What is it like to combine gorilla trekking and forest walks in Ruhija

The combination of gorilla trekking and forest walks in Ruhija area which is in eastern part Bwindi Impenetrable National Park immerses you in the natural aromas of this prehistoric forest. Ruhija area is one of the famous four areas under which Bwindi forest is divided.

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The gorilla families of Ruhija sector include Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguliro A or B and others. Even though overtimes the roads leading this Ruhija sector have been quite inaccessible, there is so much to enjoy in this Bwindi Area.

Ruhija sector of Bwindi can also be accesses via Buhoma area headquarters via the ridge top route and taking this way gives you chance to watch amazing sceneries including deep valleys. By pass untamed forest cover with chances of spotting other primates, duikers and more.

For keen birders, Ruhija area of Bwindi offers you better opportunities identifying a wide range of birds including Albertine rift endemics. Bwindi forest hosts over 350 bird species but Ruhija area is the birder’s haven. When you take a hike to the Mubwindi swamp, there are several birds to identify.

When in Ruhija area of Bwindi forest, and you hike to the bamboo zone where you get to find Afromontane vegetation and enjoy great views of Mafuga forest and Lake Bunyonyi.

For guided forest walks in Ruhija area, you may come across other primates including olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, blue monkeys and more. Even a gorilla family may show up during the forest walk. Expect an array of forest birds any time in Ruhija area of Bwindi during forest walks. Contact us for more information.

How to book Gorilla Trekking Permits for Ruhija area

In case your particular with booking Ruhija gorilla trekking permits, you need to inform the safari consultant you are dealing with in advance so that guidance can be given. There are more chances of succeeding in booking the Ruhija gorilla permits or any other when done in advance. Over time the gorilla permit availability gets scarce.

Check gorilla permit availability according to the date of your choice and number of desired permits. In case you have no specific reason for choosing the dates for booking the gorilla safari it is more practical to leave allowance for a slight shift in the dates. At this the gorilla permits sell out but in case your gorilla permit dates are flexible, this can be fixed.

Reserve the gorilla trekking permits as soon as availability is found. This is because the permit status changes any time without warning since first come first served criteria is used to reserve them.

No gorilla permit is reserved without payment which you can do fully or in instalments of 305 and 70 % terms and conditions apply.

Forward your personal details to be added to the gorilla permit card that is full names as presented on the passport, nationality, date of birth and more.

Cost of Gorilla Permits for Ruhija area

The cost of gorilla permit for Ruhija area is $800 for international nonresidents, $700 for international residents, $500 other Africans, 300000shs for East Africans.

The cost of the gorilla trekking permit includes one hour with the mountain gorillas, conservation fees, security fees, ranger guide fees and more.

Cost of guided forest walks in Ruhija area

Currently the cost of a guided forest walk in Bwindi is $30 for foreign non residents , $15 for foreign residents and 10000shs for east Africans.

Note that you need to pay conservation fees / park entrance fees as its  compulsory for every tourists visit the Uganda National Parks. Park entrance fees for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are currently $40 per person.

You may carry some hard cash to tip your ranger guide as a token of appreciation and a way to encourage them to do better.

Where To Do And What To See On The Guided Forest Walk in Ruhija area.

Bamboo trail guided walk in Ruhija goes to the 2607 meters high Rwamunyonyi peak where several birds can be spotted. Do not forget to carry a pair of binoculars for a closer view of the resident birds of Ruhija area.

The Mubwindi swamp walk heads to the swampy area with more chances of spotting even the rarest birds species on the IUCN redlist.

Tis trail descends into jagged highlands and as you emerge, a stunning sight of the serried forest canopy comes into view. Amazing views of mountain Muhavura come into view with other Virunga volcanoes.

Keen birds have great chances of spotting birds including red-chested flufftail, African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Wabler, Carruther’s cisticola and more.

Several primates can be spotted in the forest including olive baboons, blue monkeys and more, Duikers, giant forest hogs, forest elephants may come into view too.

Which is the easiest gorilla family to trek in Ruhija area of Bwindi

No matter which gorilla family you are allocated to trek in Ruhija area, the experience is amazing and varies. Ruhija sector hosts gorilla families including, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguriro and more. Each gorilla family is unique with different traits and when in their company, you get to watch the way they conduct their daily life then make a comparison with human behavior.

Note that the gorilla family that was noted to be closer the previous day, may retreat into the deepest forest ends the next day. This is why you are requested to have an open mind when allocated a gorilla family so that you do not kill the vibe of taking the gorilla trekking tour.

The one hour allowed with the mountain gorillas gives you a glimpse into the daily life of these gentle giants.

How easy or difficult is gorilla trekking and forest walks in Rujiha area

Compared to other sectors of Bwindi, the gorilla and forest walks of Ruhija area are quite steep because of the ridges and deep valleys in this area. You need to hike to some of the starting points heading where the gorilla family was last seen.

Along the way, you may cross some rivers, streams, by pass falls and other water sources. The trails are often obstructed by draping vines or creepers and more.

No matter the challenges you may encounter, finding the mountain gorillas is an thrilling moment and you may forget the challenges passed through during the search. Admiring the untamed free life of these gentle giants is irresistible. Use the camera-eye tactic when with the gorillas to avoid missing out on amazing moments with the gorillas.

What Accommodation To Use In Ruhija Area

The accommodations to available in Ruhija include Ruhija Gorilla lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Guest house, Ruhija Gorilla Tours hotel, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Bakiga Lodge, BroadBill Forest Camp and more.

Even though there are limited options of accommodations in Ruhija area, there are more accommodations in Buhoma area.

How to get to Ruhija area

From Kampala or Entebbe, you can get to Ruhija area using  Kampala to Kabale to Ruhija. The road heading to Ruhija is still in poor condition.

The distance from Kampala to Ruhija area is about 461 kilometers for about 8 to 9 hours without stopovers.

When you use the Buhoma Route the distance is about 509 kilometers but the road is still rough.

Charter flights and daily domestic flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kihihi are available but you need to hire a transfer to your lodge. The distance from Kihihi airstrip to Ruhija area is about 2 to 3 hours.

Best time to do gorilla trekking and nature walks in Ruhija area

The dry season is the best time to do a gorilla trekking and guided nature walks in Ruhija area. Note that generally, Bwindi forest receives untimely rains that leave the ground wet most of the time and hill tops misty.

During the dry season that is June to October and December to January, the humidity od Bwindi forest is usually lower as more sunlight sips through the leafy forest to ground. The rivers flow within normal course too.

The mountain gorillas and other forest inhabitants are full of life and are quicker to spot. The mountain gorillas keep closer to the ground most of the day giving you chance to get to them with less difficulty most of the time.

There are more tourists on ground so expect obstruction while watching the mountain gorillas.

The wet season must not be ignored when planning the gorilla trekking safari to Ruhija area because for keen birder, the start of this season is perfect timing to do both gorilla trekking and birding. The wet season is normally March to May, and late October to November.

Chances of taking an unplanned solo gorilla trek in Ruhija area are more common since there are few tourists visiting Uganda in this season. Get intouch for more information.

Are gorilla trekking and forest walks in Ruhija area safe

In general Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is safe to visit inclusive of Ruhija area. On ground are professional ranger guides from Uganda Wildlife authority who work diligently to preserve and protect the inhabitants of Bwindi. The security service is extended to visitors of Bwindi forest.

Every gorilla safari or forest walk must be in company of a ranger guide and a tourism police officer with a rifle.

Attending briefing before the gorilla trek or nature walk is compulsory and its from here that detailed information about what is expected of tourists is communicated.

The mountain gorilla families opened to the public are first habituated for a period until proved ready. The gorilla habituation period allows the mountain gorillas to get used to human presence without altering their nature. This is why gorilla can spend one hours with humans.

Personal security is very important so do not provoke the mountain gorillas or tease other forest inhabitants because they can charge. Do not try to deviate from the rules of gorilla trekking or instructions of the ranger guides during eth forest walk because you can cause a stampede in the forest. Take care of your belongings too so that you loose none on the way.

On ground are other Uganda security agencies on standby to offer extra support to the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers in case of an emergency.

What is the age limit for gorilla trekking and nature walks in Ruhija area

12 years and over is the age limit for gorilla trekking in Ruhija. Visiting the mountain gorillas has some rules which children under this age may be incapable of adhering to. Even the time of finding the mountain gorillas may not favor the children who get tired fast.

For nature walks, no age limit especially the short time walks but children need to be in company of a responsible adult. Do brief the children about what they can expect during the forest walk so that they not caught off guard.

The natures walks in Bwindi forest with children allows them to enjoy nature and get the chance to appreciate the ecosystem at an early age.

Can I Use The gorilla permit for Ruhija area to trek gorillas in another area.

When booked to do gorilla trekking in Ruhija area, you need to get to the ranger station of this area. Chances of switching to do gorilla trekking in another Bwindi forest area may not be accepted especially in the peak season when permits sell out.

Bwindi gorilla permits are booked according to four areas under which the park is divided that si Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Nkuringo and Rushaga in the southern part. At the moment Bwindi has about 19 gorilla trekking families and four gorilla habituation Experience families that live in different parts of the forest.

Ensure to reserve accommodation within or closer to Ruhija area so that you can get to the briefing point in time. When you spend the night before the gorilla trek in another area, you may need to drive in the dark to get to the area indicated on the gorilla permit. There are several obstacles you may encounter along the way including cutoff roads, foggy atmosphere and more.

Contact us for more information.