Ruhija Sector –Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Ruhija Sector –Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Ruhija Sector –Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park : Ruhija sector is one of the four sectors that makes Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park renowned. This sector is located in the eastern side of the park in between Buhoma in the north and Kibale town in the south. Ruhija sector is easily accessed and it connects to Queen Elizabeth national park which takes few driving hours. Ruhija sector hosts four habituated gorilla families that visitors can choose from to trek on a gorilla trekking tours in Uganda.
Why visit the Ruhija sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla trekking tour to Bwindi impenetrable national park are carried out in four sectors of the park that is; Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija sector and Rushanga sector. Gorilla trekking experience in each of these four gorilla sectors is rewarding and memorable and below are the reasons why you should visit the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park;
Gorilla Trekking
The reason as to why high number of visitors visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is that it hosts with 21 habituated gorilla families ready to trek while on a gorilla trekking safari. The four gorilla families of Ruhija sectors are Bitukura gorilla family, Oruzogo gorilla family, Kyaguliro and Mukiza gorilla families.
Gorilla trekking starts early at 8am after briefing about rules of gorilla trekking in the forest, before allocating you to a gorilla group to trek first ensure that your health and physical fit, when you are able to hike for long hours in the jungle. Gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector can take 2 to 6 hours and must be in a group of 8 persons of the right age ‘’15 years and above’’. Whatever, gorilla group trekked on that particular day one hour is given to the trekkers to spend with them. Meaning 32 gorilla permits available per day in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi. We recommend you to book your gorilla trekking permits in advance. Bwindi gorilla permit goes for USD 700 Foreign nonresident, USD 600 Foreign resident and UGX 250,000 for East African members. Trekkers always follow the rules and regulations for gorilla trekking has given out by the park guide.
Gorilla trekking essentials to carry include; water roof bag, energy snacks, enough drinking water, long sleeved blouses and trouser, rubber hiking shoes, warm clothes, sweater, rain jackets, hat, insect repellent among others.
Apart from Gorilla trekking, there are other activities you can participate on visit to gorilla trekking safari
Birding
Ruhija sector is also best for bird watching. Some of bird species to see in Ruhija sector include Starred robin, hornbills, dusky crimson wing and Yellow-streaked greenbul mentioned few. Birders are encouraged to carry their pair of binoculars such that they can clearly see even small birds and clear camera. Never go for birding without an experienced bird guide.
Forest Walks
Forest walks in Ruhija is interesting and a great way to explore the park on foot. You will be able to see beautiful waterfalls, abundant plant life, birds, caves and diversity of animals that make the forest walk even more adventurous
Batwa Encounter
On your visit to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park in Ruhija sector, you will go visit the Batwa people who used to survive with mountain gorillas in the forest, meeting with them you will have opportunity to learn how to collect wild honey, make fire from sticks, hunting skills, and learn how to make medicinal plants. Traditional dances and songs are more enjoyable here.
Conducive weather
Ruhija sector offers a conducive weather and perfectly good for photography during morning hours when fog covers the forest. For this case, at night visitors are given warm water bottles to give them some extra warmth.
Visit the local community projects
In Ruhija sector there are number of craft shops where local women’s get their source of income through selling the items to the travelers.
Accommodation in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi
Ruhija sector has nice accommodation facilities available to travelers, ranging from Luxury –Mid-range and Budget available to cater for your comfortable stay in Ruhija sector on gorilla tours such as Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Community, Bakiga Lodge, Agandi Uganda Eco lodge among others. Booking your safari accommodation, you must first confirm the gorilla sector from where you are to trek on visit to Bwindi. The arrangements of bookings are done by the trusted tour operators in order to reach out the best gorilla trekking safari in Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
