RUHIJA SECTOR -BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Ruhija Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park : Ruhija sector is one of the 4 sectors that thrill in Bwindi Impenetrable national park situated in the Eastern part of the park and is one of the 4 sectors of the park. Bwindi impenetrable national park is the most visited destination in Uganda the pearl of Africa with over 1000 gorillas still remaining in the wild. That are distributed in 3 countries of Uganda in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park, Rwanda in Volcanoes national park and in Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga national park.
Of all the 3 countries, Uganda thrills with the largest population and more number of habituated gorilla families that are distributed within 4 sectors including Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Buhoma.
Ruhija sector is a home to 4 habituated gorilla families including Bitukura, Oruzongo, Kyaguliro and Mukiza. This brings the total number of gorilla trekking permits in Ruhija sector to 32 since each gorilla family is trekked by maximum number of 8 person and each person is entitled to 1 gorilla permit.
Kyaguliro gorilla family consists of 9 members including 2 silverbacks (Rukara the dominant silverback and the other silverback Kabandize. This Kyaguliro gorilla family is under the leadership of the dominant silverback Rukara.
On the other hand, Bitukula gorilla family is as well another family that thrill in Ruhija sector. This family is led by the dominant silverback Mugisha though it has another silverback Rukumu. The family has 11 members including Mugisha and Rukumu the silverbacks plus other 9 members bringing the total to 11 family members.
Oruzongo Gorilla Family is yet the most fascinating gorilla family to trek while on your gorilla trekking safari in Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Oruzongo gorilla family has 4 silverbacks with the dominant silverback Bakwate. The entire family has 19 members.
Ruhija sector is strategically located in the Eastern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park and is the nearest sector to visit from Buhoma sector which is in the Northern part of the park, can as well be accessed from Queen Elizabeth national park and from Lake Bunyonyi. This therefore enables travelers to easily combine a gorilla trekking safari in the park with a wildlife viewing safari in Queen and a canoe ride along Lake Bunyonyi.
Gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector
Gorilla trekking is always the highlight of most of Uganda safaris especially for tourists who wish to explore Bwindi impenetrable national park. This adventure enables tourists to spend only 1 hour in presence of Gorillas taking photographs and closely interacting with the gorillas in their natural habitats. The entire Bwindi forest thrills with over 20 gorilla families that have been habituated for trekking however Ruhija sector is a home to only 4 families thus on a daily basis, the Uganda Wildlife Authority issues out 32 gorilla trekking permits, 8 permits per gorilla family each permit costs $700 for Foreign Nonresidents, $600 for Foreign Residents and UgX.250, 000 for East Africans. As long as one is above 15 years of age, they are allowed to participate in gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector.
Other things to do in Ruhija sector,
Apart from Gorilla trekking, Ruhija sector thrills with more other tourist activities that can be enjoyed on a daily basis before or after gorilla trekking and these make it one of the preferred sector to explore while on a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable national park. These activities include;
Guided nature walks: Ruhija sector is one of the best sector in Bwindi where one can enjoy a guided walk within the rugged terrains of the forest. During the walk, tourists are rewarded with an encounter with several primate species, animals, and birds as well enjoy the flora in the Eastern part of the park.
Birding and bird watching: The entire Bwindi impenetrable national park thrills with over 350 bird species thus taking about 2-3 hours on a birding adventure is such a thrilling experience for a keen birder as it enables you to spot as many bird species as possible.
The sector is yet one of the best birding spot and birder’s haven where bird lovers have an opportunity to spot abundant of birdlife such as Red-tailed Greenbul, Shelley’s Greenbul, dusky crimson wing, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, African green broadbill, yellow-streaked Greenbul, Hawk-eagle, Grey-throated Barbet and many more. The major birding spot in Ruhija sector is around Mubwindi swamp trail, Bamboo trail, Rwamunyonyi peak and many other birding trails in the park.
Community tour: Ruhija sector is as well a best sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park where one can enjoy a community tour to the local community members especially the Batwa and the Bakiga.
Where to stay in Ruhija Sector,
Ruhija sector has several accommodation facilities including both budget, midrange and luxury where tourists on a Uganda safari to Bwindi impenetrable national park can sleep awaiting or after their gorilla trekking adventure in Ruhija sector. Some of these accommodations include Ruhija Gorilla safari lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Bakiga lodge and many more.
The park can be accessed both by road and by air. A road drive to Ruhija sector takes about 8-9 hours from Kampala the capital city of Uganda or from Entebbe international airport. For those who opt for the flight, there is a chatter flight from Kajansi to Kihihi.
