Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija region of Bwindi from Lake Bunyonyi

Are you planning to stay at Lake Bunyonyi and you want to trek gorillas in Biwndi, Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija region of Bwindi from Lake Bunyonyi is the best option safari to do, Lake Bunyonyi is one of the coolest places located in southwestern Uganda close to Ruhija gorilla region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park between two districts of Kisoro and Kabale. It is situated at 1,962 m above sea level about 25km long and 7km wide. It is known to be the second deepest lake in Africa with a recorded depth of 144ft and 2952ft. It has 29 historical islands, with each island having its unique heritage attached to it. Lake Bunyonyi is also home to a variety of bird species making it one of the great places in Uganda to watch birds. Lake Bunyonyi has, for years, attracted many visitors because of its beauty, heritage, and the Local community leaving around it. Lake Bunyonyi has 29 recorded Islands, each with unique history and heritage attached to it. Of these Islands, the main Islands are more focused on than others, which include Bushara Island, Akampene Island, commonly known as the Punishment Island, Kyahugye Island, Bwama, and Njuyeera (Sharp’s Island) and Bucuranuka Island.

Ruhija region is one of the regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, It has different habituated gorilla families open for gorilla tracking experience. The region is commonly known for gorilla tracking, as well as cultural activities.  Ruhija sector has four Gorilla Families that is Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza and Kyaguriro. Bwindi Forest National Park is located in the south western part of Uganda sharing border with Congo. It is one of the only two national parks in Uganda where you can trek and see the magnificent Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat in the world. It is home to more than half of the only remaining Mountain Gorillas in the wild making it famous and best place to trek the Mountain Gorillas. It is approximately 2-3 hours’ drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Ruhija region of Bwindi and this gives you an opportunity to do different activities and return.

What are top activities to do in Ruhija Region of Bwindi from Lake Bunyonyi?

Gorilla trekking in Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park

Gorilla trekking is the main activity considered to do in Ruhija region of Bwindi impenetrable National Park from Lake Bunyonyi, you can do a return journey from Lake Bunyonyi to see gorillas in Ruhija and most of our clients have done it. Gorilla tracking refers to moving in the forest to see/view a given habituated mountain gorilla family. Gorilla trackers/advanced team/rangers use many signs and methods to trace these gorillas before gorilla trekking takes place, the trackers wakeup very early every morning and go to the forest in search for these mountain gorillas. They use natural means to track them like clapping, making wild sounds. Once they find them, then they will communicate to the park headquarters and it’s then the guides after briefing the visitors on dos and don’ts, they will start to walk and trek in the forest as they are directed by the trackers. This gives you 99% chances of seeing the gorillas in their natural environment in Bwindi.

The gorilla trekking permits costs USD700 per person for Non- Foreign Residents, USD600 for Foreign Residents and Uganda Shillings 250,000 per person for East African Citizen and allows you one hour of watching the gorillas once you find them. Uganda has half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world, it is such a life time experience to watch the endangered and rare mountain gorillas which have 95% DNA as human beings in Bwindi. The Mountain Gorillas in Uganda can be found in the hilly tropical forests in south western Uganda and you will be able to view the gorillas in their natural environment.

Forest walk and Nature walk

There are Guided walks which will introduce you to broad biodiversity with varied mammal species which include; primates like Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey, blue monkey baboon, while the black and white Columbus with its lovely flowing white tail is prominent. The shoddy trail will expose you to an array of butter fly species, species of moths, species of reptiles, tree species, the bamboo forest, flowers and many other attractions.

The Ruhija ridge top route offers visitors the insight of a deep valley containing the undisturbed rainforest as they watch the duikers, primates and both forest and grassland bird species. Visitors can also climb through the bamboo zone to find Afromontane vegetation and panoramic views towards Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.

Village and community Walks

Ruhija is a great place for  cultural and village walks and guests who are interested in visiting the local community, you can opt to visit a local school, a traditional local healer, a banana brewery or combine the community tour with a nature tour towards the forest. You will be able to see the dances, traditions, and culture of the local people.

Batwa Cultural experience

Ruhija region of Bwindi Forest National Park used to be inhabited by the Batwa people commonly referred to as the pygmies for many years until of recent when they were removed from the Bwindi Forest to the surrounding communities of Bwindi Forest National Park to ease mountain gorilla conservation and tourism. The cultural tour will give you an opportunity to see these pygmies used to spend their time in the forest, where they used to stay, how they used to harvest wild honey as well as hunting. They will show off their dances and explain how they have managed to settle and enjoy normal life outside the forest. You can as well visit the rest of the community in the out skirts of the forest, the women groups that do crafts and sell food, the community schools.

Where to stay in Ruhija region of Bwindi?

Ruhija region has variety of accommodation places to stay based on your budget structure, with a budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations facilities all available. Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija region of Bwindi from Lake Bunyonyi, For budget and camping Gorilla Mist Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages and Broadbill Tented Forest Camp while Mid-range accommodation there is Bakiga Lodge and Luxury accommodation option, you can stay at Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge. Some travelers opt to stay in hotels/ lodges/camps in Buhoma region of Bwindi impenetrable national Park which is very close to Ruhija sector.

Why book with us Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija region of Bwindi from Lake Bunyonyi

Eco Adventure Safaris is a local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe run and owned by Ugandans. We specialize in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and are registered by UTB (Uganda Tourism Board). We have a good and long working relationship with UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) and Local communities in Ruhija making it easy to book your cultural safari. Contact us here about booking Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija region of Bwindi from Lake Bunyonyi.