Birding in Ruhija Sector Uganda: Bwindi Birding Tours
Get your pair of binoculars, birding guidebook and other necessary equipment for the extraordinary birding in Ruhija Sector excursion through the dense rainforest of Bwindi’s Ruhija sector. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for being one of the Important Birding Areas in Uganda especially for montane forest and Albertine Rift endemic species. A birding excursion in Ruhija sector, within the Eastern part of the Park is a journey of discovering up to 100 species of birds.
Winding through the lush rainforest and montane marshes that intertwine the forest floor are well-maintained birding trails that lead you to hills, swamps, waterfalls and Rivers with prolific bird species. Amble along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail and be sure to encounter localized and endemic bird species such as African green broadbill, Carruther’s Cisticola, Common Buzzard, African shrike flycatcher, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Dwarf honey guide, Grey-throated barbets, Red-chested Flufftail,
Look up on the tree tops to sight the Shelley’s Crimsonwing, short-tailed warblers, short-tailed warblers, handsome francolin, Blue-headed sunbirds, the incredible Black bee-eater and African sooty Flycatchers, African Goshawk, Ross Turaco, Snowy-crowned Robin chat, Doherty’s Bush shrike, African Paradise flycatcher, Brown-capped weavers, Rwenzori batis, Grey-crowned cranes, Helmeted guinea fowl, Blue-headed sunbirds, African pygmy Kingfishers, Mackinnon’s shrike, Yellow-rumped tinkerbird and many others.
Ruhija hill area is where species such as Shelley’s Greenbul, Ayre’s Hawk eagle, Red-tailed Greenbul and many others are common. The Bamboo forest zone as well as the Afro-montane habitats around the spectacular Rwamunyonyi peak shelters a wide range of Albertine Rift endemic birds such as the Purple-breasted sunbirds, Strip-breasted tit, Strange weavers, handsome francolin, Archer’s Robin chat, Rwenzori Turaco, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori batis, Mountain masked Apalis, to mention but a few.
Best time for birding in Ruhija sector
The Best time for birding in Ruhija sector is during the wet/rainy season when avifauna breeding is at its peak. The increased supply of food that comes with rains makes it easier for birds to breed and raise chicks. The dry season however makes birding less challenging as birders walk through less muddy/slippery birding trails. All in all, birding in Ruhija sector is an all-year round activity.
What to pack for birding in Ruhija sector
The essentials for anyone planning a birding trip to Ruhija sector are bird guidebook, sunscreen, convertible pants, comfortable hiking boots, a rainproof poncho, wide-brimmed hat, gardening gloves, toiletries, good camera, binoculars, long-sleeved shirts/blouses, cotton socks, snacks, water bottle, Tripods, backpack and toiletries (hand sanitizer, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and face wipes), first aid kit and many others.
Where to stay
There are a number of budget, midrange and luxury accommodation facilities in Ruhija sector, and if you are on a birding expedition as part of your safari, stay at Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Agandi Uganda Eco-Lodge, Cuckooland Tented Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Bakiga Lodge, to mention but a few.
How to get to Ruhija sector
A road trip or chartered/scheduled flight will lead you to south-western Uganda where Ruhija sector is found. Flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro and Kihihi followed by road transfer leads you to the incredible Ruhija sector where your birding adventure is based.
Road trip from Kampala to Ruhija sector, via Masaka, Mbarara, Rukungiri, Kihihi and Butogota takes you to Ruhija sector, in the East of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the journey lasts about 8-9 hours.