Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Tours from Entebbe, Guide, Cost, & Bwindi

Starting your Ruhija gorilla trekking tours from Entebbe marks the first steps to embarking on a journey to watch the mountain gorillas. Entebbe is the main entry point into Uganda, home to the largest population of mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking tours in the Ruhija sector allow you to explore the habituated groups of mountain gorillas in the Eastern Bwindi. Visitors embark on a scenic 9-hour drive to reach Ruhija. Gorilla treks in Ruhija offer guided foot-walk and you can be led by an experienced guide.

A long day trek with Ruhija mountain gorillas begins at around 8:00am and can extend 2 to 6 hours. The thrilling adventure in the jungle includes an hour up close with a group of Ruhija mountain gorillas.

The one hour is essential for you to observe how gorillas behave, their unique body gestures, and also to take pictures.

Ultimate Guide to Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Tours from Entebbe

The cost of Ruhija gorilla permits

Visiting Ruhija mountain gorillas is possible, but you should have a gorilla permit. Each permit costs US Dollars 800 per person if you are an international tourist (foreign non-resident).

US Dollars 700 per visitor under the category of foreign residents, while East African citizens can book their gorilla permits at US Dollars 300,000.

Ruhija & Its Gorilla Families

The gorilla family groups to track in the Ruhija sector include Mukiza gorilla family, Bitukura group, Kyaguriro group, and Oruzogo family. Each of these habituated gorilla groups has its own composition, unique stories, and a lot more to share.

Gorilla trekking in Ruhija and altitude

Ruhija is located at an altitude of 2340 to 2650m. It is the coldest part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and also offers breathtaking views of the nearby Virunga Mountains. It is one of the most preferred regions or sectors for mountain gorilla trekking adventures.

Best Time to go for Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Tours

Ruhija mountain gorilla trekking safaris and tours can be organized at any time of the year. But the peak dry season/months offer excellent weather conditions and start from June to September, then from December to February.

These peak dry months are characterized by low rainfall, with the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest floor kept relatively drier and easier to access.

The weather conditions during the dry season are far better than the peak wet or rainy season. The rainy or low months experience heavy rainfall, and the ground tends to be slippery to navigate through.

As per the travel calendar of Uganda, the peak wet or rainy months fall around March up to May, & (from October to November).

Add-ons to Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Tours

Birding

Ruhija sector in Eastern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is most popular for its rewarding birding expeditions. A guided birding tour along the Ruhija allows you to search for birds such as the brown capped weaver bird, African green broadbill, grey-throated barbets, short-tailed warblers, black bee-eaters,

African goshawks, African shrike flycatchers, Rwenzori batis, and mountain masked apalis. Ruhija is also popular for birds such as Shelley’s greenbul, snowy crowned robin chat, purple-breasted sunbird, Kivu ground thrush, red-chested flufftail, and more.

Nature walk excursions

An addition of a guided nature walk rewards you with amazing sightings of Ruhija’s hidden wonders. This is an on-foot walk experience, a great opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the jungle.

Nature walks offer incredible encounters with l’hoest monkeys, birds, butterflies, and other species. The rewarding nature walking trails to explore in Ruhija include bamboo and Mubwindi swamp trails.

Batwa visit

A cultural experience in the Batwa pygmy community is a perfect addition to the gorilla trekking adventure. Expect to interact with the Batwa pygmies, a few indigenous people who still exist in Uganda.

The Batwa resided in the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for decades before they were displaced. They moved out of the forest when Bwindi was declared a National Park in 1991.

What to pack for the Ruhija gorilla safari tour

Only essential items are recommended to be included on your packing list. They include a waterproof rain jacket, insect repellents, a daypack, a facemask, gardening gloves, and a safari hat.

Get long-sleeved shirts, a camera with extra batteries, waterproof walking boots, and sunscreen. Visitors also require a valid visa, bottled water, snacks, a pair of binoculars, a sweater, and a walking stick.

Ruhija and its Accommodation

The Ruhija sector comprises budget, midrange, and luxury lodges. These are located in and around the sector, offering comfortable avenues for visitors to retire for a night.

They include Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort & Campsite, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Cuckooland Tented Lodge, Agandi Uganda Eco Lodge, Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Bakiga Lodge.

How to reach Ruhija –Bwindi

By road, expect to drive for 8-9 hours from Entebbe via Masaka-Mbarara city to Ruhija sector. A 4×4 safari car is suitable for visitor connectivity by road from Entebbe.

By air, you can take a flight for about and expect to spend at least 2 hours to reach Kihihi Airstrip. At Kihihi, meet the driver guide for you to be transferred up to the Ruhija region.

The Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Itinerary/Package

4-Day Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Tour from Entebbe serves best for you to explore the gorillas. With our captivating 4-Day gorilla tour, expect to enjoy mountain gorilla treks and cultural experience. The breakdown of this gorilla safari package runs as follows;

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Hotel for your Ruhija Gorilla Tour

Day 2: Drive from Entebbe to Ruhija in Bwindi

Day 3: Enjoy the Ruhija gorilla trekking & Batwa cultural tour

Day 4: Return from Ruhija to Entebbe City

Detailed 4-Day Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Tour from Entebbe

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Hotel for your Ruhija Gorilla Tour

This day is mainly dedicated for you to take a flight from your home country to Entebbe City. Meet our company representative for you to be transferred to the nearby hotel property in Entebbe town. Have adequate time at the hotel and also a quick briefing from our staff.

Day 2: Drive from Entebbe to Ruhija in Bwindi

Today, you will meet the driver guide after you have had breakfast. Later, expect to depart for Ruhija in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Drive for about 8-9 hours or opt for a flight from Entebbe International Airport up to Kihihi Airstrip.

Arrive at Ruhija early so you can check into your respective accommodation options. Have a great time at the gorilla lodges and organize your things for the actual trekking session the following day.

Day 3: Enjoy the Ruhija gorilla trekking & Batwa cultural tour

Leave your gorilla lodge, for you can get briefed about the rules and regulations for mountain gorilla trekking. You will also have the park rangers and gorilla groups assigned to you by the Ruhija sector tourism official.

Exit the sector at around 8:00 am for an actual gorilla trekking adventure, and this may last for 2-6 hours.

The entire Ruhija gorilla trek includes one hour for observing mountain gorillas and photography. After the successful gorilla trek in Ruhija, return and get your certificate.

In the evening, expect to enjoy the inspirational cultural dances and musical performances as showcased by the Batwa in their community.

Day 4: Return from Ruhija to Entebbe City

Have a delicious breakfast and check out of your respective gorilla lodges. Expect to return to Entebbe, and today concludes your affordable 4-Day Ruhija gorilla trekking tour from Entebbe, Uganda.

Contact Flawless Adventure Planners Limited to book your gorilla safari tour in Uganda.