Ruhija Gorilla Permits
Secure your Ruhija Gorilla Permits for an unforgettable trekking experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Book early for the best availability and expert guidance. Venture deep into the Bwindi Impenetrable jungle. With expert Ranger guides, to learn about the endangered mountain gorillas and their incredible natural habitats. Primate enthusiasts will also delight in the exceptional array of other primate species that call the forest their home.
As the first rays of the golden sun strike the earth, animals and birds begin stirring, and the hustle and bustle of their day starts. Make the most of your Ruhija gorilla trekking adventure by rising early to appreciate the spectacular surroundings. Embarking on an unforgettable gorilla trek that lures you deep into the verdant rainforest, which the Giant Apes call home, is a second-to-none experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors/regions. Ruhija is one of the places you cannot afford to miss. Trekking the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat captivates many due to their incredible human-like behavior and massive body size. However, trekkers planning to visit these Giant Apes from the Ruhija sector should remember to get Ruhija gorilla permits to access the Protected Area legally before embarking on the once-in-a-lifetime trek.
You pay us, we do the hustle for you
Ugandan Government, through Uganda Wildlife Authority has a complex permit system for visitors, which works towards managing the maximum number of visitors allowed to visit each habituated gorilla family, protecting and preserving their natural habitats, and providing safety to all who intend to enjoy these unforgettable adventures. For this reason, familiarizing yourself with the Ruhija gorilla permits is a significant first step in planning a thrilling, iconic gorilla trek.
Our article covers the number of permits for Ruhija gorilla trekking, including how to obtain them, how much they cost, and the best time to book them. Understanding this process helps avoid unnecessary complications during gorilla safari preparations while keeping the attention ahead on the once in a lifetime experience awaiting within Bwindi’s Easternmost sector.
Number of permits available for Ruhija gorilla trekking
There are 3 habituated gorilla families open for tracking in the Ruhija sector, the Eastern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For this reason, Uganda Wildlife Authority issues 32 gorilla permits each day for Ruhija gorilla trekking, with the number expected to rise when more habituated gorilla families are opened for tracking.
Considering the limited number of gorilla permits available for this sector, visitors planning to get up close and personal with the endangered Giant Apes are expected to secure their permits at least 6-12 months in advance.
Cost of Ruhija Gorilla Permits
Ruhija gorilla permit costs vary based on the category/residence status of the visitors.
Earlier in 2024, Uganda Wildlife Authority announced an increase in Uganda gorilla permit fees and became effective from June 2025. A permit to search for the mountain gorillas in the wild was increased from $700 to $800 for foreign non-resident visitors. $600 to $700 per person for foreign residents, and Shs.250,000 to Shs.300,000 for East African residents.
Residents from Rest of Africa- those from African countries that aren’t part of the East African Community pay $500 per person for Ruhija gorilla trekking permits.
How to obtain Ruhija gorilla permits
Regardless of which visitor category you fall into (foreign non-resident, foreign resident, or East African Community resident), you can only obtain a Ruhija gorilla permit indirectly through a licensed Tour Operator/Travel Agent. Choose the desired tracking date, and send us an email with details on the number of interested parties to allow us to check gorilla availability and reserve the permits on your behalf.
Once payment is made into our account, we shall proceed to pay for your Ruhija gorilla permit/s, scan it, and send a copy to your email. There is also an option of picking the gorilla permits on your arrival in Uganda.
When it comes to documents required while booking Ruhija gorilla permits, you will need a valid passport or National ID, and residency status for certain visitor categories. Foreign residents will require a valid passport, work permit, certificate, or any other document that proves residence in any of the East African Community countries. For visitors from the Rest of Africa, the required documentation is a passport, which should be valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of arrival into Uganda.
When it comes to processing time for Ruhija gorilla permits, it should take a few hours to one hour. When using a Tour Operator like Native Africa Tours, the permits can be arranged separately or as part of your larger gorilla safari, where other logistics such as accommodation and transport can also be arranged.
For permit availability, Ruhija gorilla permits are typically valid for a specific date. And can only be used for that exact date. If you aren’t able to track on the mentioned date due to sickness, your permit can be rescheduled to a new date. This must be approved by the Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director.
The best time to obtain Ruhija Gorilla Permits
The best time of the year to obtain permits for Ruhija gorilla trekking is to apply 6-12 months in advance. As gorilla trekking is one of the most popular safaris in Uganda, a huge number of travelers are yearning to meet face to face with the endangered Giant Apes in their natural habitat.
Ruhija gorilla trekking packing list
Getting well-prepared with the right gear and essentials is important for a smooth and enjoyable journey into the Ruhija sector. The challenging, rugged terrains, high elevation, and variable weather conditions demand proper planning. Some of the items to bring for your gorilla trekking tour include clothing (lightweight safari pants, waterproof rain jacket, a safari hat, cotton socks, gardening gloves, a lightweight rain jacket, sunglasses, and a sweater). You also need sturdy and waterproof hiking boots, a backpack, a reusable water bottle, a camera with extra batteries/charger and memory cards, and a pair of binoculars. Additionally, toiletries (insect repellent, lip balm, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, a quick-dry towel, toothbrush, and toothpaste) and snacks are recommended.
Where to stay in the Ruhija sector
Ruhija doesn’t have many accommodation options. The few include Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge, Agandi Eco lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Forest Camp. While trekking gorillas in the Eastern sector, you can also stay in the far-flung Buhoma sector, which is only one hour away from Ruhija sector.
You can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. Trackers Safari Lodge, Ride for a Woman Guesthouse, Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Bluff Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, and the Buhoma Haven.
Ready to book a Ruhija Gorilla Permit?
Ruhija gorilla trekking is one of Bwindi’s most iconic trekking areas, lying in the Eastern part of the National Park. To enter and complete the treks, visitors must obtain valid gorilla permits. Without them, visitors aren’t allowed to explore any of the three trekking trailheads. Obtaining gorilla permits is required. But abiding by the guidelines of gorilla treks is equally important. So, book one of Native Africa Tours’ Ruhija gorilla trekking packages for an unforgettable journey.
