Booking a Luxury Gorilla Trip to Ruhija

Booking a Luxury Gorilla Trip to Ruhija

Are you dreaming of an unforgettable luxury gorilla trip to Ruhija? Look no further than Trek Africa Expeditions! With low season months including April, May, and November, you’ll find fewer tourists during these times, making it an ideal opportunity to enjoy a more private safari experience in Uganda’s national parks. Trek Africa Expeditions is here to help you discover the best luxury lodges to stay at in the Ruhija sector, ensuring a comfortable and memorable trip.

Discover Ruhija Sector

Ruhija is situated in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is home to four gorilla families: Bitukura, Mukiza, Kyaguriro, and Oruzogo, all of which are available for trekking. Nestled at an elevation of over 2,350 meters above sea level, Ruhija is the coolest area in Bwindi, offering a unique experience for visitors. While gorilla trekking is the primary activity here, the region also boasts excellent hiking trails for nature enthusiasts, including a charming trek to Rwamunyonyi Peak. Ruhija also serves as an alternative trekking location for those staying in Buhoma, especially during high season when permits for Buhoma sell out.

Important Considerations for Your Luxury Gorilla Trip to Ruhija

Book Your Gorilla Permits in Advance

To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend booking your gorilla permits at least 3 to 4 months before your safari date. While permits are generally available during the low season, early booking helps avoid any last-minute hassles. The costs are as follows: USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African citizens. This permit allows you a memorable one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi. If you need assistance booking your permits for Ruhija, feel free to contact us.

Luxury Accommodations in Ruhija

Staying in luxury lodges is crucial for a comfortable experience during your safari. Ruhija offers a few luxurious options, including Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge and Bakiga Lodge, which provides mid-range luxury services. However, many visitors opt to stay in nearby Buhoma for more choices, with top lodges such as Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp, Mahogany Springs, and Silverback Lodge available.

Travel Comfortably to Ruhija

For a smooth journey, consider traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, which ensures comfort on the road to Ruhija. Alternatively, you can opt for a flight to Kihihi Airstrip, significantly reducing the drive time from Entebbe/Kampala from 8-9 hours to just about an hour from Kihihi to your lodge in Ruhija.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija

Wondering what to wear for your trek? Here’s a helpful checklist:

• A long-sleeved sweater: The park can get chilly.
• Two pairs of long trousers: To protect against thorns and insects.
• Waterproof hiking boots: Essential for trekking through muddy terrain.
• A hat and sunglasses: Depending on the weather, these can be optional but helpful.
• Camera with extra batteries: Capture those unforgettable moments, but remember to keep your flash off.
• Binoculars: Great for spotting birds and other wildlife in Bwindi.
• Gardening gloves: Useful for holding onto branches and trees during your trek.
• A raincoat: Rain in Bwindi can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to be prepared.
• Mosquito repellent: Essential for warding off insects.
• Sunscreen: Depending on the season, protect your skin from potential sunburns.
• Neutral colors: Avoid bright colors that may scare away the gorillas, and steer clear of black and blue, which attract Tsetse flies.

Getting to Ruhija for Gorilla Trekking

By Air: Traveling to Ruhija by air is a quicker and more convenient option. Aero Link operates scheduled and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip, from which you can connect to Ruhija. While there’s no direct flight to Ruhija, our professional guides will pick you up at Kihihi and transport you to your lodge in approximately one hour. Remember to check in 90 minutes before departure, and note that baggage is limited to 15 kilograms per person, with excess charged at $3 per kilogram.

By Road: For those driving, Ruhija can be accessed via the main highway from Entebbe/Kampala, which takes about 8-9 hours. You can also enter the park from Kigali, Rwanda, which is approximately a 4-5 hour drive.

Why Book Your Luxury Gorilla Trip to Ruhija with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in organizing extraordinary gorilla safari experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. With a high rating on TripAdvisor, we pride ourselves on providing eco-friendly, luxurious adventures that not only create unforgettable memories but also promote wildlife conservation and support local communities. Our offerings include not just gorilla trekking, but also chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, game viewing, mountain hiking, boat cruise excursions, and cultural encounters. With us, you can explore some of the most incredible safari destinations in Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

Contact us today to start planning your luxurious gorilla adventure in Ruhija!