Ruhija Sector
Ruhija Sector; In the East of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the Ruhija sector is conveniently accessible from Kabale and Buhoma.
Ruhija is mostly used for scientific research and is the area with the greatest topographic diversity.
Ruhija enjoys unparalleled scenery of forest ridge after forest ridge, extending all the way to the Virunga mountains, from her perch just above 2,500 meters.
The 2,607-meter Rwamunyonyi Peak, also referred to as the “hill of many birds,” is reachable by foot. The highest and coldest point in Bwindi Forest is Rwamunyonyi, which also has a sizable marsh.
Additionally, Ruhija is the only area in the park where elephants can be found. Antelopes and monkeys are among the other creatures.
Though there are fewer gorillas and fewer permits (16), Ruhija is a fantastic choice since it is quieter than the other sectors and is closer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. There are three groups of fully habituated gorillas.
How does Ruhija fit into your travels around Uganda?
Ruhija is well positioned in the Eastern part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
You can have a safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park by traveling North from here. The lions that climb trees can be found in the Ishasha sector, which is about a three-hour journey away.
You have two options: continue North to Queens’ center, the Mweya Peninsula and Kazinga Channel, or spend the night in Ishasha. From here, you may go on balloon safaris, game drives, and boat excursions.
Alternatively, Lake Bunyonyi, sometimes called the Switzerland of Africa, is the perfect getaway if you just want to kick back and unwind after those strenuous hikes.
Gorilla Trekking in the Ruhija Sector
This area is home to three fully habituated gorilla families: the Kyaguriro group, the Bitukura family, and the Oruzogo family.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority must grant permission in advance for trekking to this family since the Kyaguriro group is set aside for research.
With the exception of the Kyaguriro family, who require special permission from UWA to be visited, there are only 16 permits available per day, eight for each family. As of this writing, permits are $700 and must be scheduled far in advance.
Finding your designated gorilla family may take up to six hours on a trek, but it will be well worth it once you are in the company of these kind, gentle giants.
Before you go, you will spend a lovely hour with them.
Ugandan Gorilla Trekking
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; baby gorilla. During the rainy seasons, mosquitoes might divert your attention from the hike.
Led Walks through Forests and Primates
Red-tailed monkeys, colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys are among the primate species that call Bwindi home in addition to the mountain gorilla.
If you go on a guided walk, you could be fortunate enough to spot these animals in their native woodland.
Typically, guided walks last two hours. In addition to primates, uncommon plants, butterflies, and birds can be found. There are over 350 different species of birds, 14 of which are unique to Uganda.
At Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, go bird watching. There are about 350 different bird species in Bwindi.
Where To Stay: There aren’t many lodging alternatives in Ruhija. Early risers can go as far as Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi, and Buhoma. But in Ruhija, Bakiga Lodge and Gorilla Mist Camp are two excellent choices.
Bakiga Lodge is a superb luxury eco-lodge with amazing views of the evergreen valleys, perched above a gorgeous valley.
Ten roomy cottages with individual balconies overlooking the forest and en-suite bathrooms are available at the resort.
Bakiga Lodge operates on a nonprofit basis. Instead, the Bakiga Community Project receives the profits.
Enjoy first-rate views of all six Virunga summits from Gorilla Mist Camp. The lodge is made up of five opulent bandas with grass roofs that are individually painted to resemble natural surroundings.
Additionally, they provide three independent tented rooms with running water and solar energy. The main home has a dining space, a library, a bar with plenty of supplies, a balcony, a fireplace, and a lounge.
Ruhija Sector: Best Time to Go
December to February and June to August are the ideal times of year to visit Ruhija.
Because Uganda experiences dry spells during these months, hiking becomes much more comfortable. However, because of the tropical environment, rain can fall at any time of the year.
From March to May and September to November is the rainy/low season. Trekking may become more challenging due to the increased moisture. But since it’s getting harder and harder to forecast weather patterns, you might be in luck if you choose to travel during the rainy season. Accommodation may also be cheaper during this time.
Uganda Month by Month; Ruhija Sector is a home to half the world’s mountain gorillas.
How to Get There: Depending on the state of the roads, the travel from Kampala to the Ruhija sector can take up to nine hours.
The quickest and most convenient way to reach to Ruhija is by the daily flights that depart from Kampala and Entebbe and arrive at Kihihi Airstrip in around 1.5 hours. Flights only leave in the morning and are subject to weather conditions on the day. Depending on the resort you select, the travel to Kihihi may take one to two hours.