Ruhija Sector

Ruhija Sector Of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Uganda has been globally known as one of the best places in the world where mountain gorillas can be hiked. The core of this experience is the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage National Park, and the only home to almost half of the remaining population of the mountain gorillas in the world. Bwindi has four trekking regions, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija, which have distinct trekking and cultural experiences.

The Ruhija sector is one of them, and it is not as crowded, scenic, and serene. Ruhija, located in the eastern corner of the park, has not only gorilla trekking activities but also is a great place to see birds, experience the community, and enjoy the spectacular views of the highlands of Uganda.

Ruhija is in Eastern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kabale district. It is 2,350 meters above sea level, and it is the highest point in Bwindi. Due to this elevation, Ruhija has a cool climate and the hiking paths are framed by misty montane woodlands, bamboo trees and thick vegetation.

The industry can be reached by road (about 8-9 hours’ drive) or air via the Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, and a road transfer is made. Ruhija is also a convenient destination among the travellers when they wish to combine gorilla trekking with tours of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, either using the Ishasha sector for the Tree-climbing lions, or in the endeavours around Lake Bunyonyi.

Gorilla Families in Ruhija

Gorilla trekking is one of the major motivators that compels travellers to visit Ruhija. Ruhija contains several habituated gorilla families:

Bitukura Gorilla Family – This has been a family that is habituated, known to be calm and playful. It is quite small, yet it has close trekking experiences.

Oruzogo Gorilla Family – They are known because of their active young ones and their comedic behaviour; the Oruzogo family is popular with trekkers who like watching the young gorillas play around.

Kyaguriro Gorilla Family – It is a family that is usually used in research; however, occasionally this family can be visited with a trekking option that provides information on the behaviour of gorillas and conservation research.

The visits to each trekking activity limit the number of visitors in a gorilla family to eight people, which provides minimal disturbance and a sustainable tourism orientation.

Ruhija Gorilla Trekking.

An average gorilla trekking tour in Ruhija begins early morning, and it begins with a briefing at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters. Visitors are placed with a family of gorillas according to the levels of their fitness since the trails are different in terms of difficulty.

Ruhija has been regarded as a moderate to challenging trek due to its high altitude and steep mountainous nature. The payoff is, however, a lifetime memorable experience of having to encounter a family of endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Trekkers take up to one hour to view the gorillas, as they feed, groom, play or rest. This mystical experience can be termed as life-altering.

The relatively lower number of visitors to Ruhija is an advantage in that, unlike the other busier areas such as Buhoma or Rushaga, Ruhija offers a more intimate experience of trekking. This adventure is supplemented by the calmness of the forest, mysterious hills, and bird sounds.

Other Activities in Ruhija

Although gorilla trekking is the major experience, Ruhija has other experiences that make it a worthwhile place to visit.

Birdwatching

Ruhija is a highly favourable birding location in Bwindi and Africa as well. The sector, home to more than 350 bird species of which 23 are Albertine Rift endemics, is the heaven of the birdwatcher. Notable species include:

African Green Broadbill

Grauer’s Swamp Warbler

Handsome Francolin

Dusky Crimsonwing

Mubwindi Swamp Trail is well known, especially among birders. The path cuts through wetlands and green vegetation and provides an opportunity to see the rare species, as well as primates and butterflies.

Nature Walks and Hiking

Ruhija is abundant in hiking. The Mubwindi Swamp is an approximate 4-hour guided hike that guides visitors to the beautiful forest scenery and to the swamp. It is a good means of enjoying the biodiversity of Bwindi, giant tree ferns and orchids.

When the weather is sunny, hiking in Ruhija also offers trekkers the scenic views of the Virunga Volcanoes, a lake (Bunyonyi) and even the Rwenzori Mountains.

Social and Cultural Interactions.

Out of the forest, Ruhija also provides cultural visits with the local community, such as the Batwa pygmies and the Bakiga. Tourists are given a chance to enjoy traditional dances, storytelling, and craft making. The Batwa story is especially touching, since it illuminates the background and plight of the original people of the forest.

Forest Walks to Primates

Other than the gorillas, Ruhija has a number of primates, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and blue monkeys. These mischievous primates, together with colourful butterflies and reptiles, are frequently found on guided forest walks.

Accommodation Ruhija Sector.

Though distant, Ruhija is able to provide a variety of accommodation choices that meet varying budgets. Eco-friendly lodges and camps do not clash with nature, and they fit in the forest environment. Others have grown in popularity, such as:

Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge – The mid-range lodge has comfortable cottages with marvellous views of the forest.

Bakiga Lodge – A community-based eco-lodge whose profits are invested to fund local development projects

Broadbill Forest Camp – A low-cost camp that suits both birders and backpackers.

Along with the warm hospitality, these lodges arrange some other activities, including guided walks and cultural tours.

Why Choose Ruhija Sector?

Quieter – Ruhija is not overrun with tourists in the same way that Buhoma and Rushaga are, and therefore it is ideal to tourists who like relaxing.

Rich Birdlife – It is among the best places to observe birds in Bwindi, and it draws amateurs across the world.

Scenic Beauty – The elevated location has unbelievable scenery of hilly terrain, foggy forests and volcanoes at a distance.

Unique Gorilla Families – The gorilla groups of Ruhija are habituated to a point where they are playful and interactive, thus extending the trekking experience.

Accessibility to Other Destinations – It is conveniently located to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi and Kibale National Park.

But the wet seasons (March to May and October to November) are less crowded and have the lush green views that adventurous travellers and the birders would enjoy. Ruhija has unpredictable and cool weather; thus, a visitor should always have rain gear, good boots, and warm-up attire

Best Time to Visit Ruhija

Visits to Ruhija are possible year-round; however, dry seasons (June to September and December to February) were found to be the most favourable seasons to have a go at gorilla trekking. The trails are not so smooth during these months, and trekking is easier.