Sector Ruhija

Sector Ruhija

Sector Ruhija

Nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population is found in the Ruhija sector, one of the Bwindi impenetrable sectors located in the southwest of Uganda. Within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the Ruhija sector is located in the eastern region. It coexists with other sectors, including Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma, which are home to the habituated mountain gorillas in the Bwindi forest.

Because to the park’s elevated topography and deep, forested canopy, the Ruhija region experiences chilly weather and temperatures. Trekkers who venture into the Ruhija sector are likely to encounter frigid morning and nighttime temperatures, with pleasant daytime temperatures.

Why trek in the area of Ruhija?

Like other sectors in the Bwindi forest, Ruhija has its own special qualities that draw many hikers to the area, even if there are other sectors with habituated mountain gorilla families.

About three habituated gorilla families—the Nyaguriro family, the Oruzogo family, and the Bitukura gorilla family—are located in Ruhija and are accessible to visitors throughout the year for gorilla tourism. All tourists who would like to trek in the Ruhija sector are welcome to go gorilla trekking there.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority provides roughly 24 permits for gorilla trekking in the Ruhija sector to all tourists who would like to trek gorillas. Similar to other sectors, only eight people are permitted to visit the mountain gorilla family in the Ruhija area.

The Oruzogo gorilla family, which is made up of roughly 23 members who were habituated in 2011 and is led by a single silverback mountain gorilla, welcomes visitors to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park all year round for gorilla trekking.

The Nyaguriro gorilla family, which consists of roughly 20 members under the leadership of a single silverback, has a fascinating past. The family became habituated in 1995, which is why it was given the names Nyaguriro A and B.

The Bitukura gorilla family is one of the newest gorilla groups, having been habituated in 2007. It was found near a river on multiple occasions, where it had previously lived before being habituated for tourism. The group consists of 14 members, led by a mature silverback gorilla, though there are also about 4 very calm and serene silverbacks.

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Ruhija is 600 USD per person; by June 2020, that amount rose to 800 USD. per individual per day, and once used, the permit cannot be renewed. From the moment they first encounter the gorilla family, visitors are permitted to spend no more than 60 minutes with them.

Similar to other sectors, the gorilla trekking experience begins with a briefing at the park headquarters at 7:00 before trekkers set out. Following the briefing, groups of eight travelers are paired with two park ranger guides who will support and guide them throughout their trekking adventure in the Bwindi forest.

Additional Ruhija sector activity

In addition to gorilla trekking, the Ruhija sector offers additional activities that might enhance a trek expedition in Bwindi Forest National Park. Activities like nature walks or forest walks combined with bird watching will allow you to take advantage of the opportunity to observe a variety of bird species in the forest. Since Bwindi Forest is a top destination for bird enthusiasts, you may spot birds like the dusky Crimson wing, hornbills, bush shrike, fly catchers, African harrier hawk, cinnamon-chested beef eater, African blue, and common bulbul, among others.

Aside from these, forest walks offer visitors the chance to see other creatures that call the Bwindi forest home, including duikers, elephants, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, clawless otters, buffaloes, golden cats, yellow-backed duikers, civets, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and olive monkeys.

Another activity that visitors can partake in following their gorilla trekking experience in the Bwindi forest is visiting a community. Visitors visiting the community will have the opportunity to interact with the native Batwa people, who were once inhabitants of the forest but have now relocated to its periphery.

The ethnic dances that the batwa entertainments will showcase will give the tourists a chance to learn more about their way of life. Additionally, tourists will come across the locals’ community enterprises that enable them to engage in gorilla tourism, such as their weaving projects, art and craft production, and other ventures that they sell to generate income.

Lodging options in the Ruhija area

While on their trek, visitors can choose from a wide variety of lodging options in the Ruhija sector, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options that offer all visitors nice and comfortable accommodations, like

  • Bakiga Lodge,
  • Ruhija Gorilla Lodge,
  • Trekkers Tavern Lodge,
  • Gorilla Mist Camp, and
  • Agandi Uganda Lodges,
  • among others.

Travelers can enjoy both local and international cuisine at all lodging establishments, and their well-trained personnel provides international service to all guests.

We are one of the top-rated and most reputable companies in Uganda for gorilla trekking safaris in the Bwindi forest. When you book with us, you’ll receive additional benefits like meals, lodging, transportation, and a gorilla trekking permit. Get in touch with us with any questions you may have about gorilla trekking safaris.

We also provide a variety of optional activities that you can combine with your gorilla trekking experience in the impenetrable forest of Bwindi, adding to your lifelong adventure memories in the pearl of Africa.



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