Happy Gorilla Family

Happy gorilla family is one of the amazing mountain gorilla groups that is worth exploring on a gorilla safari in Bwindi National Park. A happy group of mountain gorillas thrives in the Ruhija sector in the Eastern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A visit to explore Happy Gorilla Group is a lifetime to interact with a group family of endangered mountain gorillas.

Composition size of Happy Gorilla Family

The happy gorilla family is comprised of 5 members. The group features babies, adults, and silverback gorillas. Getting through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see a Happy group of mountain gorillas involves spending about 3 to 6 hours navigating through the steep muddy terrain. Visitors are led by an experienced guide who will be clearing the path for you as you embark on the search for this group.

The advantage of Happy Gorilla Encounters is that visitors have a chance to take pictures as many as they can. The photographs are essential as they leave long-lasting memories among visitors on gorilla safaris.

The cost of gorilla permits

Gorilla permits for Happy group. Each gorilla group is allowed to be visited by a maximum of 8 visitors per day. This translates into about 8 valid gorilla permits for visitors to book or obtain for gorilla interaction with the Happy group. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person which you can obtain through our expert info@adventureugandasafaris.com.

Is Happy Gorilla Family open for gorilla trekking?

Happy gorilla group in Ruhija is not yet open for trekking. It is one group that is still undergoing the habituation process. However, there are multiple families to explore in Ruhija including Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Kyaguriro family.

Additional gorilla groups in Ruhija besides Happy Gorilla Family

Bitukura gorilla group

Bitukura group –This comprises 13 individuals and was habituated in 2008. It is led by Ndahura silverback.

Mukiza group. This group contains 2 individuals and is led by Mukiza Silverback gorilla.

Oruzogo group: Underwent through habituation in 2011 and currently has 12 individuals. The group consists of silverback gorillas.

Kyaguriro group – Originally set for research reasons, but currently, Kyaguriro can also be trekked in the Ruhija sector in Bwindi National Park. It is led by Rukina Silverback and the entire group is comprised of 8 individuals.

The best time to visit Ruhija for gorilla trekking

Visits to the Ruhija sector in Bwindi National Park to enjoy a gorilla safari can be done at any time. However, the best time to get there for gorilla trekking is during the peak dry season which occurs from June to September and then December to February. Traveling to track gorillas around these months is of great advantage because low rainfall is experienced and the forest floor remains drier.

The dry season is far better than the wet season when the park records heavy rains. The ground floor can be muddy and slippery.

What to pack for a gorilla trekking safari in Ruhija

Top items to consider for your gorilla trekking tour include a camera and extra battery, a rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, energy-giving snacks, a pair of binoculars, sunscreen, valid gorilla permits, a water bottle, a first aid kit, insect repellents, long-sleeved shirts, and long trousers, etc.

What to expect on gorilla tour in Ruhija

A gorilla tour in the Ruhija sector involves active trekking through the jungle in search of mountain gorillas. The gorilla trek begins with a briefing and expects to be allocated a gorilla group to visit in your group of 8 people.

Expect to find an experienced park ranger guide to lead you through the entire gorilla trekking session. The gorilla trek takes a little more time about 2-6 hours but this depends on the location of the gorilla group. At the end of the day, you will have a maximum of 1 hour to enjoy face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas once you have found it.

After the gorilla trekking, visitors are awarded a gorilla certificate signifying a successful trek. The gorilla trekking certificate is to be provided by the park official at the park offices.

Other than gorilla trekking, Ruhija is also an ideal sector for birding and nature walks. In the adjacent community, you can also explore more about the Batwa pygmies or Bakiga cultures and traditions.

Accommodation in and around the Ruhija sector

Top places to consider for overnight stays in and around the Ruhija sector include Broadbill Forest Camp, Cuckooland Tented Lodge, Bwindi Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Lodge, Bwindi Panorama Resort, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Lodge, and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Getting to Ruhija for a Happy Gorilla Family trekking tour

Ruhija is found at the Eastern end of Bwindi National Park- southwestern Uganda. Getting to Ruhija can be by road from the heart of Kampala or Entebbe through the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route. The road trip from Kampala to Ruhija takes about 8-9 hours. You can also drive from Kigali via the Katuna/Chanika border to the Ruhija region.