Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija

Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija: A Scenic and Unforgettable Adventure

Are you interested in booking a memorable gorilla trekking experience in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest? Trek Africa Gorillas can make it happen! We specialize in securing gorilla permits, even during the high season from June to September, when demand is at its peak and permits are harder to come by. During these months, many travelers look to trek in Bwindi and permits can sell out quickly, leaving some unable to secure their preferred dates. We make sure you don’t miss out on your gorilla adventure.

About the Ruhija Sector of Bwindi

Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is home to four habituated gorilla families: the Bitukura, Mukiza, Kyaguriro and Oruzogo families. This area stands at over 2,350 meters above sea level, making it one of the coldest regions in the park. In addition to gorilla trekking, Ruhija offers excellent hiking opportunities, including charming nature trails such as the one leading to the Rwamunyonyi peak. Ruhija is a great alternative for travelers who are unable to get permits for the more popular Buhoma sector, especially during the high season.

Planning Tips for Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija

Book Your Gorilla Permits in Advance

To ensure you get your permit for gorilla trekking in Ruhija, we recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months in advance. While permits are typically available during the low season, securing them early is crucial to avoid last-minute inconveniences. The cost of a gorilla permit for Ruhija is:

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

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas once located. Contact us to learn more about how to book your gorilla permits in advance for Ruhija.

Stay in Luxury Accommodation

For a comfortable and memorable experience in Ruhija, consider staying in one of the area’s luxury lodges. While Ruhija has limited luxury options, we recommend the Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge and Bakiga Lodge for a mid-range experience with excellent services. Many travelers opt to stay in nearby Buhoma, where lodges like Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs and Silverback Lodge offer luxury accommodations.

Travel in Comfort

Ruhija can be reached by 4×4 Land Cruiser for a comfortable road trip but you also have the option to fly to Kihihi Airstrip, which is about an hour away from Ruhija. Flights are available through AeroLink, a domestic airline offering scheduled and chartered flights to Kihihi. Once you land, our professional guide will meet you and transfer you to your lodge.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija

Proper attire is essential for a successful and comfortable gorilla trek. Here’s a checklist of what to wear and bring:

• Long-sleeved sweater (since the region can get cold)
• Two pairs of long trousers
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Hat and sunglasses (optional, depending on the weather)
• Camera with long-lasting batteries (remember to turn off the flash)
• Binoculars for bird and primate watching
• Gardening gloves for grip on branches and trees
• Raincoat (for unpredictable weather)
• Mosquito repellent (to avoid bites)
• Sunscreen (optional but useful in sunny weather)
• Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors and black or blue, as they attract Tsetse flies)

How to Get to Ruhija Sector for Gorilla Trekking

By Air

The fastest way to get to Ruhija is by flying to Kihihi Airstrip with AeroLink. From there, it’s about a 1-hour drive to your lodge in Ruhija. AeroLink offers scheduled and chartered flights and you can book a flight that matches your schedule. The flight baggage allowance is 15kg per person, with an excess charge of USD 3 per kilogram.

By Road

Ruhija is accessible by road from Entebbe/Kampala, which takes about 8-9 hours. The route passes through Kabale and Buhoma. Alternatively, you can travel from Kigali, Rwanda, which is about 4-5 hours by road.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we pride ourselves on crafting personalized, tailor-made safaris for every traveler. Our experienced team of professional tour consultants ensures that your questions are answered within 30 minutes and we assist you in securing your gorilla permits and organizing every detail of your trip. We also offer knowledgeable safari guides who speak multiple languages, ensuring your comfort and convenience throughout your journey.

Contact us today to book your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Ruhija!