Top things to do & see in Ruhija sector of Bwindi
Top things to do & see in Ruhija sector of Bwindi – Attractions and activities to Experience in Eastern part of Bwindi
Top things to do & see in Ruhija sector of Bwindi – Ruhija region is in the eastern side of Bwindi National Park and consists of 4 habituated families set for trekking and research; Bitukura, Kyaguliro (for research but usually trekked as well), Mukiza and Oruzogo.
The Ruhija sector is one of the rewarding sectors within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest most famous for its abundant birdlife! The sector is considered the most remote sector of all the four sectors within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Mountain gorilla trekking
Mountain gorillas are a key attraction for all visitors to Ruhija sector. This region is a home to four gorilla families namely, Kyaguliro, Oruzogo, Bitukura and Mukiza, all available for trekking every day. Like in other sectors, 8 people visit a gorilla family each day, hence 24 gorilla permits are available in Ruhija every day. A traveler has a choice to select which gorilla family he/she wants to trek depending on the availability of permits. Trekkers are reminded to carry the appropriate packing list with hiking shoes, long pants and rain jackets to ease gorilla trekking. A gorilla permit is a must have for everyone going to see mountain gorillas. Potters are highly recommended to carry your bag and give support where necessary. Travelers are also given packed lunch since the actual time to spend in the forest is unpredictable and changes depending on the toughness of the hikes, location of gorillas and one’s physical fitness.
Batwa pygmy encounters.
Do not miss out visiting Batwa communities at the boundaries of the forest. Batwa are the indigenous dwellers of Bwindi forest who were evicted from the forest edges in 1991 when gorilla tourism was introduced in the park. An encounter with the Batwa greatly rewards you with an extensive understanding of their traditional forest life, norms, and cultures. Batwa elders guide you into the forest to demonstrate their initial forest practices like hunting, collecting honey, and picking medicinal herbs. Batwa further demonstrate their traditional songs and dances as a form of entertainment to visitors.
Visiting community projects
Top things to & see in Ruhija sector on Bwindi – while in Ruhija, visit and support community based projects owned and run by local people. Different community projects especially craft, basket weaving and bee keeping have been established to support local livelihoods. These projects receive tourism funding and are a key source of employment for local people some of whom are former porters. Tourists who visit these projects are given a chance to take part in these activities, which make them feel part of the community, an experience that is unforgettable. Tourism projects have been a source of occupation for women, men and youth, earning them a livelihood to improve their standards of living. Local projects also help to generate a delicate balance between the environment, wildlife conservation and sustainable development in Ruhija and the whole Bwindi.
Bird watching
for birders, Ruhija is a best spot for bird watching. The region is home to nearly 23 endemic bird species which include grey bush shrike, starred robin, yellow streaked greenbul, hornbills, Turacos, Dusky Crimson Wing and yellow-eyed black fly-catcher among others. Ruhija is therefore, a recognized Important Bird Area (IBA) for its global conservation importance. Travelers are reminded to bring binoculars for easy spotting. Experienced guides will help you spot birds and explain the unique features for each spotted bird species, which makes this experience indeed exceptional.
Forest walks.
A nature walk through this quite cool impenetrable forest is an experience of its own kind. This walk is the best way to discover the entire gem in the forest, waterfalls, caves and rocks which make it thrilling. Expect to meet animals and enjoy the sweet sounds of birds singing up in the trees.
In general, Ruhija sector in eastern Bwindi is surely worth visiting. Book a gorilla safari to Bwindi forest national park, meet the endangered gorillas in their natural habitat and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.