Ruhija Gorilla Sector: Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi (2025/2026)
Is gorilla trekking in Uganda something you’re thinking about? Experience the most authentic and intimate gorilla trekking in Africa within Bwindi’s Ruhija Gorilla Sector. This complete 2025/2026 guide covers everything for planning your gorilla trek: permits, habituated families, top lodges near Ruhija, and helpful tips. No matter your travel experience, Ruhija offers unparalleled gorilla encounters in Bwindi’s tranquil, less-visited region.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Ruhija sector is among the most enriching for gorilla trekking. Ruhija, in Bwindi’s eastern end, offers arguably the best starting point for a gorilla trekking adventure. Ruhija marks the highest point of Bwindi National Park, rising at an altitude of 2607 m. The Ruhija sector contains Bwindi’s highest peak, Rwamunyonyi.
In the Ruhija sector, visitors can appreciate the breathtaking views of the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and scenic Virunga Volcanoes. You may also enjoy views of the Western Rift Valley.
The Ruhija gorilla sector boasts amazing habituated gorilla families. They include the Bitukura gorilla family, Mukiza, Oruzogo, and Kyaguriro. A maximum of eight visitors visit each gorilla family per day.
The few habituated gorilla families in the Ruhija make it the best region to visit if you don’t like crowds. Ruhija also offers favourable hiking experiences while searching for gorillas, unlike other sectors such as Rushaga or Nkuringo.
What to see in the Ruhija sector
Ruhija sector is most popular for mountain gorilla encounters. But there are also many other mammals and other species worth spotting. They include African elephants, monkeys, birds, and other antelope families.
On the gorilla tour, expect to explore habituated gorilla families like Oruzogo, Kyaguriro, Mukiza, and Bitukura. There are also spectacular waterfalls and caves.
In terms of birds, overall, there are 350 species of birds available in the various habitats in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. They include Kivu ground thrush, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, African shrike flycatchers, grey-throated barbets, red-chested fluff tail, dwarf honey guide, African green broadbill, African wood owl, purple-breasted sunbird, dusky twin spot, red-faced woodland warblers, bared long-tailed cuckoos, and strip-breasted tit. Other birds include African olive-pigeons, white-throated greenbuls, western green tinkerbirds, mountain masked apalis, and Doherty’s bush shrike, among others.
Things to do in Ruhija Gorilla Sector
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is, interestingly, the must-do adventure in the Ruhija sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ruhija gorilla sector currently features four gorilla families that are fully habituated and open for trekking. The four gorilla families include Mukiza, Oruzogo, Kyaguriro, and Bitukura. Gorilla treks in the Ruhija sector begin early morning with a briefing by the park official.
Before entering the jungle, the park official reviews the guidelines and regulations for interacting with gorillas. The trek to see the Ruhija gorillas begins around 8:00 am and should last between 2 and 6 hours. The long hours involve searching for a family of gorillas assigned to you. When you come across a group of gorillas, expect to enjoy one hour of observing how gorillas behave and taking pictures of these apes.
Ruhija gorilla sector features up to 32 gorilla permits. Each gorilla permit for the Ruhija sector is available for booking at USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for all foreign residents, and Shs 300,000 per person for East African citizens.
Only those above 15 years of age may book gorilla permits. Anyone above 15 stands a chance to book a gorilla permit to track gorillas. You must book permits in advance, and we recommend booking 2–6 months prior to your visit to Bwindi National Park’s Ruhija sector.
Bird-watching
Ruhija is most popular for its Mubwindi trail, an enriching birding trail in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While in the Ruhija enjoying a birding excursion, expect to come across a variety of bird species, including the African pygmy kingfishers, African sooty flycatchers, snowy crowned robin chat, African goshawk, Doherty’s bush shrike, Shelley’s greenbul, and yellow-rumped tinkerbird. Keen birders can also find the African paradise flycatchers, mountain masked apalis, Mackinnon’s shrikes, handsome francolins, Kivu ground thrush, and more.
The Batwa cultural experience
The Batwa cultural experience is best done in the adjacent Batwa community. A visit to the Batwa community offers a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient ways of life of the Batwa pygmies, their traditions, and distinctive cultures and practices.
When to visit the Ruhija Gorilla sector in Bwindi
Most safari activities in the Ruhija sector are best enjoyed during the dry season. The peak dry months on the travel calendar fall around June to September, then December to February. These dry months often record the lowest amount of rainfall compared to the rest of the months. The minimal rainfall amount experienced comes with drier ground in the trails, thus making it easier to navigate through Bwindi during gorilla trekking, birding, and nature walks.
The wet months come with heavy rains, and the forest floor is slippery and muddy. Because of the muddy ground and dense vegetation, nature walks and gorilla treks during the wet season are challenging. The two wet seasons occur from March to May and from October to November. These are also referred to as off-months or low seasons of the year.
Heavy rains support abundant plant growth, making forage available for gorillas. This abundant forage keeps gorillas near the park offices, which shortens the long treks visitors must take to see them.
What to pack for the Ruhija Tour
A successful tour to the Ruhija sector requires you to plan appropriately, and this includes packing right for your vacation. The essentials to consider packing for a tour to the Ruhija sector include long-sleeved shirts, insect repellent, a medical kit or first aid kit, long trousers, a valid gorilla permit, gardening gloves, energy-giving snacks, a day pack, a rain jacket, and other necessary items.
Accommodation options
Ruhija holds budget, midrange, and luxury lodges. The places to consider for an overnight stay in and around Ruhija include Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Broadbill Forest Camp, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Agandi Uganda Eco Lodge, and others.
How to get to Ruhija
Road or air transport means can reach the Ruhija sector in Eastern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Using road transportation, access to Ruhija can take between 9 and 10 hours’ drive. You can drive from Kampala via the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route or set off from Kigali city for a 4-5-hour drive to Ruhija. Crossing from Kigali is possible via the Katuna or Chanika border area. With road transport, you don’t need to worry because we have all kinds of tourist vehicles suitable for road travel and are in the visitors’ interest.
Visitors can also use the domestic flight services. Taking a flight from the Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip. A flight to this airstrip takes about 1-2 hours, rather than the long road trip that can take hours.
How to plan and book a tour to the Ruhija sector
You can successfully plan and book a Uganda safari to Ruhija through a reliable local tour operator. Trust Native Africa Tours for all trip planning and booking, whether it is gorilla trekking or birding. Plan and secure a gorilla tour 2–6 months in advance.
To conclude, for a tranquil and deeply engaging gorilla trek in Bwindi, the Ruhija Sector is unsurpassed. Ruhija’s stunning scenery, accessible trails, and multiple gorilla families guarantee an unforgettable wildlife adventure in 2025/2026.
Let’s plan your Bwindi gorilla trekking safari in Ruhija. Let us help you plan your perfect Uganda safari by securing permits, booking lodges, and creating a smooth itinerary; contact us today.
