Ruhija Sector

Ruhija sector is a special region in Eastern Bwindi National Park that is worth visiting for mountain gorilla trekking. Ruhija sector isn’t only known for its thrilling mountain gorilla treks but also where the highest peak/point (Rwamunyonyi peak) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located.

Ruhija lies at an elevation range of 2340 to 2607 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, especially the forested ridge, rift valley, and the nearby Virunga Volcanoes.

Here is everything to learn about Ruhija Sector, Best Uganda Gorilla Trekking Area, including Safari Packages, gorilla families, Ruhija Lodges, Getting there & More;

Gorilla groups

The available gorilla groups to expect to visit on Uganda gorilla safaris in Ruhija include the Mukiza gorilla family, Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Kyaguriro groups. Each of the habituated Ruhija gorilla families is trekked in a group comprising 8 visitors. Only single treks are conducted each day on a single habituated gorilla group.

Birds

Ruhija is most popular for its enriching birding experiences guaranteeing birders great sights of diverse bird species. During birding tours, expect to come across diverse bird species in Ruhija including the African pygmy kingfishers, Doherty’s bush shrike, blue-headed sunbird, black bee-eaters, African goshawk, Kivu ground thrush, African paradise flycatchers, Klaas’s cuckoos, African olive-pigeon, dusky twin spot, mountain masked apalis, Rwenzori batis, little sparrow hawks, and regal sunbird.

Things to do in and around Ruhija sector Bwindi National Park

Amazing safari activities to expect to explore on Uganda safari in the Ruhija sector include;

Gorilla trekking to see mountain gorillas. Gorilla permits are available for booking at USD 800 per person and can be booked through info@adventureugandasafaris.com. Gorilla families to expect to explore gorilla tracking in Ruhija include Oruzogo, Mukiza, Kyaguriro, and Bitukura groups.

Birding tours –embark on bird watching excursion to explore birds such as the red-chested fluff tail, helmeted guinea fowl, Rwenzori turacos, purple-breasted sunbird, African paradise flycatchers, crested guinea fowl, dusky twin spot, regal sunbird, Archer’s robin chat, African olive pigeon, strange weaver birds, and palm nut vulture.

Additional checklist of birds to spot in the Ruhija sector include red-faced woodland warblers, snowy-crowned robin chat, common buzzard, grey-throated barbet, grey crowned cranes, black bee-eaters, and Doherty’s bush shrike.

The best spots to begin your bird-watching or birding tour in Ruhija include the Mubwindi swamp, Ruhija hill, and bamboo trail.

When to visit the Ruhija sector in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Ruhija sector can be visited at any time of the year, however, the peak dry season is the best for gorilla trekking adventure. That is from June to September or December to February when there is no heavy rainfall experienced in the park. Birding tours are best done around March, April, May, October, and November.

Lodges in Ruhija sector Bwindi

Top lodges in and around the Ruhija sector include Broadbill Forest Camp, Agandi Lodge, Bwindi Panorama Resort, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, Bwindi Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Gorilla Mist Lodge.

Getting to the Ruhija sector

Getting to the Ruhija area/region in Bwindi is possible by road or air. By road, you can drive 36 km from Kabale to Ruhija. 13 km from Kabale/Kisoro junction to Ndego gate, and Buhoma to Ruhija, about 59 km.

From Kampala/Entebbe, drive for about 8-9 hours via the Masaka-Mbarara route. You can also connect to Ruhija from Kibale National Park, about 6 6-hour drive. Or drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park, about 2-3 hours’ drive.

You can also set off from Kigali to Ruhija via the Katuna or Chanika border, about a 4-5 hour drive. All road trips from Entebbe, Kampala, or Kigali require a comfortable 4×4 tourist vehicle which you can secure through Maranatha Tours and Travel.

By air; transfer to Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to take your flight to Kihihi Airfield. From Kihihi, drive to Ruhija in a 4×4 safari vehicle.

Is it safe to trek gorillas in the Ruhija sector?

Absolutely yes, the Ruhija sector/region/area is safe and secure to visit for mountain gorilla trekking. Uganda borders are safe offering visitors access to Ruhija to engage in gorilla trekking.

 The border crossing access to Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) includes the Katuna/Chanika borders which are ideal for visitors crossing from Kigali.

On actual Ruhija gorilla trekking or when participating in the different activities in Ruhija, you will be accompanied by an experienced park ranger guide.

Uganda Gorilla Safari Packages to Ruhija Sector

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Sector Ruhija ushers you to the eastern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to spend quality time with one of the 4 habituated gorilla families in Ruhija sector that include Kyaguliro, Bitukura, Oruzogo and Mukiza Read More