Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija – Your Guide to Bwindi’s Accessible Sector

Ruhija is one of the four sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and has four habituated gorilla families: Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Mukiza.

Each gorilla family is trekked by only eight visitors per day, allowing Ruhija to receive up to 32 visitors daily for gorilla trekking.

Bwindi National Park holds half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, with Ruhija hosting the second-largest number of gorillas after the Rushaga sector in the south.

Gorillas share about 98% of human DNA, making them one of our closest relatives. They live in family groups, breastfeed their young, communicate with each other, and use sign language.

How to Access Ruhija Gorilla Permits

Trekkers visiting Ruhija on the eastern side of the park should book their gorilla permits early since permits are in high demand. Only 32 permits are available each day in Ruhija and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Permits can be purchased directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a professional tour operator who can book permits online.

Many trusted local safari companies can check permit availability and secure your booking. They can send invoices and permit copies by email, with the hard copy and receipt given upon arrival.

Gorilla permits for Ruhija and other sectors in Uganda cost USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX for East African citizens.

Prices are fixed by the government. Gorilla trekking in Ruhija is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that no visitor would want to miss.

A Typical Gorilla Trekking Day in Ruhija

The day starts with a morning briefing, followed by the trek into the forest with an armed ranger, trackers, and guides.

While trekking, you may see other forest residents like elephants, hogs, and birds such as the Rwenzori batis. You will spend one hour with the gorillas, observing the silverback leading the family, mothers caring for their young, and juveniles playing in the trees.

The trek can take between one and seven hours, after which you will receive a certificate for completing the trek in Ruhija.

The trails in Ruhija are less steep compared to other sectors, making it accessible even for less experienced trekkers, which is why many visitors prefer this sector.

Travelers are advised to carry hiking shoes, gloves, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellent, a camera with extra batteries, a raincoat, snacks, and drinking water.

How to Access Ruhija Sector

Ruhija can be accessed via Entebbe or Kigali airports. Visitors can cross through the Katuna border from Kigali, Rwanda, or reach Ruhija via Entebbe Airport, making gorilla trekking from Kigali a convenient option.

You can also stay a night by Lake Bunyonyi, just 52 kilometers away, and trek gorillas in Ruhija the next morning before relaxing by the lake afterward.

Where to Stay in Ruhija

Ruhija offers a range of accommodation options, including budget, mid-range, and luxury choices depending on your preferences and budget. Options include Broadbill Safari Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Trackers Tavern, and Gift of Nature Lodge.

Get your Ruhija gorilla permit and add a memorable experience to your gorilla safari in Uganda.

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