Ruhija gorilla trekking experiences take place in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ruhija is one of the best sectors for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The trails are not too steep and are easier to walk through.
This sector has the second highest number of gorillas in Bwindi, after Rushaga. Ruhija is located in the eastern part of the forest and is often chosen because of its location, easier hiking paths, and the gorilla families found there.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Gorillas are very close to humans and share over 98% of our DNA. The forest is also home to many other animals and plants, including 350 bird species, 120 types of mammals, 27 kinds of frogs, 220 types of butterflies, 104 species of ferns, 1,000 plant species, and 163 tree species.
Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector has its own gorilla groups that can be visited every day. Ruhija is the coldest part of Bwindi, so tourists should carry warm clothes, hiking boots, raincoats, insect repellent, energy snacks, and other important items for the trek.
Travelers are encouraged to try gorilla trekking in all four sectors of Bwindi. You can even add a trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to make it five experiences. Many people don’t know that each sector gives a different experience. If you have trekked gorillas once and think you shouldn’t return, you might be wrong.
Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Rushaga all offer unique treks. Buhoma is the oldest sector and the first place where gorilla trekking started. Ruhija has some of the best trails. Rushaga offers wide views of hills, mountains, and forests. Nkuringo allows you to trek while looking into Congo.
Some of the gorilla families in Ruhija are listed below:
- Bitukura Gorilla Family: The Bitukura family was habituated in 2007 and opened for trekking in 2008. The group is named after the Bitukura River, where it was first seen. This family took only 15 months to become used to humans, which is much shorter than the usual two years. The group is led by a silverback named Ndahura, who is the youngest silverback in the group. This is unusual, as the oldest male usually becomes the leader. When it was first habituated, the group had 24 members. Today, it has 13 members: 4 silverbacks, 2 juveniles, 4 females, and 3 infants.
- Kyaguriro A Gorilla Family: This is the oldest habituated family in Ruhija. It was first habituated in 1995. The group was first led by a silverback named Zeus, who was later pushed out by Rukina. Rukina was struck by lightning and died in 2015. A younger silverback named Mukiza took over, but in 2016 the group split into two: Kyaguriro A and Kyaguriro B. Kyaguriro A is now led by Rukara.
- Kyaguriro B Gorilla Family: Kyaguriro B was led by Mukiza after the split. Later, a fight happened with a silverback named Rukara from the Bitukura family. This group is now used for research and study. It may be opened for trekking in the future once the research is finished.
- Oruzogo Gorilla Family: The Oruzogo family opened for trekking in 2011. It has 23 members and is led by a silverback called Tibirikwata. This group is known for being playful and active. The name “Oruzogo” comes from a local plant called “Oruzogoto,” found in the group’s home area. In 2012, a female named Kaboke gave birth to twins. This group is lively and fun to track. If you want to visit it, let us know so we can help book your gorilla permit for the Ruhija sector.
