Two Mountain Gorilla groups have been habituated for tourism in the eastern part of Bwindi and are trekked from Bwindi's Ruhija gate, near ITFC: they are called 'Bitukura group' and 'Oruzogo group'. For permits to visit these groups, contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority, +256 414 355000 or info@ugandawildlife.org.

ITFC cannot make reservations for gorilla trekking.

Tourists with a permit for the Bitukura or Oruzogo gorilla group, should spend the night in Ruhija or Mubarameizi rather than Buhoma if they want to avoid a rocky road journey from Buhoma to Ruhija of at least 2 hours before trekking. Ruhija is just outside the park boundary and no entrance fee is required to stay in the village.

Other activities from Ruhija include:

* a guided walk to the Mubwindi swamp (inside the park, requiring payment of entrance fee and a ranger guide),

* birding walks with trained bird guides

* community walks with spectacular views from the rugged landscape surrounding Ruhija, sometimes as far as Lake Edward and beyond. The walks include waterfalls,  swamps on the edge of the forest, and an old mine.

* visiting local artisans  like the blacksmith, local healer, basket weavers, honey collectors etc

* enjoying a performance by the dance and song group of local children

Ruhija has several options for an overnight stay and ITFC's facilities are no longer the only place to stay (quoted prices are of Feb 2011):

Ruhija Community Rest Camp

The first lodge to come across when entering Ruhija, set in a beautiful garden.   3 twin rooms, 1 self contained (15-20 U$ pp) as well as camp site (5 U$ pp).

See www.bamboouganda.4t.com.

Reservations: +256 771846635 or +256 777472967 or +256 772635142

Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Campsite

4 Spacious canvas tents on platforms, with twin beds (30 U$D pp). Spectacular views overlooking valley towards the forest. Also 3 twin rooms available (20 USD pp) and camping (10 USD pp) possible.

For bookings: bitarihorobert@gmail.com or mcleakankwasa@yahoo.com

Contact: +256 772480885, +256 382275160,  +256 772874803

Click here to download RGFC brochure (600kB)

Ruhija Gorilla Lodge Bwindi               (managed by Asyanut Safaris Ltd)

The most upmarket option in Ruhija, with 8 well designed double/twin cottages (175-210 U$ pp full board) and 6 budget rooms (88 U$ pp full board).

On clear days the view of the Virunga volcanoes,  is breath taking.

http://www.gorillasafari.travel/

Contact: +256 392883926, +256 414503064

Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp  

4 thatched roof cottages with balconies overlooking the valley, forest and volcanoes (200 U$ per 2 people, full board) and camping at 5 U$ pp. Beautiful setting and open dining/bar area.

See www.gorillamistcamp.com

For reservations: info@gorillamistcamp.com    and (site) +256 772563577 and 774959477; (office) +256 754315151

Trekkers Tavern cottages (managed by Access Uganda Ltd)

On the top of Ruhija hill. 5 cozy cottages tucked away in dense vegetation. Popular with birders (220 U$ for 2 people full board).

See www.trekkerstavern.com

For reservations: accessug@utlonline.co.ug or mutebihassan@yahoo.com or +256 772455423 +256 712455423 or +256 752 455423 or +256 772 588873