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.
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.
In Ruhija, two excellent accommodation options are Bakiga Lodge and Gorilla Mist Camp.
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.
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.