Top Budget Lodges in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi – Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to 459 individuals of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Among all the gorilla sectors, Ruhija is known to have the smallest number of these magnificent creatures, housing about 30% of those in Bwindi.
Ruhija sector is home to three well-habituated gorilla families: Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Kyaguriro. The first families to be opened for trekking were Bitukura and Oruzogo, with Kyaguriro opening later.
The Kyaguriro gorilla family is primarily a research group, and tourists need formal permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority to visit it.
Currently, only 16 gorilla permits are issued daily for trekking in Ruhija, so it is competitive, and tourists need to book in advance.
Top Budget Lodges in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi
Gorilla Mist Camp
Gorilla Mist Camp offers perfect services and hospitable accommodation to travelers. Located in Kabale District, southwestern Uganda, 450 km from Kampala, it is a favorable place for budget travelers, nestled in the foothills of Kabale, 50 km from Kabale town.
Broadbill Forest Camp
Broadbill Forest Camp provides budget accommodation without compromising quality and comfort. The camp has tents placed on raised wooden floors covered by grass thatch, bringing out its natural beauty.
The camp features 4 tents with self-contained washrooms, offering twin, double, and single room configurations. There is also a main building with a restaurant and a well-stocked bar.
The fireplace provides warmth in the evenings as tourists relax and enjoy their time.
Gifts of Nature Lodge
Gifts of Nature is another affordable and comfortable accommodation for tourists, situated about 20 minutes’ drive from the Ruhija gorilla trekking starting point.
It has 8 self-contained bedrooms with single, double, and twin room settings.
Amenities: Hot and cold showers, medicated mosquito nets, extra beds (on request), and traditional-style decor. The meals, prepared by professional chefs, are both local and international, providing a balanced diet.
Trekkers Tavern Cottages
Trekkers Tavern Cottages is a 4-star hotel located in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half of the endangered mountain gorillas.
The cottages are a 10-minute walk from the starting point of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park.
Trekkers Tavern Cottages comprises 5 airy rooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, flush toilets, desks, private balconies, extra beds, blackout curtains, and eco-friendly features.
Trekkers Tavern Cottages offers amazing views of Lake Edward under cloudless skies, along with the Virunga ranges and Bwindi Forest, providing fresh air for tourists.
Cuckooland Tented Lodge
Cuckooland Tented Lodge is located in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, at the forest’s edge.
The lodge is an ideal spot for bird watchers, as many bird species can be observed in the lodge gardens.
The lodge is a 35-minute drive from the Ruhija gorilla trekking starting point, making it convenient for tourists beginning their gorilla trekking experience.
Cuckooland Tented Lodge offers mid-range accommodation in stylish and comfortable tents raised on wooden platforms, showcasing African architecture.
There are four tents, each with single beds and modern amenities such as a bathroom, hot showers, towels, clean bedding, carpeted floors, flushing toilets, slippers, clothes rack, and WiFi.
Ruhija Community Rest Camp
Ruhija Community Rest Camp is a lodge in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, offering affordable, high-quality facilities to guests on gorilla safaris.
Located just a 1-hour drive from Kabale, the camp provides stunning, breathtaking views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
It serves as a starting point for gorilla trekking and other activities within the forest and surrounding areas.
Ruhija Community Rest Camp offers 10 clean and comfortable rooms, each self-contained and constructed with local African materials, reflecting authentic African architecture.
Eco Marvels Gorilla Lodge
Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort is strategically located between the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
The resort offers stunning views of the forest canopies and surrounding communities.
While at this resort, tourists have easy access to gorilla trekking, with nearby gorilla families including the Mubare, Habinyanja, and Oruzogo families, among others.
Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort features spacious self-contained bandas and camping facilities, providing perfect services and facilities for a comfortable stay.
Room services and facilities: Bathrobes, clothes rack, housekeeping, bottled water, wake-up alarm, toiletries, kitchenette.
Ruhija Gorilla Guest House
Ruhija Gorilla Guest House is located in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the remaining endangered mountain gorillas in the wild, in southwestern Uganda.
Ruhija Gorilla Guest House is a home away from home, where guests can experience a harmonious blend of comfort and enjoy stunning views of the natural environment.
The guest house comprises 10 rooms, categorized as single rooms, double rooms, twin rooms, triple rooms, and family rooms.
Ruhija Gorilla Guest House prominently displays local crafts, accessories, and a touch of local artistry. It also offers a 24-hour restaurant with culinary delights available day and night.
How to Access Ruhija Sector
- By Road: Ruhija can be accessed via road through Kampala–Masaka–Mbarara to Kabale, then head to the park headquarters. The drive takes about 8 to 9 hours.
- By Air: Travelers can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip and then connect to the park headquarters.
Activities to Engage In
- Bird watching
- Gorilla trekking
- Nature walks
- Cultural encounters
- Visits to community projects
- Mountain biking
Budget lodges in Ruhija provide travelers with excellent services at affordable prices, ensuring they have a memorable experience in Bwindi.