
Community walks through the local villages in Bwindi
March 30, 2022
Comparing flying safari and road trip to Bwindi
March 30, 2022Are you planning and interested in visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for gorilla trekking and you finding it hard to choose which sector to go to for your gorilla trekking in the northern side of Bwindi between the sectors of Buhoma and Ruhija, yes it is possible with Eco Adventure Safaris and we share with you details for you to Compare gorilla trekking in Buhoma and Ruhija regions. We have mastered the art making sure you secure the gorilla permits even if it tends to be hard especially during the high season during the months of June to September every year. During this time there are always many travelers interested in booking gorilla trekking in Bwindi and this makes the services and gorilla permits sell out making it had for travelers to do their treks in Ruhija forcing them to opt for other sectors in the park or even miss out on the planned date of their trek.
About Ruhija Sector
Ruhija is located in the Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the sector is home of 4 Gorilla families that is Bitukura family, Mukiza family, Kyaguriro family and Oruzogo family and all are available for tracking. The region stands at an elevation of over 2350 meters above sea level making it the coldest area in Bwindi. Gorilla trekking is the main activity in Ruhija, however it also offers excellent hiking opportunities and has charming trails for those interested in nature walks like the Rwamunyonyi peak. This region also offers an opportunity for those staying in Buhoma to trek gorillas here especially in high season when Buhoma gorilla permits are sold out.
Buhoma sector throughout the year even if it tends to be hard especially during the high season during the months of June to September every year. During this time there are always many travelers interested in booking gorilla trekking in Bwindi and this makes the services and gorilla permits sell out making it had for travelers to do their treks in Buhoma forcing them to opt for other sectors in the park.
About Buhoma sector
Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Buhoma sector was the first sector to be habituated in 1993 just after the park was declared a UNESCO Heritage. Buhoma is the most famous and most visited part of the park, with the oldest Gorilla family Mubare and three other families of Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe Gorilla families.
Buhoma sector attracts many tourists to visit this sector to do there gorilla trekking because it is home to the only two lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park located within the Bwindi forest that is Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp and Bwindi Lodge these offer a stunning experience during your gorilla trek in Bwindi. The sector is also where gorilla trekking started and this also gives many travelers confidence that they will gorillas here compared to other sectors, it is also home to many gorilla families second to Rushaga sector making it easy to get the gorilla permit. The sector is also home to many luxury accommodations compared to all other sectors in Bwindi making it great for luxury travelers, these are among the major reasons why gorilla permits and services sell out in advance in Buhoma sector. Compare gorilla trekking in Buhoma and Ruhija regions
Important things to consider when organizing a gorilla trip to Buhoma or Ruhija.
Booking your gorilla permits in advance
When organizing a gorilla trip to Buhoma or Ruhija we recommend you book your gorilla permits atleast 3 to 4 month prior your gorilla safari date. This is because during high season permits sell out in advance on first come first serve basis. You need a gorilla permits to be allowed to trek mountain gorillas in Buhoma, this costs USD700 for Foreign non residents, USD600 for Foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens and this gives an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi. Contact us here for more details on how to book gorilla permits for tracking in Buhoma in advance.
Booking your accommodation where to stay in Buhoma or Ruhija
This is very important to consider when organizing a a mountain gorilla tour to Buhoma, for you to have a great experience and comfort during your safari it is great to stay in luxury accommodations. Buhoma has many luxury lodge options including the only 2 lodges located within Bwindi Forest that is Bwindi Lodge and Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp other luxury lodges in Buhoma include Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany springs and Silverback Lodge among others. Budget Lodges include Buhoma Community Rest Camp and Buhoma Camp. In Ruhija Lodge options include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Bakiga Lodge and Broad Bill Forest Camp
Comfortable and easy travel to Buhoma or Ruhija
You should consider travelling in 4×4 Land cruisers this will give you comfort on the road to Buhoma. There is also an option of flying to Kihihi Airstrip which is close to Buhoma, this will help cut the long drive from Entebbe/Kampala which is normally 8-9 hours drives to only 1 hour drive that you spend from Kihihi to your lodge in Buhoma.
What to wear during Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma and Ruhija
You might be probably wondering what to wear for your trek, below is a compiled list on what to wear;
- A long armed sweater since the park gets cold
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- Water proof hiking boots
- A hat and sun glasses depending on the weather though this is optional
- Cameras and long lasting batteries since photography are very important to keep your memories alive. Always remember to keep our flash off.
- A pair of Binoculars. This will help you to see the vast birds Bwindi impenetrable forest has among other primates
- Gardening Gloves; these will help you when you a holding onto trees are branches through the trek.
- A rain coat; Since Bwindi impenetrable forest is rainforest, the rain is unpredictable so to be on a safer side, you will be required to carry along a coat.
- A mosquito Repellent; since it is a forest, it has different dangerous insects so its advisable to carry it along or wear it
- A sun screen; Well this is optional but depending on the season, it might get too hot and you end up getting sun burns on your skin so to avoid that, you will need a sun screen.
- You should not wear very bright colors since this will charge or scare away the gorillas.
- Black and Blue colors are also not recommended since they attract Tsetse flies So I would recommend neutral colors.
Best time to organize a mountain gorilla tour to Buhoma or Ruhija
Gorilla trekking in Ruhija and Buhoma is open for trekking all year round but it is also important to note that the forest is a tropical rain forest and can receive rain at any time. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.
Why book your mountain gorilla tour to Buhoma or Ruhija with Eco Adventure Safaris
Eco Adventure Safaris is a local tour operator in Uganda, we take pride in customizing tailor made safaris. It has a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 20minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences. There some Mountain Gorilla safari Package tours to Rushaga and these include; the 2 day Gorilla Fly in safari, the 3 day Gorilla Fly in safari, 4 Day Gorilla fly in safari, it all depends on your preference. Feel free to contact us about Compare gorilla trekking in Buhoma and Ruhija regions.