Booking Ruhija Gorilla Permits and Safari Holidays

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in Uganda, is a pristine and biodiverse paradise that harbors some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. To enhance administrative efficiency, the park is divided into four sections, with Ruhija being one of them. Ruhija lies in the eastern part of the Bwindi forest, a less-traveled area due to its challenging road network. However, for those planning a gorilla trekking safari, there are compelling reasons to choose Ruhija as their permit preference.

Ruhija is home to several gorilla families, including Kyaguriro Family, Mukiza family, Bitukura Family, and Butukura Family. Each day, 32 gorilla permits for the Ruhija area are available for public booking. To secure these permits, it’s crucial to follow a systematic process.

How to Book Ruhija Gorilla Permits and Safari Holiday

1. Choose Your Date: Start by identifying the day you wish to embark on your gorilla safari and determine the number of gorilla permits you need. Make sure to have a preferred date in mind.
2. Contact an Accredited Tour Operator: Reach out to a reputable tour operator, such as Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd or the Uganda Wildlife Authority, to inquire about permit availability. Specify that you prefer the Ruhija area for your permit and provide reasons for your preference if necessary.
3. Permit Availability Check: A safari consultant will verify the availability of gorilla permits for your chosen date based on the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s listing. It’s essential to understand that no permits are reserved without payment.
4. Payment and Reservation: As permits are limited to a maximum of 8 per family, they are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Given the high demand, particularly during peak seasons like June, July, August, September, December, and January, it’s crucial to purchase your permit promptly upon approval to secure your spot.
5. Provide Personal Details: Forward your personal information, including your full name as it appears on your passport, nationality, date of birth, and passport expiry date. These details are essential for identification on the day of the trek and for completion of your gorilla trekking certificate.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in the Ruhija Area

Gorilla permits in the Ruhija area are priced as follows:

• $800 per person per trek for foreign nonresidents
• $700 for foreign residents
• 300,000 shillings for East Africans

The cost of a gorilla permit includes various components such as ranger guide service fees, park entrance fees for the trekking day, security during gorilla trekking, support for the local community, mountain gorilla conservation efforts, a certificate after the gorilla trek, and one hour spent with the mountain gorillas. However, it’s important to note that the permit cost does not cover transportation to the gorilla safari destination, accommodation, snacks, or other personal expenses.

Tailored Gorilla Safari Packages

Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd offers the convenience of customizing your gorilla safari. We will you assist in reserving accommodations, providing driver guide services, and more. This service streamlines the process of creating a gorilla safari package that aligns with your holiday duration and budget, alleviating the need to coordinate various elements separately.

Best Time to Book a Gorilla Safari in Ruhija Area

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including the Ruhija area, is available throughout the year. However, the dry season, which typically runs in June, July, August, September, December, and January, is the preferred time for most tourists. During this period, road access to Ruhija is more feasible, although a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition is necessary due to the rough road.

The dry season offers several advantages, including lower precipitation levels, increased sun exposure within the forest, and heightened activity among primates, including mountain gorillas. Additionally, there are more opportunities for birdwatching, as birds are more active during this season.

On the other hand, the wet season (March, April, May, and November) sees fewer visitors, making it more likely that you’ll have the gorilla trekking experience to yourself. Some service providers may also offer discounts during the wet season. However, it’s essential to reserve your gorilla permit well in advance, as permits are limited for conservation purposes.

When to Book a Gorilla Permit for the Ruhija Area

For the peak gorilla trekking season, it’s advisable to book your ruhija gorilla permits 6 months to a year in advance. This ensures that you secure a permit for your preferred date and location. During the low season, booking at least 3 months before your trekking date is recommended. Last-minute permits may be available during the low season, but they are not guaranteed.

Area-Specific Permits

Gorilla permits are specific to the area and family you intend to visit. It’s important to note that you cannot possess a Ruhija gorilla permit and hope to trek gorillas in another area of the park. Each area has its designated gorilla families, and there is a cap on the number of trekkers per family to ensure conservation.

Before reserving accommodation in a particular area, confirm that your permit corresponds to that area. While Ruhija is 2 hours away from the Buhoma area, the gorilla trekking areas within Bwindi forest are quite distant from one another. Traveling between them often requires early departures and careful planning due to various potential obstacles.

Accommodation Options for Gorilla Safari in Ruhija Area

While Ruhija has limited accommodation choices, you can opt to spend the night in the nearby Buhoma area, approximately 42 kilometers away, which takes about 2 hours to reach the briefing point. Accommodation options in Ruhija and Buhoma include:

Ruhija Area Accommodations:

• Ruhija Gorilla Lodge
• Broadbill Camp
• Chameleon’s Lodge

Buhoma Accommodations:

• Gorilla Forest Camp
• Gorilla Resort
• Engage Lodge
• Mahogany Springs

When staying in Buhoma but trekking gorillas in Ruhija, it’s essential to arrange for a transfer vehicle to take you to the Ruhija ranger station. Gorilla trekking typically starts at 0745 hours, so arriving on time for the briefing is crucial.

How to Reach Ruhija Area

There are two primary ways to access the Ruhija area:

By Road:

• The road to Ruhija can be accessed from Kampala to Kabale and then to Ruhija. The road conditions are challenging, so a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle is necessary.
• The drive from Kampala to Kabale is approximately 414 kilometers, followed by a 47-kilometer journey from Kabale to Ruhija, taking close to 3 hours.

By Air:

• Daily flights operate from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip. From there, you’ll need a transfer vehicle to reach your lodge.
• Charter flight services are also available at Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi, but advanced booking is required to secure necessary clearances.

Duration of Gorilla Trekking in the Ruhija Area

The duration of gorilla trekking in Ruhija, as in other areas, varies and is not easily determined. Mountain gorillas move freely in the wilderness, and locating them depends on multiple factors, including weather conditions, the availability of gorilla food, gorilla behavior, the trekking pace, and more. Some trekkers have been fortunate to find mountain gorillas within two hours, while others have spent the majority of the day in the forest.

Gorilla trekking in Ruhija often involves navigating a volcanic topography with ridges and plateaus. Trekkers may be required to hike to find the gorillas. It’s advisable to be physically fit, and hiring a porter to carry your belongings can help alleviate fatigue. For those with physical disabilities, sedan chairs and assistance for movement into the forest are available.

Likelihood of Finding Mountain Gorillas in Ruhija Area

Finding mountain gorillas in Ruhija is highly probable, as these primates tend to occupy specific areas for extended periods. Mountain gorillas are habituated to human presence, and upon encountering them, they typically continue with their usual activities, such as feeding. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the rules of gorilla trekking, as families maintain a watchful eye and are alert to visitors.

Each day, a team of trackers precedes gorilla trekking groups to locate the gorillas and provide information to the ranger guides. This tracking ensures a smoother trekking experience for tourists. In the rare event that you do not encounter mountain gorillas, Uganda Wildlife Authority has a refund policy in place, offering a 75% refund of the total gorilla permit cost.

Safety during Gorilla Trekking in the Ruhija Area

Gorilla trekking in the Ruhija area, like other sections of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is generally safe. Tourists are accompanied by experienced ranger guides armed with machetes and, in some cases, rifles. The guides ensure the safety and well-being of trekking groups, maintaining constant radio communication with the ranger station for backup if necessary.

Park security teams collaborate with other security agencies in the region to maintain law and order around the park. It’s important to exercise personal security precautions, such as not entering the park without an escorting ranger guide, to avoid potential harm from other wildlife in the forest.

Additionally, it’s advisable not to display large amounts of money in public during gorilla trekking, as it can attract unwanted attention.