Ruhija Sector of Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Located in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Ruhija sector stands at an elevation of 2,350 above sea level, making it one of the coldest places in the park. This is one of the four mountain gorilla tracking sectors which also include Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga. The sector is easily accessible from Buhoma region in the North and Kibale town in the South due to its strategic location. Ruhija is also close to Buhoma sector and it is possible for one to spend a night in Ruhija sector and do tracking at Buhoma sector. Ruhija is uniquely home to the best three gorilla families and they include: Oruzogo, Bitukura and Kyaguriro. There is more to Ruhija like bird watching which is it renowned for and the hike to Rwamunyonyi, the highest point in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla Permits in Ruhija sector
Only 24 people per day are allowed to track gorillas in this sector with a limit of 8 people to track each gorilla family. Visitors interested in gorilla trekking in this region may choose which gorilla family they would like to track. However, this is depends on the availability of gorilla permits for that particular gorilla family.
Permits admitted in Ruhija sector.
All these groups give 24 people to gorillas from this sector 8 people in each family group. The people interested in tracking gorillas in this region have choice to determine which family group to do gorilla trekking on depending on the availability of the gorilla permits.
Activities or What to do in Ruhija Sector
On top of mountain gorilla tracking experience, there are several other activities to participate in while in the Ruhija region. These include:Community tours
While visiting Ruhija sector for gorilla trekking, visitors also have an opportunity of visiting and supporting the communities around the park. There are different community projects set up and have enabled the locals to get involved in tourism as a source of income for their families by simply engaging in projects like making of handcrafts such as baskets, beads, mats and beekeeping. These activities have supported the local livelihood of the communities as source of employment. Some community members work as porters during gorilla trekking in the park. Visitors who visit these projects are also given an opportunity to participate in these activities and also enjoy the entertainment provided by the community as a way of making them feel part of the community.The Batwa community experience
For yet another thrilling fun filled experience, do not to miss encountering with the Batwa people while on your visit to the Ruhija sector. The Batwa are the indigenous people of Bwindi forest who were evicted from the forest when gorillas were discovered and introduced in the park in 1991.
A visit to the Batwa rewards visitors with an understanding of their cultural lifestyle, norms, and traditions while still the forest which includes hunting, making local herbs, beekeeping for honey, and entertainment through songs and dances. You can’t dare to miss this exhilarating momentous time with the Batwa pygmies. Reach to us at Jewel safaris for an enriching activity here with the Batwa community.
The Batwa community experience
For yet another thrilling fun-filled experience, do not to miss encountering the Batwa while on your visit to the Ruhija sector. The Batwa are the indigenous inhabitants of Bwindi forest who were evicted from the forest to protect the mountain gorillas and other species in the forest. A visit to the Batwa rewards visitors with an understanding of their traditional lifestyle and norms where you will watch hunting demonstrations, making local herbs, beekeeping, fire making using dry sticks and entertainment through traditional songs and dances.Forest walks/nature walks
There is no better way of getting closer to the beauty of Bwindi than through taking a guided forest/nature walk. During the forest walk, you will come across features like waterfalls, rivers, caves, and rocks. The ranger will explain to you about these features as you follow the different trails in the park. Learn about the tree species and bird as they make sweetly sing up on the trees branches. You may also encounter some animals such as forest elephants and monkeys.Bird watching
