Stay at Lake Bunyonyi and Track Gorillas in Ruhija
Stay at Lake Bunyonyi and Track Gorillas in Ruhija
Stay in at Lake Bunyonyi and Track Gorillas in Ruhija, Planning to stay at Lake Bunyonyi and want to trek gorillas in Bwindi, Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija region of Bwindi from Lake Bunyonyi is the best option for safari. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the coolest places located in southwestern Uganda close to Ruhija gorilla region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park between two districts of Kisoro and Kabale. with 1,962 m above sea level about 25km long and 7km wide. Famous to be the second deepest lake in Africa with a recorded depth of 144ft and 2952ft. It has 29 historical islands, with each island having its unique heritage attached to it.
Lake Bunyonyi is also home to a variety of bird species making it one of the great places in Uganda to watch birds. Lake Bunyonyi has, for years, attracted many visitors because of its beauty, heritage, and the Local community leaving around it. has 29 recorded Islands, each with a unique history and heritage attached to it. Of these Islands, the main Islands are more focused on than others, which include Bushara Island, Akampene Island, commonly known as Punishment Island, Kyahugye Island, Bwama, and Njuyeera (Sharp’s Island) and Bucuranuka Island.
About Ruhija region:
Ruhija region is one of the regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, It has different habituated gorilla families open for gorilla tracking experience. The region is commonly known for gorilla tracking, as well as cultural activities. Ruhija sector has four Gorilla Families that is Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza and Kyaguriro. Bwindi Forest National Park is located in the south western part of Uganda sharing border with Congo. It is one of the only two national parks in Uganda where you can trek and see the magnificent Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat in the world. It is home to more than half of the only remaining Mountain Gorillas in the wild making it famous and the best place to trek the Mountain Gorillas. approximately 2-3 hours drive from Lake Bunyonyi to the Ruhija region of Bwindi and this allows you to do different activities and return.
What are the top activities to do in the Ruhija Region of Bwindi from Lake Bunyonyi?
Gorilla trekking is the main activity considered to do in the Ruhija region of Bwindi impenetrable National Park from Lake Bunyonyi, you can do a return journey from Lake Bunyonyi to see gorillas in Ruhija and most of our clients have done it. Gorilla tracking refers to moving in the forest to see/view a given habituated mountain gorilla family. trackers/advanced team/rangers use many signs and methods to trace these gorillas before gorilla trekking takes place, the trackers wake up very early every morning and go to the forest in search of these mountain gorillas. They use natural means to track them like clapping and making wild sounds.
Once they find them, they will communicate to the park headquarters and it’s then the guides after briefing the visitors on dos and don’ts, will start to walk and trek in the forest as they are directed by the trackers. This gives you a 99% chance of seeing the gorillas in their natural environment in Bwindi. Stay in at Lake Bunyonyi and Track Gorillas in Ruhija
The gorilla trekking permits cost USD800 per person for Non- Foreign Residents, USD700 for Foreign Residents, and Uganda Shillings 250,000 per person for East African Citizens and allow you one hour of watching the gorillas once you find them.
Uganda has half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world, it is such a lifetime experience to watch the endangered and rare mountain gorillas which have 95% DNA as human beings in Bwindi. The Mountain Gorillas in Uganda can be in the hilly tropical forests in southwestern Uganda and you will be able to view the gorillas in their natural environment. Stay in at Lake Bunyonyi and Track Gorillas in Ruhija
Forest walk and Nature walk
Some walks will introduce you to broad biodiversity with varied mammal species which include; primates like Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey, and blue monkey baboon, while the black and white Columbus with its lovely flowing white tail is prominent. The shoddy trail will expose you to an array of butterfly species, species of moths, species of reptiles, tree species, the bamboo forest, flowers, and many other attractions.
The Ruhija ridge top route offers visitors the insight of a deep valley containing the undisturbed rainforest as they watch the duikers, primates, and both forest and grassland bird species. Visitors can also climb through the bamboo zone to find Afromontane vegetation and panoramic views towards Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.
Village and community Walks
Ruhija is a great place for cultural and village walks and guests who have an interest in visiting the local community, you can opt to visit a local school, a traditional local healer, or a banana brewery, or combine the community tour with a nature tour towards the forest. You will be able to see the dances, traditions, and culture of the local people.
Batwa Cultural experience
Ruhija region of Bwindi Forest National Park used to be inhabited by the Batwa people commonly referred to as the pygmies for many years until recently when they were removed from the Bwindi Forest to the surrounding communities of Bwindi Forest National Park to ease mountain gorilla conservation and tourism. The cultural tour will allow you to see how these pygmies used to spend their time in the forest, where they used to stay, and how they used to harvest wild honey as well as hunt. They will show off their dances and explain how they have managed to settle and enjoy normal life outside the forest. You can also visit the rest of the community on the outskirts of the forest, the women’s groups that do crafts and sell food, and the community schools.
What to pack
- Insect Repellent
- Water Bottle
- Camera, lenses, etc
- Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
- Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
- Hat and Sunscreen
- Rain Jacket
- Binoculars (game/bird watching)
Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a Local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe. Moreover, Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a business for a Ugandan native, we specialize in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators and with registration from the Uganda Tourism Board. We have a good and long working relationship with Uganda Wildlife Authority making it easy to book your gorilla permits and gorilla trekking safari. Safari Vacations and Travel Services is also high in Trip Advisor reviews.
