Gorilla tracking in Ruhija section is yet another popular activity within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The sector, is also famous for its abundant birdlife on top of the mountain gorillas, and is thus considered the most remote sector of all the four in the park.
There is a three hour hike to visit the Mubwindi swamp, within Ruhija section, which rewards birders with countless bird species. Gorilla families in this sector include; Ruhija, Bitukura and Kyaguriro.
Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National park and it has three gorilla families. These include Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Kyaguriro gorilla families. The latter being set up for habituation and research. This means that 16 gorilla permits are available every day but sometimes, the research group is also trekked if you formally ask permission from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Only 6 people instead of 8 people are allowed to view Kyaguriro research group, in a gorilla habituation experience.
Due to the fact that, there few families in Ruhija, there is less congestion as compared to Buhoma section, so Ruhija offers a more ecotourism experience compared to Buhoma. However, this depends and varies from individual to individual.
Accessing Ruhija section for gorilla tracking.
Ruhija can be accessed from several angels. If you are coming from Kampala/Entebbe, it’s better to pass through Kabale town and then proceed to Ruhija. You can as well come from Kampala, branch off at Ntungamo to Rukungiri, kihihi, Butogota and then drive for another two hours to Ruhija.
All these routes require a four wheel drive car (4WD) because some sections of the road are rough, bumpy, and dusty. During rainy seasons, they tend to get muddy.
For those interested in flying, there are scheduled flights to Kihihi airstrip, which is on Buhoma’s side. You will then drive for two hours to Ruhija. You can also choose to land on Kabale airstrip and then drive to Ruhija.
Accommodation within the sector.
Several accommodation properties exist in Ruhija section and these include Ruhija Safari Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Cuckooland Tented Lodge and Ruhija Gorilla Resort.
The good news is that if you are interested in staying at Buhoma in the northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can still trek gorillas in Ruhija section. This however will take you approximately a 2 hours’ drive on a bumpy road. Those trekking Ruhija gorillas can as well stay in Kabale town and have an early drive to Ruhija.
Accommodation properties that exist in and around Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi include Bunyonyi Overland, Arcadia Cottages, Bunyonyi Resort, Birds’ Nest and White Horse Inn. among others.
Other activities in Ruhija section.
Ruhija section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is popular for bird watching. Therefore if you go for gorilla tracking in Ruhija, you stand a great chance of watching a variety of bird species that you may not find in other regions. Ruhija is also popular for the black and white colubus monkeys that are interesting to watch as they jump from one branch to another and.
For those interested in connecting to Rwanda, then Ruhija is much closer to Chanika and Katuna boarder points compared to Buhoma section. So for those whose itinerary continues for another gorilla tracking experience in Rwanda, you are better off booking for gorilla permits for Ruhija. The other southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo are also recommended.