Gorilla Families In Ruhija Sector
Gorilla Families In Ruhija Sector: Ruhija sector, one of the four sectors for gorilla trekking, is situated in the eastern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Because it is home to the greatest concentration of mountain gorillas in Africa, Ruhija sector is a great place to go gorilla trekking. There are four gorilla trekking locations in the Ruhija sector, and these are open for daily hiking.
Family of Oruzogo Gorillas
In the Ruhija sector, there is a gorilla family called Oruzogo that is accessible for hiking. The gorilla family was given its name by a native plant called Oruzogoto. Tibirikwata Silverback, who oversaw the family’s viability, opened it to tourists in 2011.
With 19 members, Oruzogo was the biggest and most powerful gorilla family in the Ruhija Sector. However, in 2021, the group split up after Kasimali, a silverback, left, leaving just 10 members total—1 silverback, 4 black backs, 2 female adults, 1 sub-adult female, 2 juveniles, and 1 infant. The playful enthusiasm of the young gorillas in the Oruzogo gorilla family makes them a fascinating gorilla family in Ruhija and keeps tourists interested while they trek.
The Bitukura gorilla family
Another family of gorillas in the Ruhija region that is accessible for daily hiking is Bitukura. The river where the gorillas were first seen inspired the name of the gorilla family. About 14 gorillas live in the Bitukura family, which opened for tourism in 2008. The dominant Karamuzi silverback, Rukumu and Rukara silverbacks, Betina adult female, Ruhara adult female, Kamuga adult female, Obia black back, Mugisha black back, Twakire juvenile, Kabandize juvenile, Kadogo infant, Mubwindi infant, and a newborn baby are among the family’s members.
A and B gorilla families in Kyaguliro Another gorilla family in the Ruhija sector is the Kyaguliro family. The gorilla family was utilized for scientific purposes; however, they were among the first to become accustomed to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in 1995. At the time of habituation, Zeus Silverback ruled Kyaguriro. Rukina Silverback then banished Zeus and assumed leadership of the clan. Another silverback named Mukiza challenged Rukina as well, stealing some members of the group to start his own family. After Rukara was injured by lightning in 2012, the Kyaguriro gorilla family was split into two groups in 2016. Rukara leads Kyaguriro A, and Mukiza leads Kyaguriro B. Both gorilla families are typically found in the same area. While Kyaguriro B is dedicated to gorilla study, Kyaguriro A is accessible for hiking with a group of fifteen people.
Before the gorilla trekking experience, which begins very early in the morning with a briefing about the norms and regulations to follow before hiking, gorilla families in the Ruhija sector can be observed. Following the briefing, you will be split up into groups of eight, and each group will be paired with a habituated gorilla family to hike with and a park guide who is knowledgeable about various paths. Because mountain gorillas prefer to roam around in search of food, a mountain gorilla trekking experience in the Ruhija sector can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla’s location. In addition to seeing various bird species, other primate species, mammals, and tree species during your trek, you will be able to spend an hour in the natural habitat of the mountain gorillas, where you can observe and learn more about their habits and behaviors as well as witness them going about their daily lives—feeding, nursing, and grooming their young, among other things.
The cost of permits for gorilla trekking in the Ruhija sector
In the Ruhija sector, gorilla trekking licenses cost USD 700 for non-resident foreigners, USD 600 for residents, and USD 250,000 for citizens of East Africa.
How to obtain permits for gorilla hiking in the Ruhija sector
In the Ruhija sector, permits for gorilla trekking can be obtained directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) by contacting the park headquarters in Kampala via phone or email.
You can also reserve gorilla trekking permits in the Ruhija region by contacting a reputable tour operator, such as Budget Gorilla Trekking, and informing them of the days, months, and time of year you want to see the mountain gorillas. Once you get in touch with us, we will verify if permits are available for your dates. If they are, you will need to pay a deposit. We will buy permits on your behalf as soon as we receive the money, and we’ll email you a scanned copy of the receipt as proof.
How to travel to the Ruhija district to trek with gorillas
Ruhija sector may be reached by road transportation; it takes around 8 to 9 hours to go from Kampala, Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale to Ruhija sector, which is situated in the Eastern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Ruhija sector can also be reached from Kigali, Rwanda. Travelers can fly into Kigali international airport and then drive three to four hours to reach Ruhija sector via Katuna border in Kabale district.
By air: You can arrange scheduled or charter domestic flights with Bar Aviation or Aero link Uganda from Entebbe international airport to Kihihi airstrip, and then take a car trip to reach the Ruhija area.