Fly to Kihihi and Trek Gorillas in Ruhija Region of Bwindi

Fly to Kihihi and Trek Gorillas in Ruhija Region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Looking for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience? Fly to Kihihi and explore the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Located in the eastern part of the park, Ruhija is home to four incredible gorilla families: Bitukura, Kyanguriro, Mukiza and Oruzogo. Each family is available for trekking, offering you a unique opportunity to spend time with these amazing creatures.

At an altitude of over 2,350 meters, Ruhija is the coolest part of Bwindi, making it a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts. The area is also rich in other wildlife, including various primates, elephants and antelopes. If you’re a nature lover, don’t miss the chance to trek to Rwamunyonyi Peak for breathtaking views and an immersive experience in the forest.

Essential Information for Trekking Gorillas in Ruhija

To trek gorillas in the Ruhija sector, you’ll need a gorilla permit. Prices are as follows:

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

With a gorilla permit, you’ll enjoy a one-hour encounter with the gorillas, giving you ample time to observe and connect with these magnificent animals.

Important Tips for Planning Your Ruhija Gorilla Trek

Book Your Gorilla Permit Early

Ruhija has 32 permits available per day. To secure your spot, it’s essential to book your permit early—at least 3 to 4 months in advance during peak seasons. You can pay 30%, 70% or 100% of the permit cost to confirm your booking.

Accommodation Options in Ruhija

For a comfortable stay, Ruhija offers a mix of luxury and budget accommodations. Luxury options include Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge and Bakiga Lodge, while budget-friendly options like Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge and the Ruhija Camp Site are also available. Most lodges offer full-board meals for an all-inclusive experience.

Travel Comfortably to Ruhija

Traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser ensures a smooth and comfortable journey to Ruhija. If you’d like to save time, you can fly into Kihihi Airstrip, which is just an hour’s drive from Ruhija. This option significantly reduces the long road trip from Entebbe (about 8-9 hours) to a quick 1-hour transfer from Kihihi.

What to Wear and Bring for Your Gorilla Trek in Ruhija

Packing the right clothing is essential for a successful trek. Here’s a list of what to bring:

• Long-sleeved sweater: The weather in Ruhija can be chilly.
• Two pairs of long trousers: To protect your legs from the dense underbrush.
• Waterproof hiking boots: Ensure you’re comfortable on the muddy trails.
• Binoculars: Ideal for spotting birds and other wildlife in Bwindi.
• Gardening gloves: Useful when holding onto trees or branches during your trek.
• Raincoat: Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, so rain can happen at any time.
• Mosquito repellent: Keep insects at bay during your hike.
• Sunscreen: While the forest is cool, the sun can be strong at times.
• Neutral colors: Avoid bright colors, which may scare the gorillas. Black and blue are also not recommended, as they attract tsetse flies.

How to Reach Ruhija for Gorilla Trekking

• By Air: Flying into Kihihi Airstrip is the fastest way to reach Ruhija. AeroLink offers regular flights to Kihihi and our professional guides will pick you up for a scenic 1-hour drive to your lodge.
• By Road: You can also travel by road, taking the main highway from Entebbe/Kampala. The drive takes about 8-9 hours, passing through Kabale. Alternatively, you can travel from Kigali, Rwanda, which is about 4-5 hours away.

Best Months to Go Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija

Ruhija is open for trekking year-round but the best months are June to August and December to February, when rainfall is minimal and the trails are less slippery. If you visit during the rainy seasons (March to May or November), you may enjoy lower rates at some lodges, though you’ll need to prepare for occasional rain.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Safari?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Our services are highly rated on TripAdvisor and we are committed to eco-friendly travel and sustainable tourism practices. Along with gorilla trekking, we offer a wide range of wildlife safaris, including chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and cultural experiences across Africa.

Let us help you plan your dream safari and create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to book your trip to Ruhija and trek gorillas in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park!