Ruhija Sector

Ruhija sector is one of the 4 sectors of bwindi impenetrable national park where travelers/trekkers can find different gorilla families for viewing. Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park. Ruhija sector is home to 3 families of mountain gorillas, including; Oruzongo gorilla family, bitukura gorilla family, and Kyaguriro mountain gorilla family; only two mountain gorilla families are habituated and ready for visitors. Ruhija has the least number of mountain gorilla families compared to its neighbor, buhoma, in the north. This makes ruhija free and good for gorilla trekking compared to buhoma and other sectors which are always congested by trekkers.

Ruhija stands on an elevation of about 2,350 meters above the ground or sea level. The sector connects to Queen Elizabeth national park; therefore, this allows travelers to easily connect between Queen Elizabeth national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park.

The altitude on which ruhija sits, makes it one of the coldest areas in bwindi impenetrable national park. Ruhija sector is located between the Buhoma sector which borders it to the north and kibale town which borders it to the south; this makes the ruhija sector a very accessible place for mountain gorilla trekking. Bwindi impenetrable national park for gorilla trekking, the sector enjoys a life-changing encounter with critically endangered mountain gorillas. Ruhija is believed to be the best sector worth exploring when you visit bwindi impenetrable forest.

There are a lot of aspects that you can attach to mountain gorilla trekking to make you stay in ruhija sector a memorable one. Ruhija sector got a lot to offer to the visitors; it offers hikes good for the physically fit and adventurous travelers such as the hiking trail to Rwamunyonyi peak, which you should not miss out. Besides mountain gorilla trekking in ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park, expect to meet other primates like monkeys and other animals such as elephants and wide array of the Albertine species of birds.

Among the gorilla families in this sector of bwindi impenetrable national park, Kyaguriro mountain gorilla family is reserved for only the research purposes like habituation. Unlike the other mountain gorilla families in the ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park, kyaguriro is only allowed to be trekked by a group of 6 people; only after asking for a formal permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). However, the other mountain gorilla families in ruhijja sector of bwindi impenetrable national park are allowed to be visited by a maximum of 8 people per day.

What to do in ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park

There is a lot of unique activities you can enjoy while on your mountain gorilla trekking safari in ruhija sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park, including forest explorations, cultural encounters and sight-seeing among others as explained below;

Birding: one of the activities you can enjoy in Ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park includes birding. Ruhija sector is an awesome spot for bird watching with in the forest. The bird species in this sector mutually live along with the mountain gorillas and the other animals in bwindi impenetrable national park. Ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park is home to about 23 endemic bird species of the albertine region, they include the grey bush shrike, yellow-eyed black flycatcher , starred robin, hornbills, turacos, dusky crimson wing and , yellow streaked greenbul among others. Ruhija is also a recognized important birding area (iba) by the international birding organization, because of its global bird conservation significance. In order to enjoy birding in ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park, you are reminded to carry along with you a pair of binoculars to help you spot the birds clearer. You can book birding in ruhija as a standalone activity that you can do after mountain gorilla trekking, the experienced birding guide will lead you into the forest and explain all the information about the birds you find along the trail.
Mountain gorilla trekking: For travelers who visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mountain gorillas are a key attraction in the park, the mountain gorillas are also a good reason for all travelers who chose to visit ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park. You can enjoy trekking one of the two habituated mountain gorilla families in ruhija. Mountain gorilla trekking is such a sensitive tourist activity and only 8 people are allowed to visit a gorilla family in the Ruhija sector each day. However, only two mountain gorillas are habituated with in ruhija sector, hence only 16 permits are sold for a day’s visit to ruhija of bwindi impenetrable national park.
Be reminded to carry the appropriate items for a memorable mountain gorilla trekking in ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park such as hiking shoes, dull colors clothes like grey and amry green shirts and pants, long pants, insect repellants, cameras, a water bottle, and rain jackets among others. There are potters to help you carry your bags and also to give support where necessary during hiking in ruhija sector, however, there is a charge you pay for the potters. The time of trekking is much dependent on the weather; ruhija being a high ragged terrain, there are delays during hiking especially in the rain season, therefore, you can park your lunch but do not eat near the mountain gorillas.
Community walks: During your time in this sector of bwindi forest, you can take some time and visit community based projects plus offering them some support; the community projects are owned and run by local people, therefore, your support is highly appreciated. You can enjoy the visit to the community projects such as the crafts workshops. The community walk in ruhija will take you around the community and learn about beekeeping as one way the people earn a living here. The fund got from the tourists who visit bwindi impenetrable forest, helps the families in Ruhija to support their livelihood.
Forest walks: The forest walks in ruhija sector will expose you to a lot of forest life that you might have not seen during the mountain gorilla trekking activity. During the forest nature walks you will marvel at the beautiful birds, the playful monkeys in the forest, and with luck, you can meet a forest elephant, plus the swash of the jungle trees makes the time such a memorable experience with in ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park. The forest walk in ruhija sector is also a favorable way for you to find out more inside the bwindi impenetrable forest like the waterfalls, caves and rocks among others.

Accommodation in ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park

When you visit the Ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park, you are assured of the cozy authentic and comfortable accommodation choices within the area perimeter and the neighborhood. All the lodges in ruhija sector of bwindi impenetrable national park offer accommodation in a relaxing environment with the view of the forest and the undulating hills of kisoro and kanungu. Remember to book for your accommodation before you set off for your mountain gorilla trekking activities in bwindi impenetrable forest.