What to expect during Gorilla trekking in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in the Ruhija Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience, here is what to expect during Gorilla trekking in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi:

1. Preparation and Briefing: Before the trek, you’ll receive a briefing from park rangers about the rules and regulations, safety precautions, and what to expect during the trek.
2. Early Morning Start: Gorilla trekking usually starts early in the morning. You’ll meet at the Uganda Wildlife Authority Ruhija park headquarters where you’ll be assigned to a gorilla group and allocated a guide.
3. Hiking through Dense Forest: Ruhija Sector is known for its dense, misty forests. You’ll embark on a trek through sometimes steep and rugged terrain. The trek can vary in duration and difficulty depending on the location of the gorilla group you are assigned to.
4. Wildlife Encounters: While trekking, you may encounter other wildlife species such as monkeys, birds, and small mammals. Your guide will provide information about the flora and fauna of the forest.
5. Meeting the Gorillas: Once the gorilla group is located, you’ll spend up to one hour observing and photographing them from a safe distance. You’ll have the opportunity to witness their behavior, interactions, and daily activities, such as feeding and grooming.
6. Respectful Behavior: It’s essential to maintain a respectful distance from the gorillas and follow the guidelines provided by the park rangers to minimize disturbance to the animals and ensure their safety.
7. Memorable Experience: Gorilla trekking in Ruhija Sector offers a rare opportunity to come face to face with one of the world’s most endangered species in its natural habitat. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience that leaves a lasting impression.
8. Environmental Conservation: Your gorilla trekking permit fees contribute to the conservation of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the protection of its gorilla population, helping to ensure their survival for future generations.

Remember to pack essentials such as sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, rain gear, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Additionally, hiring a porter to assist you during the trek is recommended, as they can help carry your belongings and provide support along the trail.

About Ruhija Sector and what to expect during Gorilla trekking in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi.

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. Ruhija sector has 32 gorilla permits available per day for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

Important things to consider when planning Gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector of Bwindi.

Booking your gorilla permits in advance for trekking in Ruhija sector

When planning Gorilla trekking in Bwindi starting from Ruhija we recommend booking Ruhija gorilla permits atleast 3 to 4 month prior your gorilla safari date. Even though gorilla permits are always available during the low season we recommend you book in advance to avoid missing out on the last minute and inconveniences. You need a gorilla permit to be allowed to trek mountain gorillas in Ruhija, this costs USD800 for Foreign nonresidents, USD700 for Foreign residents, USD500 Rest of Africans and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens and this gives an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.

Booking accommodation in Ruhija

This is very important to consider planning a budget gorilla trip to Ruhija during high season, for you to have a great experience and comfort during your safari it is great to stay in luxury accommodations. Ruhija has few luxury lodge options which include Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge and Bakiga Lodge mid-range but offering luxury services as well, this thus forces many trekking Ruhija and interested in sleeping in luxury lodges to opt to stay in nearby lodges in Buhoma such as Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany springs and Silverback Lodge among others

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 in Bwindi

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.

Why book Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija Sector Through Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor-made safaris. It has a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 20 minutes 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. Feel free to contact us here about what to expect during Gorilla trekking in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi.