Ruhija Sector Gorilla Trekking Tips: Guide to see Gorillas of Ruhija
Do you want to visit Ruhija for gorilla trekking? Get the latest gorilla trekking tips and guide on this page. We let you know what to expect and what to do on a trip to trek primates in Ruhija sector Uganda. Trekking the mountain gorillas is one of the best highlights of a trip to Africa and the wonderful feeling of meeting face to face with these Giant Apes is prodigious. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda is a popular destination for encountering the mountain gorillas and is divided into four amazing sectors/region.
Mountain gorillas in Ruhija sector, like those in the other gorilla trekking destinations are vulnerable and endangered. The latest information from WWF (2019 records) puts the Global population of Mountain gorillas at only 1063 individuals in the wild and none in captivity. Nonetheless, conservationists see progress in their population increase and it is not surprising that meeting face to face with them is every traveller’s bucket-list adventure. Mountain gorillas can only be trekked in three African Countries-Democratic Republic of Congo (within Virunga National Park), Uganda (within Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks) and Rwanda (within Volcanoes National Park). This article brings you the top gorilla trekking tips in Ruhija sector, one of the gorilla trekking regions/sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Don’t forget your gorilla permits before arriving Ruhija sector
Your gorilla trekking permit is the first thing to remember when taking a gorilla trip to Ruhija sector. Permits go for $700 for foreign non-resident visitors, $600 for foreign resident visitors and only Shs 250,000 for East African Community visitors. Obtaining gorillas permits is not an easy task, given the limitations of people trekking each gorilla family. Each gorilla family has to be visited by only 8 visitors per day thus only 24 gorilla permits are available for the 3 habituated gorilla groups in Ruhija sector. It is also important to book at least 3-4 months prior to traveling to allow you plan the trip in advance on top of avoiding last minute disappointments.
Maximum of 8 visitors can visit a habituated gorilla group
Only 8 visitors are allowed to trek a particular habituated gorilla group each day to minimize any behavioral changes. Much as the mountain gorillas trekked are habituated and non-aggressive or shy, they still remain wild animals. Avoid thronging their habitats and respect the 8-visitors-per-grouo rule to avoid irritating them with big numbers.
Make sure to be physically fit
Ruhija sector is one of the steepest regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with the highest point in the Park (Rwamunyonyi Hill) being in this sector. This high elevation is challenging for novices and experienced hikers alike, thus it is crucial to work on your physical fitness before leaving for the gorilla trekking trip in Ruhija sector. However, you don’t need to be a weight lifter to trek the mountain gorillas because just basic fitness is enough.
Wash hands before starting gorilla treks
Intending trekkers are advised to always wash hand before heading out into the jungles to search for the mountain gorillas.
Minimum distance from mountain gorillas is 7 meters
Make sure to always maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters away from the mountain gorillas during observation and photography to reduce chances of transmitting diseases between these Great Apes and humans. Also, make sure not to touch the mountain gorillas and even when the infants run towards you, slowly move back.
Drinking, smoking and eating are totally prohibited near the mountain gorillas. Guides can always find convenient spots within the Park to partake of your packed Lunch.
Practice “pack it in”, “pack it out” rule for rubbish disposal
Avoid throwing rubbish while trekking the mountain gorillas and whatever you bring into the jungles should be taken back. Make sure to only leave what you find in the forest and take back what you brought with you. Leftover foods and food wrappers are breeding grounds for diseases and contaminants.
Keep voices low
Avoid making voice while trekking or even watching the mountain gorillas because not only do you scare them but also other residents of the Park such as wildlife and bird species. However, asking the guide questions is not prohibited.
Avoid use of flash cameras
Flash photography is totally not allowed when taking pictures of the Giant Apes to avoid startling them. This can be perceived as a threat that might call for aggressiveness from silverbacks of the allocated gorilla family.
Be prepared for any weather condition
There is no guarantee that the weather will be hot, cold, rainy, chilly or humid but instead be prepared for whatever condition because no matter the weather, gorilla treks will go on. Make sure to carry a rain jacket/poncho, waterproof backpack and wear strong hiking boots for gorilla treks in Ruhija sector.
Allotted Time with the Mountain gorillas in one hour
The allocated time to spend in the presence of the mountain gorillas is one hour. However, some circumstances such as sudden aggressiveness/agitation from mountain gorillas call for premature end of gorilla visits.
Carry snacks and enough drinking water with you
There are no canteens, restaurants and shops within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and although some Safari Lodges provide Lunch boxes during gorilla treks, it is significant to pack some snacks (dried fruit or nuts) to keep energy levels up as well as drinking water to keep you hydrated during gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector. Remember that trekking takes up to 6 hours and you will need enough strength and vigor to achieve the ultimate dream of every trekker.