Ruhija Sector – Gorilla Trekking Destination in Bwindi Forest Park
Situated within the Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Ruhija sector is one of the four sectors/ or regions that make up this magnificent National Park. This Ruhija sector is home to four (4) habituated gorilla families that include Mukiza, Oruzogo, Kyaguliro and Bitukura, of which three are open for trekking thus 24 permits available per day while Kyaguliro family was reserved for research purposes.
About Gorilla Families in Ruhija sector
Kyaguliro Gorilla group
This gorilla family was habituated in 1999 but entirely reserved for research and gorilla studies. It is comprised of 10 members and led by a gigantic silverback known as Rukara.
Mukiza Gorilla group
Also known as Kyaguliro B, Mukiza is the break-away gorilla family from the once large Kyaguliro family. It is made up of 10 members including 1 silverback-Mukiza, 4 adult females, 1 sub-adult and 4 infants.
Bitukura Gorilla group
Bitukura is another Gorilla Family within Ruhija sector and was habituated in 2008. The family was named after the River where it was first spotted by trackers. It is known as one of the most peaceful families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with 13 members.
Oruzogo Gorilla Family
Oruzogo was opened for trekking in 2012 and is said to be one of the largest families with over 22 members including 2 silverbacks, Tibirikwata being their leader.
Things/activities to do in Ruhija sector
Ruhija is one of the rarely visited sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but the few people that visit it are treated to a number of jaw-dropping activities that include;
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija
Mountain Gorilla Trekking is the main activity conducted in Ruhija sector and with 3 of the 4 gorilla families open for trekking, 24 gorilla permits are available per day. With gorilla permits (priced at $700), persons of 15 years and above are allowed to venture into the thick forest to search for the mighty and gentle mountain gorillas. Once found, visitors are allotted one hour of photography and observation. Gorilla trekking is conducted daily and starts in the morning with briefing at the Ruhija sector Headquarters followed by actual treks that start at 8:00am and last 1-5 hours.
Bird watching in Ruhija Uganda
Birding is another awesome tourist activity conducted within Ruhija sector, with birders being offered the opportunity of encountering numerous (totaling to over 100) bird species including the Albertine Rift endemics. Having UWA Park Ranger as your guide will make it more informative and exciting to spot the Red-faced woodland warblers, Cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, African shrike-flycatchers, handsome francolin, Shelley’s Greenbul, dusky Crimsonwing, Red-throated Alethe, Rwenzori batis, white-tailed crested flycatcher, Kivu ground thrush, Grey bush shrike and many others. Read more about birding in Ruhija sector.
Community/Village walks in Ruhija Sector
During visits to Ruhija sector, visitors can explore the rich culture of Batwa and Bakiga people to learn about their interesting way of life, interesting cultural dances, finger-licking traditional dishes and many others. Don’t miss out on the Batwa’s traditional fire-making technique with sticks, their honey harvesting skills, hunting techniques and herbal medicines used to treat common ailments. Read more about cultural tours in Ruhija sector.
Guided forest walks
Guided forest walks reward visitors with the opportunity of exploring the beauty and endowments of Ruhija sector that include unique tree species, birds, elephants, giant forest hogs, duikers and primates especially the olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and L’Hoests monkeys among others.
Where to stay in Ruhija sector
Ruhija boasts of simple but comfortable place to stay, relax/unwind and enjoy meals during visits to the sector/region. These places include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Agandi Uganda Eco-Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Cuckooland Tented Lodge, Eco-marvels Gorilla Resort, Gift of Nature Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp and Broadbill Forest Camp among others.
Best time to visit Ruhija sector
Ruhija sector can be visited all year round but each season some with advantages and disadvantages. The dry season-months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December comes with little rains, less vegetation drier and less muddy trails/Park roads making it more ideal to explore Ruhija sector. Because the rains are less, vegetation also becomes scarcer thus mountain gorillas will have to move deeper into the forest to search for food, hence making treks longer.
The wet/rainy season-months of March, April, May, October and November comes with more rains, thicker/denser vegetation, wet forest floor, muddy/slippery trails/paths thus making treks more challenging. However, it doesn’t rain the entire day because even after rains, the sun shines and treks go on as planned. Because rains are more, vegetation becomes thicker and mountain gorillas have plenty, making it easier to find them since they won’t move far in search of food. This season is also perfect for birders with umpteen bird species, it being their breeding season. Read more about best time to visit Ruhija Sector.
How to get to Ruhija sector
Ruhija sector, in eastern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be accessed through air and road transport. For the latter, trips from Kampala last 8-9 hours and involve using the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Rukungiri-Kabale-Kihihi then Ruhija. Visitors from Queen Elizabeth National Park can also access Ruhija sector through Ishasha sector.
For air transport, domestic flights can be arranged from Entebbe International Airport/or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi airstrip then connect to Ruhija by road.