Birding Safari in Ruhija Sector

Birding safari in Ruhija Sector: Birding is one of the interesting Uganda safari activities enthusiastic nature lovers should expect to be part of while at Ruhija sector. Birding safari in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park allows birders to identify the diversity of bird species that make it an extraordinary bird-watching spot.

Located in Eastern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Ruhija is home to several Albertine endemic bird species making it a special birding area in East Africa. Have a pack of binoculars, a birding guidebook plus any other essential birding gear and experience the ultimate birding expedition in the Ruhija sector an incredible spot to keep an eye on diverse forest and Albertine rift endemic bird species.

Bird species in the Ruhija sector

Bird species in the Ruhija sector are countless and your birding safari is a great opportunity to explore and experience birding trails ushering you into the swamps, waterfalls, hills, rivers each with a huge profusion of bird species. When it comes to birding safaris in the Ruhija sector, the Mubwindi Swamp/Wetland trail should be a must-visit site.

Mubwindi Swamp trail is blessed with lots of endemic birds and other localized species including red chested fluff tail, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, African green broadbill, Caruthers cisticola, dwarf honeyguide, African shrike flycatcher, common buzzard, grey throated barbets.

Rwenzori batis

Other special species of birds not to be missed on Ruhija birding safaris include African Goshawk, African pygmy kingfishers, black bee-eaters, blue-headed sunbirds, short-tailed warblers, Shelley’s crimson wings, African sooty flycatchers, brown capped weaver birds, handsome francolins, Rwenzori batis, Doherty’s bush shrike, snowy crowned robin chat, ross turacos. Still, within Ruhija, there are lots of African paradise flycatchers, yellow-rumped tinker bird, MacKinnon’s shrike, red-tailed greenbul, Shelley’s greenbul, etc.

The bamboo forest area, Afro-montane area has a diversity of Albertine rift endemic birds including Kivu ground thrush, purple breasted sunbird, Archer’s robin chat, strip breasted tit, Mountain masked Apalis, Rwenzori turacos, strange weaver birds, and others.

When to go birding safari in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi

Birding safaris in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi National Park can be done at any time of the year though the wet or rainy season is an ideal time. The wet season is a favorite time the fact that it is peak breeding season for most birds. That is from March till May, October to November. For less stressful bird walks/hikes, the dry season is the best when birding trails remain drier and easier to navigate through. This means you can plan your birding expedition in June till September or December to February.

Packing list for a birding safari in Ruhija Sector

For any plans to visit the Ruhija sector for a birding tour, here are some of the essentials you should have; long-sleeved shirt or blouses, hiking boots, pants, bird guidebook, cotton socks, pair of binoculars, daypack, tripods, toiletries, snacks, camera, bottled water, first aid kit, insect repellent and more.

Accommodation to stay on a birding safari in Ruhija Sector

All birders on birding safari in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi have where to stay whether you need a budget, standard/mid-range, or luxury accommodation. The lodges to book for overnight stay at Ruhija include Broadbill Forest Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Agandi Uganda Eco-Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Gorilla Mist Camp, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge.

Getting to the Ruhija sector for birding

Travel to Ruhija for birding by road or by air. By road, birders on Uganda birding tour set off from Kampala via Mbarara-Rukungiri-Kihihi-Butogota route that is 8-9 hours’ drive or 4-5 hours’ drive from Kigali through Gatuna/Katuna border. By air, take a charter or scheduled flight right from Entebbe or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip.