Ruhija Sector in Bwindi – Best for Gorilla Trekking & Birding Safaris
Ruhija sector is among the 4 regions/trailheads/areas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) where gorilla trekking is conducted. Ruhija sector is a rewarding gorilla safari sector in Eastern Bwindi.
Ruhija gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park involves exploring the different habituated gorilla groups including Mukiza, Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, and Bitukura gorilla families.
Visit Ruhija sector in eastern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the best region for gorilla trekking & birding safari. Gorilla tracking is the main primate adventure to expect to enjoy in Ruhija sector Bwindi but there are also other unique experiences to appreciate.
Altitude of the Ruhija Sector
Ruhija sector is where the highest point of Bwindi National Park. Ruhija is 2607 meters and it is marked by Rwamunyonyi Peak as the highest peak in the entire Bwindi National Park.
Ruhija sector Bwindi is most popular as the hill of many birds and is also a favorite hiking and gorilla trekking spot in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The topography of Ruhija is raised and offers remarkable views of the surrounding Virunga Mountain ranges. It is the coldest part of Bwindi National Park with abundant wildlife for visitors to encounter.
What to see in the Ruhija Gorilla Safari Sector
Ruhija region features a good section of mountain gorillas. These survive together with other wildlife including African elephants, antelopes, monkeys, and others.
Mountain gorillas in Ruhija can be explored during the guided gorilla trekking. Trekking with Ruhija gorillas involves exploring already habitat gorilla groups (Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Kyaguriro gorilla groups).
Waterfalls and caves– there are also incredible caves and waterfalls to explore during a guided walking exploration in Ruhija.
Bird species –over 350 bird species survive in Bwindi National Park. The diverse bird species to identify on birding in Ruhija include grey-throated barbets, African shrike flycatchers, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, red-chested fluff tail, African green broadbill, dwarf honey guide, and Kivu ground thrush.
Ruhija is also known for birds such as the purple-breasted sunbirds, strip-breasted tit, dusky twin spot, dusky turtle dove, African wood owl, Rwenzori turacos, Doherty’s bush shrikes, western green tinker bird, little sparrow hawks,
Other birds include red-faced woodland warblers, white-throated greenbul, bared long-tailed cuckoos, mountain masked apalis, strange weaver bird, African olive-pigeon, and archer’s robin chat.
What to do in and around the Ruhija Sector
Gorilla trekking in the Ruhija sector
Gorilla trekking in the Ruhija sector involves exploring the 4 main habituated gorilla groups. These include Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Mukiza. These account for about 32 gorilla permits with each obtainable at USD 800 per person.
A gorilla trek in Ruhija lasts for about 2-6 hours although this includes an hour of face-to-face encounter with a family of mountain gorillas. Book a gorilla trip pack to Bwindi and explore mountain gorillas on foot with an experienced guide.
Birding
Bird watching in Ruhija takes you through the enriching Mubwindi trail to search for different bird species. The birds to expect to come across on a birding tour in Ruhija include the African sooty flycatchers, African pygmy kingfishers, African goshawk, and handsome francolin
Other birds; Doherty’s bush shrike, yellow-rumped tinker bird, snowy crowned robin chat, Mackinnon’s shrikes, Shelley’s greenbul, African paradise flycatchers, Kivu ground thrush, and Mountain masked apalis.
The Batwa cultural experience
The Batwa cultural experience is enjoyable from the Batwa community adjacent to Bwindi National Park. The cultural visit to the Batwa pygmies’ community involves exploring more about the Batwa cultures, traditions, and lifestyles, and expect to also get entertained by their unique dances.
The best time to visit the Ruhija sector in Bwindi
The ideal period to travel to explore Ruhija is during the dry season. There is a long dry season which occurs from June to September, and December to February which marks the shortest dry season.
It is around these two phases of dry season when Ruhija records the lowest rainfall amount and the forest floor remains drier to trek through.
Top things to pack for the Ruhija sector tour
The essentials to pack for a gorilla safari in the Ruhija sector and other activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are waterproof walking/hiking boots, a waterproof daypack, a rain jacket, a poncho, insect repellents, and a camera.
Additional items include a safari hat, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, energy snacks, garden gloves, a valid gorilla permit, a first aid kit, and bottled drinking water.
Gorilla safari/Ruhija accommodation options
Places to consider for overnight stays on Uganda safaris in Ruhija range from budget to luxury.
The leading accommodation facilities to book for your overnight stay include Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, and Agandi Uganda Eco Lodge.
Other Ruhija accommodation include Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Broadbill Forest Camp, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, and Ruhija Safari Lodge.
Getting to Ruhija sector Bwindi
Driving from Entebbe or Kampala to the Ruhija sector in Bwindi National Park takes about 8-9 hours’ drive although this may depend on the driver’s speed and road conditions.
Driving from Kigali to the Ruhija takes 4-5 hours via the Katuna/Chanika border crossing in a 4×4 rental car.
By air; take 1-2 hours on a flight from Entebbe Airport to Kihihi Airfield then drive from Kihihi to Ruhija sector in eastern Bwindi National Park.