Stay at Lake Bunyonyi and Trek in Ruhija: Yes, you can absolutely stay at Lake Bunyonyi and trek gorillas in Bwindi. Many travelers consider this difficult, but Anthill Safari makes it completely achievable. Lake Bunyonyi delivers stunning scenery and thrilling adventure activities, making it an excellent base for your safari. Therefore, choosing this combination gives you two remarkable experiences within one trip. First, enjoy kayaking, swimming, and breathtaking views across the lake. Then, venture into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Anthill Safari carefully plans every detail, ensuring your journey remains smooth, comfortable, and truly memorable from start to finish.
About Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is located in southwestern Uganda, nestled between the districts of Kabale and Kisoro. The lake, the deepest in the country, is often called the “place of many small birds.” It boasts over 29 islands, including Bushara, Kahungye, Akampene (famous for historically isolating unmarried pregnant girls), Njuyeera, and Bucuranka. Lake Bunyonyi is an ideal spot for relaxation and honeymoons, offering beautiful scenery amidst the terraced hills of Kigezi. Activities available at the lake include canoeing to different islands, swimming (it’s bilharzia-free and safe from dangerous animals), birdwatching, and community visits.
Trekking Bwindi Gorillas from Lake Bunyonyi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not far from Lake Bunyonyi. The nearest and most easily accessible region of Bwindi from Lake Bunyonyi is Ruhija, located on the eastern side of the park. Ruhija sector is approximately 59 km from Lake Bunyonyi, with a driving time of about 1.5 hours in a good safari vehicle. To make it to the 8:00 AM registration and briefing for gorilla trekking, travelers staying at Lake Bunyonyi will need to wake up very early, typically starting their journey by 5:00 AM.
Where to Stay in Lake Bunyonyi
There are numerous accommodation options around Lake Bunyonyi catering to various budgets, from budget to mid-range to luxury. Some popular choices include:
- Arcadia Cottages
- Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
- Bunyonyi View Resort
- Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
- Birdnest Bunyonyi
- Bushara Island Camp
- Heritage Lodge
- Paradise Eco Hub
Trekking Ruhija Gorillas from Lake Bunyonyi
Gorilla trekking is the primary activity in the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for travelers coming from Lake Bunyonyi. The Ruhija sector is home to three habituated mountain gorilla families that trekkers can visit:
- Oruzogo gorilla family
- Kyaguliro gorilla family
- Bitukura gorilla family
To trek these families, you need a gorilla trekking permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Only 24 gorilla permits are available daily for the Ruhija region (a maximum of 8 people per gorilla group). It is highly advisable, especially during the high season, to book your permits at least 3-4 months in advance to avoid disappointment. Permits can be obtained directly from UWA or a trusted local tour operator at the same cost.
Gorilla trekking permit fees:
- Foreign Non-Residents: $800
- Foreign Residents: $700
- East African Citizens: UGX 300,000
These permits include park entrance fees, ranger guide fees, and community fees, but do not include transport.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
Stay at Lake Bunyonyi and Trek in Ruhija. On the day of your trek, you will depart Lake Bunyonyi around 5:00 AM and drive to the Ruhija region (1-2 hours, depending on road conditions). Upon arrival, you’ll join other trekkers for a briefing by park wardens, who will explain the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. Park authorities group trekkers (not exceeding 8 people) and assign armed ranger guides to lead them into the jungle.
The search for your allocated gorilla family can take anywhere from 2 to 7 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location and the trekking pace. During the trek, you might also encounter other park mammals, birds, and primates. Once the gorilla family is located, you are given one hour to observe them, take photos, record videos, and witness their daily activities.
When to Visit Bwindi from Lake Bunyonyi
While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, certain months offer better conditions:
- Dry Season (June to September and December to February): These months are ideal as there is little to no rainfall. Roads leading to the park are in good condition, trekking trails are dry and less slippery, and vegetation is shorter and scattered, providing clearer views of the gorillas.
- Rainy Season (March to May and October to November): These months are characterized by more rainfall, which can make trekking trails muddy and slippery, and vegetation can be tall, obscuring views. However, budget travelers might find discounted accommodation options during this period.
What to Pack for Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
When preparing for your gorilla trek from Lake Bunyonyi, consider packing the following:
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Long cotton socks
- A pair of gaiters
- Rain jacket
- Sweater
- Scarf
- Long-sleeved pants
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Facemask
- Camera
- Light backpack
- Drinking water bottle
- Energy-giving snacks
Rules and Regulations to Follow
- You can interact with a family of gorillas for a maximum of an hour.
- An 8-10 meter distance from the gorillas must be kept.
- When searching for gorillas, touching gorillas or chimps is highly prohibited.
- The use of a flashlight during photography isn’t acceptable.
- To reduce the likelihood of infectious diseases spreading to gorillas, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking when in the presence of these apes.
- The acceptable age limit to engage in gorilla trekking is 15.
- No making noise or unnecessary movement is permitted while searching for gorillas.
- Always follow the guide’s instructions to ensure a safe and successful gorilla trek.
- Good hygiene should be maintained –ensure your hands are washed or sanitized.
- Stay calm and avoid running when gorillas charge at you.
