How to Trek Mountain Gorillas in the Ruhija Region of Bwindi

How to Trek Mountain Gorillas in the Ruhija Region of Bwindi

Located in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Ruhija sector is a fantastic destination for trekking mountain gorillas. This beautiful region is home to four gorilla families: Bitukura, Kyaguriro, Mukiza, and Oruzogo. All of these families are available for tracking. Situated at an elevation of over 2,350 meters above sea level, Ruhija is known for its cooler temperatures and lush landscapes, making it the coldest area in Bwindi. Besides gorilla trekking, the region offers excellent hiking opportunities, including charming trails like those leading to Rwamunyonyi Peak. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, such as monkeys, elephants, and antelopes!

Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Experience

If you’re interested in trekking the mountain gorillas in the Ruhija region, Excursia Adventures is here to help! Trekking in this area allows you to experience the majestic mountain gorillas either as part of a travel group or on a solo adventure. To participate, you will need a gorilla permit, which costs:

• USD 800 for foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for foreign residents
• 300,000 Ugandan Shillings for East African citizens

This permit grants you a precious one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Important Considerations for Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Ruhija

Book Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

The Ruhija sector has 32 gorilla permits available for sale each day. To ensure you secure a spot for your trek, it’s essential to book your permit well in advance. You can reserve your permit by paying 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total cost upfront. We recommend securing your permits at least 3 to 4 months before your intended trekking date, especially during the high season when permits can sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. For assistance in booking your gorilla permits, feel free to contact us.

Choose Your Accommodation Wisely

Selecting the right accommodation is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience while trekking mountain gorillas in the Ruhija region. While luxury lodges provide a more indulgent stay, there are also budget-friendly options available. Recommended accommodations include:

• Luxury: Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge and Bakiga Lodge
• Budget: Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, and Ruhija Campsite

When you book your safari with Excursia Adventures, you’ll enjoy full board meal plans at these lodges, ensuring that you are well-fed during your stay.

Travel Comfortably to Ruhija

For a smooth journey, consider traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, which offers comfort and stability on the road to Ruhija. Alternatively, you can fly into Kihihi Airstrip, located near Ruhija. This option significantly reduces your travel time, cutting the usual 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe/Kampala to just 1 hour from Kihihi to your lodge.

What to Wear During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Wondering what to pack for your trek? Here’s a handy list of recommended clothing and gear:

• Long-sleeved sweater: The temperatures can be quite cool in the park.
• Two pairs of long trousers: Opt for durable, breathable fabrics.
• Waterproof hiking boots: Essential for navigating the sometimes muddy terrain.
• Hat and sunglasses: Useful for sun protection, depending on the weather.
• Camera with extra batteries: Capture those unforgettable moments—just remember to keep the flash off.
• Binoculars: Perfect for birdwatching and spotting other primates in the forest.
• Gardening gloves: Helpful for gripping trees and branches during your trek.
• Raincoat: Given that Bwindi is a rainforest, rain is unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared.
• Mosquito repellent: Protect yourself from pesky insects.
• Sunscreen: Particularly important if you’re trekking during the hotter months.

When choosing your clothing colors, avoid bright hues that might scare away the gorillas. Instead, opt for neutral colors. Black and blue colors should also be avoided, as they attract tsetse flies.

Getting to the Ruhija Sector for Gorilla Trekking

By Air: If you’re looking for a quicker and more comfortable journey to Ruhija, flying is a great option. AeroLink is a domestic airline that provides both scheduled and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip. While there are no direct flights to Ruhija, you can easily connect from Kihihi, where our professional guide will be waiting to take you to your lodge. The drive from Kihihi to nearby lodges takes about one hour.

Be sure to check in 90 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure. Keep in mind that AeroLink has a baggage limit of 15 kilograms per person, with excess luggage charged at USD 3 per kilogram. For families traveling with young children, infants under two years old fly for free, while children over 12 pay 70% of the adult fare. Private charters are also available for those needing flexibility in timing and routing.

By Road: Ruhija can be reached by road from Entebbe/Kampala, with the drive typically taking about 8-9 hours. This scenic route will take you through Kabale town and on to Buhoma. Alternatively, you can access Ruhija from Kigali, Rwanda, which is approximately a 4-5 hour drive.

Best Time to Trek Mountain Gorillas in the Ruhija Region

Ruhija, nestled in the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, is open for trekking year-round. However, being a tropical rainforest, it can experience rainfall at any time. The ideal months for gorilla trekking are June to August and December to February, as these periods see the least rainfall, making the trails less slippery and more accessible. Conversely, if you plan your visit during the March to May or November months, you may encounter heavier rains. The good news is that some lodges offer discounts during these wetter months, making it a budget-friendly option!

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience

At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves on our professionalism and a dedicated field team that is ready to handle all your inquiries and requests. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor, and our website is a reliable resource for planning your gorilla trek in Uganda, offering the most up-to-date information.

As a responsible local tour company run by Ugandans with extensive knowledge of both Uganda and Rwanda, you can trust that you’ll be dealing with experts who truly understand the region. We’re here to help you every step of the way as you prepare for your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Feel free to contact us for more information!