Gorilla families and gorilla permits in Ruhija sector

November 21, 2019

Gorilla Families and Gorilla Permits in Ruhija Sector.

Bwindi Forest National Park is located in the southern part of Uganda sharing border with Congo. It is one of the only two national parks in Uganda where you can trek and see the magnificent Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat in the world. It is home to more than half of the only remaining Mountain Gorillas in the wild making it famous and best place to trek the Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Forest National park is divided into different sections/sectors where you can do the Gorilla tracking experience. Bwindi Forest National Park has different habituated gorilla families open for gorilla tracking experience, each gorilla family has different gorilla individuals, and each gorilla family is headed and controlled by the dominant male gorilla the Silverback, a gorilla family is made up of approximately 18 individuals. For you to go on the trek, you are required to have a Gorilla permit valid for trekking that day. Gorilla permits are limited in number per day given it is only 8 people allowed to trek per gorilla family per day in Bwindi Forest National Park. Ruhija sector has four Gorilla Families that is Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza and Kyaguriro all families are open for Gorilla tracking however for you to secure a spot for trekking you will need to book in advance given there are only 32 Gorilla permits available in Ruhija Sector every day in Bwindi Forest National Park.

Why book your Gorilla trek in Ruhija sector, Bwindi Forest National Park.

The advantage of Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija sector Bwindi Forest National park is its terrain which is not too hilly and steep compared to Rushaga and Nkuringo in Bwindi Forest National Park. This makes it a perfect place for aged travellers as well the less fit travellers. Ruhija as well has a variety of Budget Lodges that are affordable to stay at for accommodation and Camping groups during your Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National park, making it easier for travellers most of these accommodations are very close to the starting point of Gorilla trekking at Ruhija sector in Bwindi Forest National Park. As well when you decide to do the trek in Ruhija sector apart from Gorilla Trekking, there are many other activities you can do apart from Gorilla trekking including Birding tours, Nature walk, Primate Walk and Batwa Cultural walk experience which are all pocket friendly.

Gorilla permits the eastern sector Bwindi Forest National Park.

As of now a Gorilla permit for the non-residents costs USD600 per person, residents USD500 and East African Citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan) the Gorilla permit costs SHS 250,000, per person and this gives you one hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas once you find them on the trek in Bwindi Forest National Park. These permits are only issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority a government body under the Ministry of Tourism Uganda. Gorilla permits will change to a new price as reviewed and passed out by Uganda Wildlife Authority starting next year on 1st July 2020. A Gorilla permit for the non-residents will increase to USD700 per person, residents to USD600 and East African Citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan) the Gorilla permit will remain the same at SHS 250,000. When you book with us a full tour package, Encounter Africa safaris staff will help you all through the process to secure your gorilla permit in advance starting from checking availability, booking the permit tentatively on the system to purchasing it for you once you have made the payment, after this, the staff will send you a scanned copy of your permit for your records and perusal.

Gorilla Families in Ruhija sector Bwindi Forest National Park.

Ruhija sector has four Gorilla Families open for tracking in Bwindi Forest National Park and these include

Oruzogo Gorilla Family.

This Gorilla Family is comprised of more than 23 Mountain Gorillas with two Silverback, Oruzogo gorilla family in Ruhija sector Bwindi Forest National Park is one of the newly habituated gorilla group open for Gorilla trekking. It is made up of many juveniles and toddlers who are at times playful and interactive when tourists visit this group making a visit to this group exciting. Like other groups, you will need a gorilla permit in advance for you to be part of the 8 group members to visit this group every day.

Bitukura Gorilla Family.

Bitukura gorilla family is composed of 14 members with two Silverback. The Bitukura group was named after a river where the family members were first sighted. The habituation of this group that started in July 2007 was a relatively straightforward process as the gorillas were already frequently encountered by the UWA rangers. Although the habituation process usually takes a minimum of two years, this group could already be visited by tourists within 15 months after the start.

Kyaguriro Gorilla Family.

The Kyaguriro Gorilla family was habituated back in 1999, and it was reserved for research and study on Gorilla tourism in Bwindi Forest National Park, which later was opened for gorilla trekking. Up to now, it is being tracked normally like other gorilla families. This group is made up of more than 15 mountain gorillas with two silverbacks. This is a unique gorilla family in Bwindi Forest National Park due to its extended support to Mountain Gorilla research and conservation in the Great Virunga ranges a home of the only remaining mountain Gorillas in the whole world in their natural habitat.

Mukiza Gorilla Family.

Mukiza Gorilla Family is the recently added Gorilla family to the groups in Ruhija sector, this gorilla family formed after it split from Kyaguriro gorilla family. This group is comprised of more than 10 Mountain Gorillas with one Silverback. Despite its break off from the Kyaguriro group, this group is as well open for gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector Bwindi Forest National park.

How to get to Ruhija sector Bwindi Forest National park

Ruhija sector can be accessed by road transport from either Kigali, Kampala or Entebbe. You will drive through Kabale Town then branch off the main highway of Kabale-Kisoro, you will drive to Ruhija sector on a murram road which most times requires a 4×4 wheel drive car to make the drive easier given the road is quite bumpy and when it rains it is slippery.

By Air transport you can get to Ruhija sector with a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip located in Kisoro District or Kihihi Airstrip located in Kanungu district, it is 2-3 hours drive from both the Airstrips.

Where to Stay in Ruhija Sector Bwindi Forest National Park.

There are many accommodation places to stay based on your budget, with a budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations all available. For budget and camping Gorilla Mist Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages and Broadbill Tented Forest Camp while Mid-range accommodation we have Bakiga Lodge and Luxury accommodation we have Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Encounter Africa safaris operates Gorilla day trips to Ruhija Sector Bwindi Forest National Park as well as other national parks and exciting tourists sites all over Uganda and Rwanda. It’s a matter of sending us an email, and we will plan for you accordingly. Encounter Africa Safaris is highly reviewed on trip advisor and Safari bookings. You too can be part of our happy family by booking a safari with us.