Packing List for Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija Sector
The Ruhija sector is on the eastern side of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It’s close to Buhoma and Kabale and offers a beautiful landscape with high hills and endless forest views, stretching to the Virunga mountains. Standing at over 2,500 meters, Ruhija has incredible scenery and unique wildlife. It even has the highest point in Bwindi, Rwamunyonyi Peak, also called the “hill of many birds.” Here, you’ll find a big swamp, and it’s the coldest spot in the forest. Ruhija is also special because it’s the only part of the park where elephants live, along with monkeys, antelopes, and three gorilla families that have been fully habituated for trekking. Although Ruhija has fewer gorilla permits available (16 per day), it’s quieter and less crowded, making it a great choice for a peaceful experience. Additionally, it’s close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which adds variety to your safari.
For anyone planning to trek gorillas, the excitement of securing a gorilla permit is indescribable. But you must prepare well for this unique adventure. Gorilla trekking requires specific items; it’s different from a regular safari. The rule to remember is to pack “right” and “light” for a comfortable experience. Here’s a full list of what to pack for your gorilla trekking safari.
Essential Items
- Gorilla Permit: This is the most important item. Without it, you can’t go trekking. To avoid issues, make sure you secure your permit early. Iconic Africa Safaris holds gorilla permits on behalf of their guests to prevent loss, and your driver or guide will keep it safe until the start of your trek.
- Passport and Visa: Having a gorilla permit isn’t enough. If you need a visa to enter Uganda, ensure you have it, and your passport should be valid for at least six months from your entry date.
- Waterproof Backpack: A good backpack will help you carry important items like your camera, binoculars, permit, lunch, and snacks. Iconic Africa Safaris can help arrange a simple waterproof bag if you don’t have one.
- Waterproof Hiking Boots: Strong, waterproof boots are essential for trekking in the jungle, where paths can be muddy and slippery, especially in the rainy season. Sneakers aren’t recommended as they’re unsuitable for rough terrain.
- Gaiters or Long Socks: These will protect your legs from safari ants. Before the trek, your ranger will ask you to tuck your pants into your socks or wear gaiters.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: It can rain anytime in the forest, even in the dry season, so a lightweight rain jacket or poncho is essential.
- Sweater: Mornings and evenings are cold in Ruhija, so a warm sweater or scarf is necessary. This is especially helpful during the rainy season.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt/Blouse: At least one or two long-sleeved shirts will protect you from thorny plants and insects during the trek. Long sleeves also provide extra warmth in the chilly morning hours.
- Long Trousers: Long pants will protect your legs from stinging plants and insects in the jungle. Avoid heavy jeans, as they get uncomfortable when wet.
- Shorts: You may want shorts to relax in when back at the lodge.
- Pajamas: It can get cold at night in Bwindi, so bring pajamas for extra warmth.
- Money Belt: This is useful for carrying cash if you plan to buy souvenirs or tip your guides.
- Garden Gloves: Gloves are useful as you may need to support yourself on tree branches or vines. The gloves will protect your hands from scratches.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunglasses with a neck strap, a wide-brimmed hat, and sun cream to protect against sunburn.
- Sandals: Comfortable sandals, like Teva, are good for relaxing in the evening or for village walks.
- Snacks and Water: Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, so energy snacks are essential. You can buy them from local stores. Also, bring plenty of bottled water, which is often available at your lodge.
- Swimsuit: Some lodges have swimming pools, so pack a swimsuit if you’d like to swim.
- Underwear: You may need to wash these yourself, as many lodges don’t have laundry services for personal items.
Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija Sector
Ruhija, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is home to three fully habituated gorilla families: the Bitukura family, the Oruzogo family, and the Kyaguriro group. The Kyaguriro group is reserved for research purposes, and special permission is required from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to trek this family. Daily trekking permits are limited to 16, with eight trekkers per family, excluding the Kyaguriro group. Each permit costs $800, and booking in advance is highly recommended.
Trekking to find the gorillas can take up to six hours, but the experience of seeing these gentle giants is worth the effort. Bwindi is not only home to mountain gorillas but also several other primate species, such as red-tailed monkeys, colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. A guided forest walk can give you a chance to spot these creatures in their natural habitat. These guided walks usually take around two hours and are a fantastic way to explore the forest, where you’ll also find unique plants, butterflies, and birds. Bwindi hosts about 350 bird species, with 14 found nowhere else in Uganda.
Where to Stay
In Ruhija, two excellent accommodation options are Bakiga Lodge and Gorilla Mist Camp.
- Bakiga Lodge: This eco-lodge sits overlooking a beautiful valley and offers fantastic views of lush, green landscapes. Bakiga Lodge has ten spacious, self-contained cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom and a private balcony. The lodge is a non-profit, with proceeds going toward the Bakiga Community Project, which supports the local community.
- Gorilla Mist Camp: This camp provides stunning views of the six Virunga peaks. The lodge has five grass-thatched luxurious bandas, blending beautifully with nature. It also offers three tented rooms, all self-contained with solar electricity and running water. The main building includes a bar, library, lounge, dining area, fireplace, and a balcony.
When to Visit
The best time for Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija Sector is during Uganda’s dry seasons, from June to August and December to February. These months have less rainfall, making trekking easier. However, as Ruhija has an equatorial climate, rain can happen anytime. The rainy or low season runs from March to May and September to November. Trekking can be more challenging during these months, but visiting in the rainy season may come with the advantage of lower accommodation rates.
How to get there
From Kampala, it takes about 9 hours to drive to the Ruhija sector, depending on road conditions. The fastest way to reach Ruhija is by flying from Kampala or Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip, which takes around 1.5 hours. Flights are available in the morning but depend on the weather. From Kihihi, it takes around 1-2 hours by car to reach your lodge, depending on its location.
For all your arrangements for Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija Sector, Iconic Africa Safaris will always assist in planning your gorilla trekking adventure, including permits, flights, and accommodations. They provide expert guidance and ensure a smooth, memorable safari experience in Ruhija.
