Ruhija sector is one of the sectors, regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is home to over half of the remaining mountain gorilla population. The other half found within the Virunga mountains, a massif that straddles around the Virunga Conservation Area. Bwindi is divided into four sectors and these include Ruhija sector, Buhoma sector, Nkuringo sector and Rushaga sector of the park. Tourists can choose to trek in any of these sectors. The price of gorilla trekking permits remains the same; $600 per person across all sectors.
Gorilla groups in Ruhija sector
The Ruhija sector of Bwindi forest has got a couple of habituated gorilla groups and some of these include; Oruzogo gorilla family, Kyaguriro gorilla family, and Bitukura gorilla family that can be seen below.
Bitukura gorilla family
Bitukura gorilla family’s habituation only took a period of 15 months compared to other gorilla families that take 2 years. One of the most interesting things about this gorilla family is that it’s dominated by the second youngest silverback Ndahura despite having more 4 silverbacks in the group, 2 of which are older than him. Bitukura gorilla family was first sighted in 2007 near the Bitukura River. They are known to be very close to the Kyaguriro gorilla family. The oldest female in the group left and joined Kyaguriro gorilla group. This one of the best gorilla groups you can visit, well known for their playfulness.
Oruzogo gorilla family
Oruzogo gorilla derives its name from a plant species near its home range. Despite the group being in Ruhija sector of Bwindi, it can also be accessed from the Buhoma sector. The family was established in 2011 with 25 members including 2 silverbacks. Oruzogo gorilla family is one of the gorilla families in Bwindi that were gifted with a set of twins in 2013 by Kankonba female. The group is dominated by the silverback called Tibirikwata. The family is very entertaining as its full of young gorillas.
Kyaguriro gorilla family
The Kyaguriro gorilla family was habituated in 1999 but reserved for research and study purposes by Max Planck Institute for evolutionary anthropology. The group was first dominated by Zeus, an old silverback who was abandoned by Rukina silverback for power. Zeus died in the wilderness and Rukina dominated up to 2015 when he died. The leadership was taken over by Rukara who now dominates the group. The group is still being used for study purposes and has since helped scientists and researchers in the study of mountain gorillas.
Where to stay
It is very important to be cautious while choosing accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Tourists should sleep in lodges located in the sectors where they will trek gorillas from. There are various accommodation options at the Ruhija sector of Bwindi and some of these include Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ruhija Gorilla Resort, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Bakiga Lodge, and Ruhija Community Rest Camp among others.
Best time to visit
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be visited all year round but the best time to visit is in the drier months of June to August and December to February. Bwindi can be reached in 9-10 hours from Kampala the capital of Uganda and in 4-5 hours from Kigali Rwanda. Tourists can alternatively fly to Kisoro Airstrip or Kihihi airstrip in Bwindi from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe international airport.
When going to trek mountain gorillas you will need to pack your self things like good hiking boots, garden gloves, energy snacks, sunscreens, warm clothing, drinking water, insect repellents, raincoats, and more. The trek is awesome and more of an adventure. You go out on a quest, locate mountain gorillas and return to pick a gorilla trekking certificate to acknowledge your participation.
