Ruhija is one of the four sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park with only 4 habituated gorilla families which are Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, Bitukura and Mukiza. Therefore, Ruhija receives up to 32 visitors per day to trek these gorilla families since each family is trekked by only 8 visitors a day.
Bwindi National Park hosts half of the gorilla population in the world and Ruhija sector comes second to sheltering the biggest population after Rushaga sector in the south. Gorillas are one of the closest human cousins sharing about 98% of our DNA. Mountain gorillas, therefore have almost the same characteristics as human beings such as living in families/groups, breast feeding young ones, communicating with each other, use of sign language, etc.
How to access Ruhija Gorilla Permits?
For trekkers visiting the Ruhija sector in the Eastern side of the park, they ought to purchase gorilla tracking permits earlier since the permits are usually on high demand. Only 32 permits are available in Ruhija sector daily and they are sold on a first-come, first – serve basis. Therefore, you need to book your Ruhija permit in advance and there are two ways of purchasing Ruhija gorilla permits – one is by directly contacting Uganda Wildlife Authority or book through a professional tour operator who can access online gorilla permits booking system.
There are hundreds of trusted, local Safari companies who can hold availability and purchase gorilla permits seamlessly on your behalf. An invoice and copies of your gorilla permits can be sent via email and a hard copy of gorilla permits and receipt will be handed over to you upon arrival.
A gorilla permit to Ruhija and other gorilla trekking sectors in Uganda costs USD700, USD600, and 250,000 UGX for foreign – nonresidents, foreign residents, and East African citizens respectively. They are non-negotiable since the price is determined and set by the government. Gorilla trekking experience in Ruhija is a once in life-time adventure where none would wish to be left out.
A typical gorilla trekking day in Ruhija Sector.
The gorilla adventure begins in the morning after a briefing session, and off to the forest with the help of an armed park ranger, trackers and guides.
While in the forest, you have an opportunity to meet other residents like forest elephants, hogs, and different bird species like the Rwenzori batis among others. Have an hour in the presence of a habituated gorilla family as you watch a silverback practicing its leadership skills, mothers breastfeeding, and juveniles jumping from one branch to another as they search for food. The whole exercise takes about 1 to 7 hours. You will then be awarded a certificate for trekking gorillas in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park.
Interestingly, the trails of Ruhija are not as steep as those in other sectors and this makes it possible to penetrate through even by the weakest trekker and therefore making it the most preferred gorilla trekking region.
Travelers are advised to carry hiking shoes, hand gloves, long-sleeved shirts and trouser that suit the green environment, insect repellents, camera with batteries, raincoat, snack and drinking water.
How to access Ruhija gorilla sector?
Accessing Ruhija sector is easier, via both Entebbe and Kigali airports. Travelers can decide to cross from either Katuna border from Kigali, Rwanda or they can reach the sector via Entebbe airport, making Gorilla trekking from Kigali a convenient option.. You can even spend a night on the shores of the fascinating Lake Bunyonyi and head to Ruhija to trek gorillas in the morning. Later relax at the lake after the gorilla trekking experience which is barely 52 kilometers away.
Where to spend a night in Ruhija sector?
Ruhija sector has a range of accommodation facilities – budget, mid-range to luxury. Your choice of accommodation here will depend on your budget and taste. Among other accommodation options available include Broadbill Safari Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Tracker’s Tavern and gift of Nature lodge.
Get a Ruhija gorilla permit and add a smile onto your gorilla safari expedition in Uganda.
