Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in the Ruhija Region

Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in the Ruhija Region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Ruhija sector is one of the most remarkable places for exclusive gorilla trekking. This region is home to four gorilla families: Bitukura, Kyanguriro, Mukiza and Oruzogo. All these families are available for tracking, offering an exceptional opportunity to witness the majestic mountain gorillas up close.

At an elevation of over 2,350 meters above sea level, Ruhija is the coldest part of Bwindi, providing a cool climate perfect for hiking. The area offers stunning trails, including the scenic Rwamunyonyi Peak, ideal for nature walks. Along with gorillas, you may spot other primates like monkeys and mammals including elephants and antelopes.

Why Choose Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija?

With Trek Africa Gorillas, you can enjoy an unforgettable, exclusive gorilla trekking experience in Ruhija. Whether you’re traveling solo or as part of a small group, this region offers a unique opportunity to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

To trek in the Ruhija region, you will need to purchase a gorilla permit. The cost of a permit is:

• USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 700 for Foreign Residents
• 300,000 Ugandan Shillings for East African Citizens

These permits grant you a one-hour encounter with the gorillas, providing an amazing and rare wildlife experience.

Best Time to Trek Gorillas in the Ruhija Region

The Ruhija Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is open for trekking year-round. However, as the park is a tropical rainforest, rain can occur at any time, making the terrain slippery.

The best months for gorilla trekking in Ruhija are from June to August and December to February, when rainfall is typically lower and the forest conditions are more favorable for trekking. If you choose to visit during the rainier months (March to May or November), you may encounter more rain but this could also come with discounts on accommodation at certain lodges.

Key Considerations When Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Ruhija

Booking Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

Ruhija sector has only 32 gorilla permits available per day, so it’s important to secure your permit well in advance to guarantee your spot. We recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months ahead of your trip, especially during the peak season when permits sell out quickly.

You can reserve your permit by paying 100%, 70% or 30% of the total cost in advance. If you’d like help with booking your permits for gorilla trekking in Ruhija, feel free to contact us directly.

Accommodation Options in Ruhija

For a comfortable stay, we recommend booking your accommodation in advance. Ruhija offers both luxury and budget options, so you can choose the best fit for your budget and comfort preferences.

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

All these accommodations offer full-board meals, ensuring you’re well taken care of during your stay.

Comfortable Travel to Ruhija

To make your journey to Ruhija more comfortable, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, which is ideal for navigating the rugged terrain. Alternatively, you can opt for a quicker and more convenient flight to Kihihi Airstrip, located just an hour’s drive from Ruhija. This option shortens the drive from Entebbe/Kampala (normally 8-9 hours) to just 1 hour, allowing you to enjoy more of your time in the beautiful Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

How to Get to the Ruhija Sector for Gorilla Trekking

By Air

Flying to Ruhija is a quick and convenient option. AeroLink offers scheduled and chartered flights to Kihihi Airstrip, which is the closest airstrip to Ruhija. While there are no direct flights to Ruhija itself, you will be dropped off at Kihihi, where one of our professional guides will meet you and drive you to your lodge. The drive from Kihihi to Ruhija takes approximately 1 hour.

When flying with AeroLink, be sure to check in 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. Additionally, the airline has a baggage limit of 15 kilograms per person, with excess baggage charged at USD 3 per kilogram. For those with special scheduling needs, private charters are also available. Infants under 2 years old fly for free, while children over 12 years old pay 70% of the adult fare.

By Road

For those traveling by road, the journey from Entebbe/Kampala to Ruhija takes around 8-9 hours. You’ll pass through Kabale and Buhoma before reaching the park. Alternatively, if you’re traveling from Kigali, Rwanda, the drive to Ruhija is shorter, taking about 4-5 hours.

What to Wear During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Ruhija

Packing the right clothing and gear is crucial for a comfortable and successful trek. Here’s a recommended packing list for your trek in Ruhija:

• Long-sleeved sweater (since it can get cold in the region)
• 2 pairs of long trousers (to protect against vegetation)
• Waterproof hiking boots (to handle muddy and slippery trails)
• A hat and sunglasses (optional, depending on weather)
• Cameras and spare batteries (for capturing the moments but remember to keep the flash off)
• Binoculars (for birdwatching and spotting other primates)
• Gardening gloves (to hold onto branches during the trek)
• Raincoat (because rain in the rainforest is unpredictable)
• Mosquito repellent (important for protection against insects)
• Sunscreen (optional, depending on the season)
• Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors, black or blue, as they can scare the gorillas and attract Tsetse flies)

Why Book Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we pride ourselves in organizing exceptional gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. With our years of experience and excellent ratings on TripAdvisor, we offer unforgettable adventures while prioritizing eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices.

We provide personalized safaris that combine gorilla trekking with exciting wildlife experiences, such as chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises and cultural encounters. Our goal is to give you a memorable safari experience that supports biodiversity conservation and helps uplift local communities.

Whether you’re planning to trek in Ruhija or explore other stunning safari destinations in Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana or Namibia, Trek Africa Gorillas is here to make your dream safari come true.

Contact us today to book your exclusive gorilla trekking experience in the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.