ask your operator which family and sector your permit is for.