Gorilla Families in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi
Gorilla Families in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda is a prime destination for seeing mountain gorillas, featuring four sectors: Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Among these, Ruhija offers a serene experience and stunning views of the Virunga mountains, making it a favourite for trekking. Located in the Rubanda district, Ruhija is about 9–10 hours from Kampala and 4 hours from Kigali via the Katuna border. The area is known for its habituated mountain gorilla families and is also home to over 350 bird species, 120 mammal species, and 10 primate species, which can be observed during treks.
What to know about Gorilla Families in Ruhija sector of Bwindi
In the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Ruhija sector is home to the Mukiza, Bitukura, Kyaguriro, and Oruzogo mountain gorilla families. Trekking with these families is restricted to eight people who are at least 15 years old and have a valid gorilla permit. Eight trekkers per gorilla family are permitted under the 32 permits that are given out each day. The following gorilla families provide tourists with a rare chance to witness mountain gorillas in their natural environment while trekking in the Ruhija sector.
Bitukura gorilla family
Following gorilla families in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi, the Bitukura gorilla family is one of the oldest in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, notable for its ease of habituation compared to other families, which can take over two to three years. The habituation of the Bitukura family occurred between 2007 and 2008, and it consists of over 24 members as of the current date.
Kyaguriro gorilla family
The oldest gorilla family in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was known for research before becoming open to gorilla trekking in 1999. Initially led by Silverback or Zeus during the habituation period, he lost his leadership to Rukina following a fierce dominance struggle and subsequently left the group.
Mukiza gorilla family
Following the Gorilla Families in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi, Mukiza Group, previously known as Kyaguliro B, is located in the Ruhija tourism sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is led by Silverback Mukiza. Formed in 2016 after a split from the main Kyaguliro group, Mukiza is involved in gorilla research conducted by the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for evolutionary anthropology, focusing on behavioural ecology through daily monitoring. The group consists of 19 members: 1 silverback, 8 adult females, 1 subadult female, 2 juveniles, and 7 infants, and typically spends its time in the inner forest rather than the outskirts.
Oruzogo gorilla family
The Oruzogo Group, located in the Ruhija tourism sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is led by Silverback Kaganga. Known for their unique diet featuring the ‘Alchornea hitela’ plant, the group was formed in 2008 and consists of 11 members: 1 silverback, 6 blackbacks, 2 adult females, 1 juvenile, and 1 infant. The group’s size decreased from 17 to 11 due to a split when Silverback Kasimali departed with 6 members.
What is the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi?
When trekking these Gorilla Families in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi, a gorilla trekking permit is required to track a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi. This permit allows one hour of interaction with gorillas, costing $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX300,000 for East African citizens. Alternatively, a gorilla habituation permit, which permits four hours with the gorillas, costs $1500 for foreign non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents, and UGX750,000 for East African citizens.
What is the best time to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi sector?
Although trekking is possible throughout the year in all of the Bwindi Gorilla Park’s sectors, some months are better. The best time to visit all of Bwindi’s sectors is during the dry months of June through September and December through February. This is because there is little to no rainfall during these times, which leaves the trekking trails dry, the vegetation is sparse and short, providing good views of the mountain gorillas, and the roads leading to the park are passable.
During the rainy season, tourists, particularly those on a tight budget, can visit Bwindi Gorilla Park and take advantage of significant savings on lodging. March through May and October through November are Bwindi’s rainy seasons. During these times, there is an excessive amount of rainfall, which muddies and slickens the trekking trails, the vegetation is dense and tall, making it difficult to see the gorillas, and the roads leading to the park are in bad shape.
How to access Bwindi gorilla families in Ruhija sector
Road or plane transportation makes it simple to go to Bwindi Gorilla Park from Kampala or Kigali. Aerolink Uganda, Bar Aviation, and Uganda Airlines are among the airline firms that offer air transportation from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Bwindi Gorilla Park. For flights to Buhoma, they land at Kihihi Airfield. For flights to Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija sectors, they land at Kisoro Airstrip.
The quickest way to go to Bwindi is to travel from Kigali to Uganda via the Katuna border in Kabale or the Cyanika border in Kisoro, from where you can branch out at several locations to any of the gorilla sectors you desire. From Kampala/Entebbe, the longest route connects to several areas of the park via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabele, and Kisoro roads.
Accommodation facilities in Ruhija sector
The lodging options in the Ruhija sector include several accommodations, such as Chameleon Hill Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ecomarvels Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Agandi Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, Trekkers Tavern, and Broadbill Forest Camp.