Gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector in Bwindi ; gorilla trekking is an exceptional activity in Ruhija sector that involves visitors moving into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Ruhija sector is one of the four gorilla trekking sectors located in eastern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park in southwestern region. Apart from Ruhija sector, gorilla trekking in Uganda is also done in Buhoma sector in the north, Rushaga sector in the south, Nkuringo sector in the south and Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Ruhija sector is a home of four gorilla families namely Oruzogo, Mukiza, Bitukura and Kyaguriro families which are open for trekking on a daily basis. Gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing, you will be sub-divided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and an experienced park guide who is well conversant with different gorilla trekking trails. Trekking of mountain gorillas in Ruhija sector takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view other primate species, different bird species, plant and tree species among others. Once the gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their habits, behaviors, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, grooming young ones, take photos and record the incredible moments to show people back home after the safari.
Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Ruhija sector
A gorilla trekking permit is a legal card that is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit habituated gorilla families and spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. A gorilla trekking permit in Ruhija sector costs 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Ruhija sector
A gorilla trekking permit in Ruhija sector can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority whereby you will contact the head offices in Kampala via email or telephone calls. A gorilla trekking permit in Ruhija sector can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris where you will contact us with dates, months and year when you wish to visit the mountain gorillas. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability and once there are permits on your preferred dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the gorilla trekking permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
Gorilla trekking permits in Ruhija sector should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because they usually get sold out especially during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February therefore in order to avoid last minute disappointments, you are advised to book in advance.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector
Gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February because during this period there is less rainfall therefore vegetation will be short which helps you to view the mountain gorillas and other wildlife species clearly, access roads to Ruhija sector and gorilla trekking trails will be passable compared to the wet or rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
How to get to Ruhija sector
Ruhija sector is located in the eastern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park and can be accessed by both road and air transport means.
When using road transport means, you will drive from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and then Ruhija sector which takes about 8 to 9 hours’ drive.
You can also access Ruhija sector from Kigali Rwanda whereby you will fly to Kigali international airport and then connect to Ruhija sector via Katuna border and from Queen Elizabeth national park which takes about 3 to 4 hours’ drive.
Ruhija sector can also be accessed by air transport means where you will book charter or scheduled flights with Aerolink Uganda or Bar aviation from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi airstrip and then connect to Ruhija sector by road which takes about 2 hours’ drive, Gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector in Bwindi.
Other activities in Ruhija sector
Ruhija sector offers other interesting activities that you can engage in after the adventurous gorilla trekking activity including Batwa cultural tour where you will be able to interact with the Batwa, bird watching, visiting community projects, nature walks where you will be able to explore the forest on foot among others.
Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Ruhija sector
There are a number of accommodation facilities in Ruhija sector where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari including Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Bakiga lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Gift of Nature lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Campsite, Chameleon Hill lodge, Agandi Lodge, Ecomarvels Gorilla Resort, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge among others.
Gorilla trekking is an interesting activity in Ruhija sector that can be combined with other interesting activities in Queen Elizabeth national park including game drives, boat cruise on Kazinga channel, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge, lion tracking experience, guided nature walks among others. For more information about gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris.
