Ruhija sector

Ruhija sector is located in the Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the sector is home of Gorilla families Bitukura and Oruzogo family and all are available for tracking. The sector has another group called Kyaguriro family for research use. The region stands at an elevation of over 2350 meters above sea level making it the coldest area in Bwindi. The region offers excellent hiking opportunities and has charming trails for those interested in nature walks like the Rwamunyonyi peak. Other primates in Ruhija include monkeys, and mammals include elephants and antelopes.

About Gorilla Families in Ruhija sector

Bitukura Gorilla Family.

The family is located in Ruhija which is on the Eastern side of Bwindi, and the group was named after a river in the park because the group was first sighted near the river hence the name. Habituation of the group started in 2007, and the group was later opened up for tracking in October 2008. The rangers had been encountering the group previously during there habituation of the Kyaguriro group, and they were never hostile, and this made it easy for them to habituate the gorillas. They became accustomed to human company faster than other gorilla groups. This group is very peaceful and with little politics as compared to other gorilla families that are characterized with such. The group was made up of 24 members, but due to deaths and flights some members split up, the group is now made up of 14 members with 4 silverbacks, 4 adult females, 3 juveniles and 1 infant. The group is under the leadership of Ndahura know to be a peaceful leader.

Oruzogo family

The family was first opened for tracking in 2011, and after habituation, the group had 25 members with two silverbacks. At the moment the group comprises of 17 members with one silverback Tibirikwata the head of the family, 2 black backs, 7 females, 2 young adults and 5 infants. In the region, it has the highest number of members and it derives its name from a particular plant in the region near its home where it was first spotted. The group became famous in 2013 when its member gave birth to a set of twins a female by name Kankonda and this group is very playful making it a joy to watch to those visiting for Gorilla tracking.

Kyaruguriro Gorilla Family.

The group was habituated in 1999 and was set aside as a research group for those interested in research and habituation. The group was made up of 20 members with Rukina as the head silverback who later died after being struck by lightning. The group was left in the leadership of the immature mukiza in 2016, then fights erupted between Mukiza and Rukara which split the group into two Kyaguriro A and Kyaguriro B with A having 10 members and B having had 10 as well and also known as Mukiza Gorilla Family.

Fly to Kihihi airstrip and trek gorillas in Ruhija sector of Bwindi

Are you interested in Flying to Kihihi airstrip and trek gorillas in Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, yes this is very possible with Eco Adventure Safaris. Trekking mountain gorillas of Ruhija region of Bwindi impenetrable National Park will give you an opportunity to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi that is a given travel group alone or as an individual. You need a gorilla permit for you to trek mountain gorillas of Ruhija region of Bwindi impenetrable National Park 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.

Important things to consider when planning trek gorillas in Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Booking and securing your gorilla permit for Ruhija in advance

Ruhija sector has 32 gorilla permits available for sell every day. For you to trek Ruhija gorillas you will need to book your permit in advance so that you are assured of your spot for trekking the gorillas in this region. For you to block these permits you can either pay 100%, 70% or 30% in advance the total of each permit. Each gorilla permit 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. We recommend you block the 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. Contact us here for more details on how to book all gorilla permits for tracking Ruhija gorillas in advance to enable you trek gorillas in this region.

Booking your accommodation where to stay in Ruhija in advance

This is very important to consider when organizing to trek mountain gorillas of Ruhija region of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, for you to have a great experience and comfort during your safari it is great to stay in luxury accommodations but based on your budget you can opt to stay in budget accommodation options. Ruhija has few luxury lodge options include Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge and Bakiga Lodge. Budget options include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge and Ruhija Camp site among others. All these lodges have three meal plans when you book your safari with Encounter Africa Safaris, u a guaranteed a full board meal basis.

Comfortable travel to Ruhija

You should consider travelling in 4×4 Land cruisers this will give you comfort on the road to Ruhija. There is also an option of flying to Kihihi Airstrip which is close to Ruhija, 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 Ruhija.

What to wear during Gorilla Trekking in 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.

How to get Ruhija Sector for Gorilla Trekking

By Air: You can get to the Ruhija by air which is faster and less tiresome. Aero link is a domestic airline offering both schedule and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip from where you connect to Ruhija. There is no direct flight to Ruhija but you can be dropped off to Kihihi where you will be picked up by our professional guide and dropped at your lodge. The drive time from Kihihi to a nearby lodge is approximately 1 hour. Passengers are always required to check in 90minutes before the scheduled departure time on you flight. It is also important to note that aero links baggage is 15kilograms per person and an excess is charged at 3usd per kilo. There also private charters available for client’s that have different timing requirements and different routings too. You might also want to travel with your kids which are free for an infant below 2years old. Children above 12years are carried at 70% of the adults fare.

By Road: Ruhija can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Buhoma. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours drive.

Best time to trek mountain gorillas of Ruhija sector of Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Ruhija is located in Bwindi impenetrable forest 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 plan and book Trekking gorillas in Ruhija sector of Bwindi with Eco Adventure Safaris.

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing gorilla trekking safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda. We are also highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us about trekking gorillas in Ruhija of Bwindi.