Fly to Kihihi and Trek Gorillas in the Ruhija Region of Bwindi
Fly to Kihihi and trek gorillas in the Ruhija region of Bwindi. Ruhija, located in the Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, hosts four gorilla families: Bitukura, Kyanguriro, Mukiza, and Oruzogo, all available for tracking. The region, standing at over 2350 meters above sea level, is Bwindi’s coldest area. It offers excellent hiking opportunities and charming trails for nature walks, like the Rwamunyonyi peak. You can also spot other primates, elephants, and antelopes in Ruhija.
Are you interested in flying to Kihihi and trekking gorillas in the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Yes, Anthill Safaris makes this very possible. Trekking mountain gorillas in Ruhija will allow you to see mountain gorillas, whether you travel as a group or individually. You need a gorilla permit to trek mountain gorillas in Ruhija; this costs USD800 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for Foreign Residents, and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African Citizens. This permit allows you to spend one hour with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.
Important things to consider when planning your flight to Kihihi and gorilla trek in Ruhija:
Secure your gorilla permit for Ruhija in advance.
Ruhija sector offers 32 gorilla permits daily. To trek Ruhija gorillas, you need to book your permit in advance to assure your spot. You can block these permits by paying 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total cost upfront. Each gorilla permit costs USD800 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for Foreign Residents, and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African Citizens, granting you a one-hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas. We recommend you block gorilla permits at least 3 to 4 months before your gorilla safari date, as permits sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis during high season. Contact us here for more details on booking your gorilla permits for tracking Ruhija gorillas in advance.
Book your accommodation in Ruhija in advance.
This is crucial when organizing your mountain gorilla trek in the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For a great and comfortable safari experience, consider staying in luxury accommodations or choosing budget options based on your preferences. Ruhija has a few luxury lodge options, including Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge and Bakiga Lodge. Budget options include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, and Ruhija Campsite, among others. When you book your safari with Anthill Safaris, you receive a full-board meal basis at all these lodges.
Travel comfortably to Ruhija.
You should travel in 4×4 Land Cruisers for comfort on the road to Ruhija. You also have the option of flying to Kihihi Airstrip, which is close to Ruhija. This cuts the long 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe/Kampala to only a 1-hour drive from Kihihi to your lodge in Ruhija.
Where is the Ruhija Sector
Experience the magic of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with Anthill Safaris’ Flying Gorilla Safari to the Ruhija sector. Here, magnificent mountain gorilla families roam freely across lush, green landscapes. Seasoned guides and armed rangers lead every trek, keeping you safe while you enjoy the experience fully.
Instead of a long eight-to-nine-hour road drive from Kampala, you board a short domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi Airfield. From there, your Anthill Safaris driver transfers you to Ruhija in just two to three hours. This saves you significant time and energy.
Additionally, your safari includes a visit to local communities, giving you a genuine look into their way of life and supporting sustainable tourism in the area.
Anthill Safaris offers this experience across budget, mid-range, and luxury options. Contact us today, and we will craft a flying gorilla safari that perfectly fits your needs and budget.
How Much does it cost?
Booking a Flying Gorilla Tour to Ruhija is straightforward. Simply share your planned travel dates with us, and we’ll coordinate with local flight operators to secure availability. Once confirmed, we’ll tentatively hold your reservation while awaiting your confirmation and payment. Additionally, charter flights are available for those seeking privacy on their flight. Major local flight operators, such as Aero Link Uganda, offer competitive fares, from USD283 for a one-way ticket to USD543 for a return flight to Kihihi Airfield. Upon arrival, our professional driver guide will be on standby to transfer you to your lodge for a relaxing evening, dinner, and a peaceful overnight stay. Contact Anthill Safaris to book your fly-to-Kihihi & trek-gorillas-in-Ruhija experience with us.
What to wear during Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija:
You might be wondering what to wear for your trek. Here’s a compiled list:
- A long-sleeved sweater, as the park gets cold.
- Two pairs of long trousers.
- Waterproof hiking boots.
- A hat and sunglasses, optional depending on the weather.
- Cameras with long-lasting batteries as photography is important for preserving your memories. Always remember to keep your flash off.
- A pair of Binoculars to help you see the vast birdlife and other primates in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Gardening Gloves to help you hold onto trees and branches during the trek.
- A raincoat, as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a rainforest, and rain is unpredictable. Carry a coat to be safe.
- A mosquito Repellent, as the forest has various insects. It’s advisable to carry and wear it.
- A sunscreen (optional, but depending on the season, it might get too hot, and you could get sunburns).
- Avoid very bright colors, as they can startle or scare away the gorillas.
- Black and blue colors are not recommended, as they attract tsetse flies. We recommend neutral colors.
Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations
To protect the gorillas and visitors, strict rules must be followed:
- Keep a 7-meter distance from the gorillas.
- Do not touch the gorillas.
- No eating or drinking near them.
- No flash photography is allowed.
- Do not trek if you are sick to avoid transmitting diseases.
- Keep your voices low to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
How to get to Ruhija Sector for Gorilla Trekking:
By Air: You can get to Ruhija by air, which is faster and less tiring. Aero Link, a domestic airline, offers both scheduled and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip, where you connect to Ruhija. There is no direct flight to Ruhija, but our professional guide will pick you up at Kihihi and drop you at your lodge. The drive from Kihihi to a nearby lodge takes approximately 1 hour. Passengers must check in 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Aero links baggage allowance is 15 kilograms per person, and they charge excess baggage at 3 USD per kilo. Private charters are also available for clients with different timing requirements and routings. If you travel with kids, infants below 2 years old fly free, and children above 12 years pay 70% of the adult fare.
By Road: You can access Ruhija via the main highway from Entebbe/Kampala, which takes approximately 8-9 hours. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Buhoma. You can also access the Park from Kigali, Rwanda, which takes approximately 4-5 hours.
Best time to trek mountain gorillas of the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
Fly to Kihihi and Trek Gorillas in the Ruhija Region of Bwindi Ruhija, located in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is open for trekking year-round. However, remember that the forest is a tropical rainforest and can receive rain at any time. The best months to track gorillas include June to August and December to February, as they receive the lowest rainfall, and the forest is less slippery. If you happen to travel during March to May and November, when there are higher chances of rainfall, you might get discounts from some lodges on your accommodation.
Why plan and book Trekking gorillas in the Ruhija region of Bwindi with Anthill Safaris:
Anthill Safaris has experience organizing amazing gorilla trekking safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda. We are highly rated and reviewed on TripAdvisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife, and uplift local communities. These include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises and excursions, and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience, including popular and great African safari destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Congo. Feel free to contact us about flying to Kihihi and trekking with gorillas in the Ruhija region of Bwindi.
