Staying in Buhoma and trekking gorillas in Ruhija.
Gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda are distributed in accordance with the area, and the Buhoma region and the Ruhijah area are two of the four locations that are designated for gorilla trekking. Additionally, the Nkuringo region and the Rushaga area are also excellent locations for gorilla trekking.
It is feasible to do gorilla trekking in Ruhijah overnight in Buhoma because to the low distance connection between the two locations; nevertheless, after the briefing, you will need to travel for around two hours. There is a lack of traffic on this route, which contributes to its poor state. To effectively navigate this route, you will need to make use of a four-wheel drive vehicle.
They are both found in the northern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is where both Buhoma and Ruhija are situated. It is especially the Ruhija region that may be found to the east of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
When traveling from the Buhoma region to the Ruhija area, the route is picturesque and has a lush canopy of flora. Additionally, this is a birdwatching area in Uganda. If you return from gorilla trekking earlier than expected and are not as exhausted from the journey, you could have the opportunity to identify some birds along the road if you are a bird enthusiast.
Located in the northern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Buhoma region serves as the headquarters for gorilla trekking activity.
The Ruhija region is well-known for its extensive bird list, particularly in the Mubwindi marsh and deep valleys that have rain forests that have not been damaged. Using the road that begins in Kabale and gradually descends through a fine monatane forest that contains microhabitats in the form of second growth vegetation, you have the opportunity to see a variety of birds, including the handsome Francolin, the Cinnamon-chested Bee eater, the Western Green Tinker bird, the Red-faced Woodland, and the Collared Apalis, amongst others.
In the Ruhijah region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which families of gorillas are members of the trekking community?
The BItukura family, the Oruzogo family, the Kyaguriro family, and the Mukisa gorilla family are all members of the Ruhija gorilla trekking neighborhood. There are a number of other gorilla families that can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Some of these families include the Rushegura family, the Mubare family, the Habinyanja family, the Nkuringo family, the Christmas family, the Muhozi family, and the Nshogi family.
Exactly Which Accommodations Should Be Reserved in the Ruhijah and Buhoma areas?
The Ruhijah Gorilla Safari Lodge, the Bakiga Lodge, the Broadbill Forest Camp, and the Chameleon Hill Lodge are all available.
Rooms Available in the Buhoma Area
In addition to the Gorilla Forest Camp, Mahogany spring, Silverback Lodge, Gorilla Resort, Buhoma Lodge, Lake Kitanda Tented Camp, Engage Lodge, Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge, and Bwindi View Bandas, there are also additional accommodations available.
Mountain gorillas are known to be rather hostile.
In spite of their enormous stature and frightening brown eyes with sunken expressions, mountain gorillas are generally calm and peaceful animals. But this does not imply that you should provoke them. In addition to having sentiments, they are also capable of pulling grass, thumping their chests, hooting, walking on one leg, and a variety of other behaviors when they are disturbed.
After you have finished watching the mountain gorillas, you should depart in a leisurely and deliberate manner so that it does not seem as if you are just leaving. Due to the fact that they are so sensitive, they really appreciate tourists that adhere to the gorilla trekking rules.
When is the most favorable time to go gorilla trekking in the Ruhija region?
There is no season that prevents visitors from doing gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drier months, on the other hand, are the most sought after, despite the fact that this region is prone to rain at any time and without prior notice.
It is possible that Ruhijah will be the option that is presented to you when you are booking gorilla trekking permits. These permits are distributed according to the region. Due to the frequent rainfall and the soft volcanic soils, it is important to take notice that you must rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle in order to navigate the route. This is because the road may be slippery at times.
Due to the fact that this region has less areas of rain, the months of June through September and December through January are the most sought-after months given that all other criteria remain the same. It is drier and less humid on the roadways than it was beforehand.
However, individuals who are interested in having a unique gorilla trekking experience may take advantage of this chance. The months of March to May and November are often the ones that draw the fewest people. You have the potential to achieve your goal of closing off the gorilla trekking family in the Ruhija region at this time, in the event that you want to do so.
You are welcome to take advantage of this chance if you are interested in photographing or filming the mountain gorillas in Ruhija as long as you do not encounter any other hikers.
In the event that you are traveling on a tight budget but still want to utilize high-end facilities, the low season presents a potential chance since the majority of service providers may provide price reductions during this time. They have to reach a point of financial stability and make it through this season even when commerce is slow.
How Challenging Is It to Go Gorilla Trekking in the Ruhija Region?
Afromontane vegetation of undisturbed rain forests may be found on the terrain of the Ruhija region, which is comprised of mountains. In addition to having mountains and deep valleys, it is also swampy. The soils may be slick and wet at times, which can make mobility fairly challenging depending on the circumstances. There are instances when the ranger guide who is taking a group of tourists through one of the gorilla trekking families in this region has to use a machete in order to clear the path for visitors to reach these primates to go through.
You need to have a certain degree of physical fitness in order to take pleasure in the whole journey. If you have some patience, you will have a wonderful experience throughout the whole journey, regardless of where you are assigned to go. By keeping an open mind, you are able to discover the majority of the stunning scenery in this tropical jungle.
In addition to mountain gorillas, you could also have the opportunity to see other primates, such as olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and other species.
Pay attention to the directions that are provided by the ranger guides who are guiding the group and during the briefing. Because of this, you are able to go about in the forest without feeling anxious about coming into contact with other people who live there.
Be sure to bring along the appropriate gorilla trekking equipment, such as safari tracking boots, long-sleeved shirts and pants, bug repellant, and maybe even more.
In the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, how safe is it to participate in gorilla trekking?
Due to the fact that the ranger guides in the Ruhijah area work along with other Ugandan security agencies to maintain peace and order in this region, the Ruhijah area is a secure location for gorilla trekking. The villages that are located in the vicinity of this region are likewise deserving of protection in order to prevent them from turning against the mountain gorillas.
When you are on a gorilla trekking trip in Ruhijah, you, as a visitor on safari, need to take into consideration your own safety as well.
It is important to carry luggage that is not only lightweight but also helpful and that you are able to handle. Pack your trip materials in a duffel bag that is portable and that you can hoist even if no one is around to provide assistance. The packing light does not cause the safari vehicle to become overloaded with items. You and the individuals that went with you will be able to stretch out there since there is sufficient legroom.
It is recommended that you go with a limited amount of cash since credit cards are not often utilized in Africa due to the slow process of recovering money from consumers. Even if you are required to use a credit card, you must keep your information with you or with someone you can trust in order to prevent theft over the internet.
It is possible to get food illness by eating street food from any location. For those who suffer from stomach disorders, it is possible that they will not be allowed to participate in gorilla trekking.
You are assigned to go gorilla trekking with the rest of the party, so make sure you keep up with them. In order to avoid being disoriented in the woods, this is done. It is imperative that you move quickly in order to avoid taking too much time in the wilderness, even if the ranger guide will walk at the same rate as the slowest trekker.
There is a danger involved with traveling with valuable objects such as jewelry since you run the risk of becoming a target for criminals.
When you count a large amount of money in public, you run the risk of those who are planning to steal from you. Even it is not a good idea to carry a significant amount of cash.
Just in case you have to go on a trek in order to find the mountain gorillas, you should do some exercise to keep yourself in shape. As a result of the fact that they sometimes graze or lounge on the hills, you will need to climb in order to find them.
When it comes to gorilla trekking in the Ruhija region, what are the relevant rules?
Because mountain gorillas are wild creatures that are responsible for their own sustenance, it is necessary to refrain from feeding them.
It is very prohibited to provoke the mountain gorillas because they could get upset and go into hiding if they are provoked.
It is very illegal to use flash photography on mountain gorillas because they are extremely sensitive to any new things that arise in their natural surroundings.
During gorilla trekking, being in close proximity to mountain gorillas is strictly prohibited because they may have a sense of being ambushed, which might prompt them to go into hiding.
In the event that you consume food or smoke within 300 meters of the mountain gorillas, they may take it away from you. As wild creatures, they must not be dependent on the provision that humans provide for them.
It is against the law to litter in the forest since doing so changes the natural environment of the forest, which is where mountain gorillas get their food.
Spitting on plants is not a good idea since it leads to contamination of the foliage that the mountain gorillas consume as their primary source of nutrition.
Because of the outbreak of the Corona Virus, it is imperative that you wear a mask whenever you come across mountain gorillas. This is done to prevent the gorillas from contracting infectious diseases from people.
In order to lessen the likelihood of transmitting any kind of virus to the mountain gorillas, it is important to maintain a distance of around eight meters from them.
When you find the mountain gorillas, you will only have one hour to spend with them since they have become used to being in the company of people for that amount of time.
During the process of hiking to seek mountain gorillas, it is strictly banned to make any noise since mountain gorillas are normally calm animals who live in an environment that is generally silent.
Mountain gorillas are very sensitive to human infections; thus, if you are sick with a cough, the flu, cholera, or Covid 19, you should volunteer to remain behind so that you do not transmit this illness on to the mountain gorillas.
When it comes to gorilla trekking in the Ruhija region, what is the maximum age limit?
As a result of the following circumstances, the minimum age requirement for gorilla trekking is fifteen years old.
The moment at which the mountain gorillas will be located is unclear and is contingent upon a variety of conditions, including the closeness of food, the possibility that they may engage in a battle with a wild family, the passing of a member of their family, and other things. For a youngster that is younger than this age, this could be difficult to contain.
Generally speaking, the geography of this region is volcanic, and there are hills and plateaus that have to be hiked on occasion in order to reach the mountain gorillas. This may be difficult for a youngster who is less than 15 years old to overcome.
It is difficult to deal with a youngster who is less than 15 years old because they would want to speak about anything they see or anything that occurs to them. However, because the forest is quiet, it is difficult to cope with this situation.
To get the most out of the gorilla trekking experience, you will need to have a certain degree of physical condition. Because of this, there are instances when you have to go on a trek in order to find the mountain gorillas. This is a challenging situation for youngsters that are younger than this age.
At first impression, mountain gorillas can seem as frightening to some individuals. Because you seem to be suspicious, it is not necessary for you to display this to the mountain gorilla. In the event that the dominant silverback becomes aware of this, he can give the command for the whole family to go inside and hide.
There is a possibility that a youngster less than 15 years old will not get along with the mountain gorillas due to their aggressive temperament, which might result in a stampede in the jungle in the event that the child makes a disturbance.
How to Pack for a Gorilla Trekking Experience
It is recommended to wear safari boots when in the forest since the ground is so muddy and may include things that might puncture your feet.
Safari clothing with hues that are suitable to the natural environment
A camera to record the events that transpired during a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and to preserve those memories
You should use garden gloves in the event that you need to maintain a more firm grasp on a creeper while you are in the forest.
Pajamas that are warm enough to use on evenings that are really chilly
A torch that may be used to provide illumination in the dark when the lights go off
During your gorilla trekking safari, you should have some hard cash with you so that you may convert it into the local currency in case you need to buy anything. Credit cards are not used very often since it takes a significant amount of time to withdraw money from them.
Your hair will be protected from the water that drips off the tree leaves by wearing a safari hat that can be folded up and has a broad brim.
An insect repellent that may be applied to the body in order to keep insects away from the body.
The use of a pair of binoculars in order to get a more distinct picture of distant features
If your lodging establishment does not supply toiletries or if you do not feel comfortable using them, you should bring your own.
A travel adaptor and charger in the event that you need a recharge for your electronic devices while you are away.
You should bring sunscreen with you in case you go to another pack and find yourself needing to bask in the sun by the poolside.
If you are in the outdoors, you should wear a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the buzzing of insects.
Snacks to eat in the event that you get hungry while you are on your tour of gorillas
Spray for insects in the event that your room is home to them.
