The best lodges in Ruhija for an overnight stay on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, in our view, include Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Kiho Gorilla Lodge, Cuckooland Lodge, Agandi Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Bakiga Lodge, ITFC Camp Bwindi, and Ihamba Residence. These lodges offer a blend of comfort, proximity to trekking areas, and unique experiences that make your stay memorable.
Our Popular Packages
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4 Days Golden monkeys And Gorilla Trekking Safari
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5 Days wildlife, Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking safari In Uganda
7 Days Primates Adventure Safari in Uganda.
10 Days Uganda Ultimate Primate Safari
12 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Encounter and Cultural Safari
Where is Ruhija Sector Located?
Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings you face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas in the wild. The Ruhija sector, located in eastern Bwindi, is home to six habituated gorilla families: Oruzongo, Kyaguriro, Bitukura, Mukiza, Happy, and Rukara. At an elevation of 2350 meters above sea level, Ruhija is the coldest trekking sector in the national park. Its proximity to Buhoma allows tourists staying there to trek gorillas in Ruhija, especially during the peak season. While gorilla trekking is the main activity, visitors can also engage in bird watching and guided nature walks.
Gorilla Mist Camp
Gorilla Mist Camp stands out as one of the premier deluxe lodges in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This mid-range accommodation offers 12 well-appointed rooms, catering to guests embarking on gorilla trekking adventures in Ruhija.
The camp provides a variety of room options, including single, double, and twin rooms. Each room has bathtubs, showers with hot and cold water, solar-powered electricity, flush toilets, balconies, and comfortable beds. Guests can enjoy amenities such as reliable Wi-Fi, ample parking, a restaurant serving both continental and local dishes, a well-stocked bar, a massage parlour, laundry services, and stunning views of the Rwandan hills.
The lodge’s restaurant opens early at 5:30 am to serve breakfast, with lunch available from 12:30 to 2:00 pm, and dinner from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The restaurant staff is highly trained and capable of preparing a wide range of continental meals, including Caribbean, European, American, Indian, and African cuisines.
Gorilla Mist Camp also provides airstrip transfers from Kayonza and Ishasha airstrips, with scheduled pickups from Kabale.
Guests at Gorilla Mist Camp can participate in various safari activities, including gorilla trekking, bird watching, guided walking safaris, forest walks, the Batwa trail, and cultural visits to Batwa villages.
Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge is a top mid-range safari lodge catering to mid-range and luxury travellers. Nestled in a remote part of the sector, it is ideally located for trekking the Bitukura, Oruzongo, and Kyaguriro gorilla families.
The lodge offers comfortable accommodations, including double, twin rooms, and family suites. Amenities provided at the lodge include internet access, laundry services, a gift shop, hair dryers, security, a mini library, a restaurant, and a well-stocked bar.
Guests can enjoy various activities at the lodge, such as gorilla trekking, guided nature walks, biking, community walks, and reading.
Kiho Gorilla Lodge
Kiho Gorilla Lodge is a newly established mid-range lodge in the Ruhija sector that offers stunning views of the dense Bwindi Forest and the distant Virunga volcanoes. Conveniently located near the gorilla trekking starting point, the lodge features 10 elegant cottages constructed in a traditional African style using local wood.
Kiho Gorilla Lodge provides a range of services and amenities for guests, including a restaurant in the main building that serves both local and continental dishes, catering to all dietary needs with breakfast, lunch, and both indoor and outdoor dinner options. The lodge also boasts a well-stocked bar with a variety of soft and hard drinks, Wi-Fi, airport pickups and drop-offs, business centres, health and fitness facilities such as spas and massage services, ample parking space, meeting rooms, honeymoon packages, and a standby generator.
Cuckooland Lodge
Cuckooland Tented Lodge is situated in Bwindi, just a 40-minute drive from the Ruhija gorilla trekking centre, offering guests comfortable accommodations. Spanning 10 acres at the edge of the national park, Cuckooland is an ideal retreat for botanists, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts seeking tranquillity. This mid-range lodge features four spacious double-furnished tents, each built on wooden platforms with grass-thatched roofs. The tents are equipped with private flush toilets, showers with hot and cold water, large verandas, sitting areas, and comfortable beds.
Cuckooland Lodge provides a variety of facilities and amenities, including:
- Laundry services
- Private patios or balconies for relaxation and viewing
- 24/7 security
- A well-stocked bar
- A restaurant serving both international and local dishes, prepared by skilled staff
- Health and fitness facilities, such as gyms
- Electricity and charging points
Guests can enjoy several activities at the lodge, including cultural visits to local communities, guided nature walks, gorilla tracking, the gorilla habituation experience, and bird watching.
Agandi Lodge
Agandi Lodge, nestled in the Ruhija sector, features 10 beautifully designed cottages constructed with local materials in a traditional African style. These cottages are equipped with various amenities to ensure guest comfort, including satellite TVs, mosquito nets, cosy beds and bedding, private wooden balconies for relaxation, sitting areas, hair dryers, flushing toilets, and en-suite bathrooms with both hot and cold running water.
The lodge offers a variety of room types, including single, twin, double, triple, and family cottages. Room rates start at approximately $200, varying with the season.
- Agandi Lodge provides a range of facilities and services, such as:
- A restaurant serving both local and continental dishes prepared by skilled chefs
- Airport transfers
- A well-stocked bar with a selection of drinks
- Ample parking space
- Laundry services
- Fireplaces for relaxation after a day of gorilla trekking
- Business centres with conference and meeting rooms
- Honeymoon packages
- Health and fitness centres, including spas, saunas, gyms, and steam baths
- A craft shop offering gifts and essential safari items
- Wi-Fi to stay connected with family and friends
Activities available at the lodge include gorilla habituation experiences, gorilla tracking, bird watching, guided nature walks, community visits, and cultural trips.
Ruhija Community Rest Camp
Ruhija Community Rest Camp provides budget-friendly accommodations without compromising on comfort. The camp offers basic but clean and comfortable rooms, making it an ideal choice for budget travellers. Ruhija Community Rest Camp offers a range of facilities and amenities, including:
- 24-hour security and reception
- Free Wi-Fi
- A well-stocked bar with a variety of drinks
- Ample free parking
- A kitchen
- Laundry services
- A restaurant serving both local and continental cuisine
- Meeting and conference rooms
- Pet-friendly accommodations
- Bicycle parking
Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort
Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort is conveniently situated at the Ruhija gate, near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, allowing guests easy access to the gorilla trekking starting point. This makes it an ideal choice for an overnight stay in the Ruhija sector. The resort is community-owned and operated, with all proceeds benefiting local development.
Accommodation options at the resort include exclusive tents, well-furnished bandhas, and camping grounds. As one of the best budget safari options, the resort offers various facilities and amenities such as comfortable single, double, twin, and triple beds, en-suite bathrooms, flushing toilets, a well-stocked bar, a restaurant serving both continental and local dishes, a craft shop, Wi-Fi, and private verandas with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Activities available at the lodge include gorilla trekking, the gorilla habituation process, Ruhija community walks, traditional dance performances upon request, guided forest walks, and more. Guests are advised to bring items such as insect repellent, a walking stick, hiking boots, a hat and sunscreen, drinks and snacks, a camera, binoculars, cash for various purposes, and a waterproof backpack.
Bakiga Lodge
Bakiga Lodge, a notable mid-range accommodation in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, operates as a registered NGO, with its profits supporting local community development. Perched atop a valley, the lodge offers stunning views of the park and its surroundings. Its primary goal is to provide comfortable lodging for visitors to Bwindi.
The lodge features 10 self-contained cabins equipped with various amenities, including hot and cold running showers, comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, flush toilets, verandas, and private balconies with panoramic forest views.
Bakiga Lodge is environmentally conscious, utilizing harvested rainwater for flushing toilets, showers, cooking, cleaning, and washing bedding. The lodge has nine water tanks, with all toilets and showers connected to these tanks and a septic system to prevent ground pollution.
Activities available at the lodge include:
- Gorilla trekking
- Gorilla habituation experience
- Guided nature walks to Mubwindi Swamp
- Bird watching
- Guided forest walks
- Cultural trips to Batwa villages.
ITFC Camp Bwindi
The International Tropical Forestry Commission (ITFC) offers budget-friendly accommodation in the Ruhija sector. The guest house provides dormitory-style lodging, accommodating up to 8 people in a facility adjacent to the park staff camp. Another property, located at the local trading centre, can host up to 12 guests. For those interested in camping, the front lawn is available, but you will need to bring your camping gear, and it is situated near the staff quarters.
Although bookings are rare, they can be arranged through your tour operator. The camp provides basic amenities such as comfortable bedding, paraffin for lanterns, and firewood. Basic food supplies are available at the trading centre, but guests need to self-cater during their stay. Due to the cold nights, it is advisable to bring a sleeping bag to stay warm.
Ihamba Residence
Ihamba Residence, located in the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is a guest house operated by the community-based organization Change of Bwindi. This budget-friendly lodge, situated atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas and runs on harvested water and solar power, contributing to forest preservation efforts.
The residence features five spacious and comfortable cottages, designed in an African style using local materials such as stone and wood. The lodge offers double rooms on both the upper and ground floors, catering to families, individuals, and groups. Each room is well-decorated and equipped with en-suite bathrooms, flush toilets, solar power, mosquito nets, toiletries, pillows, complimentary bottled water, sitting areas, terraces, and comfortable bedding. Additional amenities at Ihamba Lodge include a fireplace, laundry services, a well-stocked bar with a variety of drinks, a restaurant serving local and continental dishes, Wi-Fi, and airport pickups.
Guests at Ihamba Lodge can enjoy various activities, including cultural visits to local villages, guided nature walks, gorilla trekking, and bird watching.
Key Considerations for Planning Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija
Booking Gorilla Permits: It is essential to secure gorilla permits for the Ruhija sector well in advance, particularly during peak seasons when demand is high. Permits can be obtained through a tour operator. If you prefer a specific sector like Ruhija, it is advisable to book at least six months before your trek date by making a special request. The permit costs are as follows: $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for African citizens, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
For further details on the best lodges in Ruhija, please contact us via our website.