Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is composed of four major visitor centres/ sectors which include Nkuringo and Rushaga (Southern sectors), Buhoma (Northern sector and Ruhija (Eastern region). It is from these sectors or regions also often referred to as trailheads where visitors gather to meet the tourism warden to get briefed about their gorilla trekking regulations. Briefing is always conducted in the morning before the actual trek to see mountain gorillas in the wild.
It is at the different Bwindi visitor centres where park guides and gorilla group families are allocated. In case tourists have heavy luggage and want assistance, the porters are also available for hire at the visitor centres.
Visitor Information Centres in Bwindi are logistical hubs and gateways to the region’s cultural soul. Through carefully curated exhibits, displays, and interactive experiences, these centres provide a platform for celebrating and preserving the local way of life.
Central to their mission is educating visitors about the traditions, practices, and history of Bwindi’s communities. They highlight the significance of traditional weaving, wood carving, and beadwork activities through engaging presentations and storytelling. Many centres partner with local artisans, ensuring their work is authentically represented and fairly promoted.
Additionally, these centres act as bridges between visitors and the community by hosting cultural exchange programs, workshops, and performances. These initiatives enrich the visitor experience and foster pride among residents, who share their skills and stories with a broader audience.
By offering these insights, Bwindi’s Visitor Information Centres cultivate a deeper appreciation for the area’s traditions, encouraging meaningful connections and respectful engagement with the culture.
Different Bwindi Visitor Centres
Buhoma
Buhoma is situated in the Northern side of Bwindi NP and from Kihihi Airstrip; it is easier to reach this park, especially for guests on fly in gorilla safaris to Bwindi. From Kabale, Buhoma sector is about 2 hours’ drive and takes you about 4 hours to drive from the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Buhoma sector is where the headquarters of Bwindi National Park are found. You can get briefed about the gorilla trekking regulations at Buhoma. Buhoma is also most popular for its enriching hiking trails including Munyaga River trail, Ivy River trail, Muzubijiro loop, Waterfall trail, and Rushura Hill trail, and others.
It is at Buhoma sector where the oldest gorilla group can be found –Mubare family group. In addition, this sector is composed of Habinyanja group, Rushegura, and Katwe family. Buhoma also attracts visitors who come for birding, cultural experiences (Bakiga and Batwa communities) and hiking experiences.
Rushaga
In the far Southern edge, there is Rushaga sector, a region with highest gorilla groups already habituated and open to trekkers. Rushaga is one of the tourism information centers located in the southern end of Bwindi National Park. Unlike other gorilla sectors/regions, Rushaga features the highest number of already habituated gorilla families for tourists to track.
At the Rushaga visitor centre, tourists are allocated to gorilla families such as Kahungye, Bweza group, Nshongi, Mucunguzi group, Mishaya, Rwigi, Busingye, Bikingi group, and Kutu. Aside from normal gorilla trekking, this region also offers the most memorable gorilla habituation experience.
Nkuringo
Still in the extreme Southern side, there is Nkuringo sector. This sector began with Nkuringo group, a gorilla family that was launched in 2004 and comprised of 19 members. Currently, it is comprised of other groups including Bushaho and Christmas gorilla groups.
At the Nkuringo tourism information center, visitors can have access to the detailed information about Nkuringo sector and overall details about Bwindi National Park.
Ruhija
The Ruhija tourism information centre is located in the Eastern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Visitors with plans to explore different gorilla families/groups in the Eastern section of Bwindi assemble at Ruhija trailhead to begin their day with briefing. During the briefing, the essential information to expect includes guidelines or rules & regulations for gorilla trekking.
Ruhija area is not only visited for gorilla trekking but also for birding safaris. This sector is in the Eastern side of the park and has groups including Kyaguriro, Bitukura and Oruzongo. Visitors interested in hiking, there are many trails worth conquering while in Ruhija including Mubwindi trail- the best place to start your birding expeditions.
Accessibility and Locations of Visitor Information Centres
For visitors exploring Bwindi, locating and accessing its Visitor Information Centres is straightforward. These centres are strategically positioned as convenient entry points to the region’s attractions and cultural experiences. Their locations are typically marked on local maps and guidebooks, making them easy to identify for those seeking guidance or resources.
Most centres are near popular trekking routes, accommodation hubs, or key community spaces, ensuring they are within reach for casual visitors and those embarking on longer excursions. Clear signage along main roads and pathways further assists with navigation. Additionally, many centres are integrated with other facilities, such as tour offices, eco-lodges, or community hubs, providing a seamless experience for those planning their activities.
Accessibility features are also a priority at many of these locations. Efforts have been made to ensure that facilities accommodate a wide range of needs, including those of families and individuals with mobility challenges. Paths are often well-maintained, and staff are trained to assist with specific requirements.
Operating hours are designed to suit visitors’ schedules, typically spanning early mornings to evenings, which aligns with the timing of treks and other outdoor activities. Contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is usually available online, allowing visitors to reach out with inquiries or make arrangements in advance.
Bwindi Lodges
Bwindi lodges are distributed across the 4 main visitor centres/regions and range from budget to luxury. They include among others Gift of Nature Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Mahogany Springs, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, and Bakiga Lodge.