How to get to Rushaga Sector

How to Get To Rushaga Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Rushaga Sector, one of the prime gorilla trekking regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, sits on the park’s southern edge along the Albertine Rift near the DRC border. It’s easily accessible from Kisoro or Kabale towns and offers visitors the opportunity to experience authentic Uganda jungle adventures.

Whether you’re arriving by road, air, or on foot, here’s a complete guide on how to get to Rushaga Sector for your unforgettable gorilla trekking safari.

🚗 Getting to Rushaga Sector by Road

Traveling by road is the most common and flexible way to reach the Rushaga Sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Depending on your starting point, several scenic routes are available to consider.

📍 Entebbe – Kabale – Muko – Rushaga (Most Popular Route)

Distance: ~497 km | Drive Time: ~10 hours
Road Condition: Mostly paved; last 34 km dirt road (4×4 recommended)

This is the most direct and commonly used route to reach Rushaga Sector for gorilla trekking. From Entebbe, you’ll drive through Kampala, Mbarara, and Kabale before branching off at Muko (near Lake Bunyonyi) to follow a 38 km dirt road to Rushaga.

Planning your gorilla trekking safari in Rushaga? Book your 4×4 vehicle with us for a hassle-free transfer and scenic stopovers along the way.

🚐 Entebbe – Kisoro – Lake Mutanda – Rushaga (Scenic But Longer)

Distance: ~527 km | Drive Time: ~11 hours
Highlights: Lake Mutanda views, Kisoro town, scenic mountain drives

This longer but more picturesque drive passes through Kabale and Kisoro before winding toward Rushaga Sector. Although it’s a longer drive, the spectacular landscapes make it worthwhile.

Accessing Rushaga Sector from Rwanda or the DRC

• From Rwanda via Cyanika Border (19 km to Kisoro)

• From DRC via Bunagana Border (19 km to Kisoro)

From either entry point, continue to Kisoro Town and follow the road toward Rushaga Sector.

Coming from Rwanda? We provide cross-border transfers directly to Rushaga. Let us handle the border logistics while you focus on your adventure!

🛫 Getting to Rushaga Sector by Air

✈️ Fly-In Safari to Kisoro Airport

Airport: Kisoro Airport
Distance to Rushaga: 34 km | Drive Time: 1 hour (dirt road)
Flight Operator: Aerolink (scheduled and chartered)

Flying to Kisoro from Entebbe is the quickest way to reach Rushaga Sector for gorilla trekking. Daily scheduled flights make this a convenient and time-saving option.

✈️ Connecting from Other Destinations

You can also connect from:

• Masai Mara (via Entebbe)

• Serengeti (via Entebbe)

• Queen Elizabeth NP (via Kasese)

• Murchison Falls NP

• Kidepo Valley NP

🛬 Kihihi Airport (Alternative Option)

Distance to Rushaga: ~125 km | Drive Time: ~4 hours

Though not ideal, Kihihi is a backup option if Kisoro flights are unavailable. It’s mostly used if combining the Buhoma-Nkuringo walking trail across Bwindi.

 Prefer to fly? We’ll arrange your domestic flight and ground transfers to Rushaga Sector. Inquire now for flight availability.

Hiking and Walking Trails to Reach Rushaga

If you’re an adventurous traveler, there are unforgettable walking options that take you off the beaten path and immerse you in Uganda’s rich natural beauty.

Buhoma – Nkuringo – Rushaga Jungle Trek (via Bwindi)

Distance: 17 km through the jungle | Time: 4–6 hours hiking
Trail Options: Ivy River or Kashasha Trail

Cross the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on a guided walking safari from Buhoma to Nkuringo. The trail meanders through untouched rainforest, offering unique birding and wildlife experiences.

Want to swap wheels for boots? Add the Buhoma-Nkuringo trek to your Rushaga itinerary and rediscover the magic of Africa’s rainforest.

Kisoro – Lake Mutanda – Rushaga Village Walking Trail

This village hiking adventure begins in Kisoro town, traverses scenic rural landscapes, and includes a canoe crossing over Lake Mutanda.

What to Expect on the Trail

• Guided walk with local expert (birding & cultural insights)

• Panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes

• Canoe ride across Lake Mutanda

• Authentic interactions with local communities

Flying into Kisoro? Add this immersive village walking trail to your arrival day. Ask us to tailor your perfect gorilla trekking and culture combo.

Routes to Rushaga Sector from Queen Elizabeth National Park

If you’re on a multi-park safari, you may approach Rushaga from Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Ishasha Sector – Kihihi – Rushaga Route

Distance: ~160 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours
This off-the-beaten-path route requires a 4×4 vehicle and leads through Kihihi, Kanungu, and Rutoma, before joining the Kabale–Kisoro road near Rubanda and branching off at Muko.

Buhoma – Ruhija – Rushaga Route

Distance: ~148 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours
This dirt road wraps around Bwindi, taking you through Ruhija to Rushaga. It’s scenic and adventurous, suitable for travelers staying in the northern sectors before trekking in Rushaga.

 Already in Queen Elizabeth NP? Let us help you connect the parks smoothly with our customized transfer options to Rushaga Sector.

Final Thoughts: Reaching Rushaga Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

No matter how you choose to travel—by road, air, or trail—getting to Rushaga Sector is part of the adventure. With breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and excellent access to habituated gorilla families, Rushaga is one of Uganda’s most rewarding safari destinations.

Ready to trek mountain gorillas in Rushaga?
Let Outback Adventure Safaris handle all your travel logistics so you can focus on the experience of a lifetime. Book Your Gorilla Safari Today!