Ruhija sector is one of the four regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, with the other half living in the Virunga Mountains, which stretch across the Virunga Conservation Area. Book a Uganda trek to see how a Ruhija visit fits into your safari.
Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Tourists can book gorilla trekking tours to any of these sectors, and the price for a gorilla permit is the same across all areas, at $800 per person.
Ruhija Gorilla Trekking
The Ruhija gorilla trekking experience is a rewarding one, with trails that are not too steep and 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 for its location, easier hiking paths, and the gorilla families found there.
Travelers are encouraged to try gorilla trekking in all four sectors of Bwindi, and can even add a trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to make it five experiences. Many people don’t realize that each sector offers a different experience, so having trekked gorillas once doesn’t mean there’s no reason to return.
Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Rushaga all offer distinct 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.
Gorilla Groups to Trek in the Ruhija Sector
Bitukura Gorilla Family: Habituated in 2007 with 24 members. Due to fights among the four silverbacks, some gorillas left and moved to other areas. The family was named after a river where they were first seen. Bitukura was one of the easiest families to habituate, taking less than two years, and is led by the second youngest silverback, which is rare, since leadership usually goes to the oldest.
Oruzogo Gorilla Family: Opened for tourism in 2011, this is one of the most active and exciting families to visit, known for having many infants and playful young gorillas. The group is led by the silverback Bakwate.
Kyaguriro Gorilla Family: Originally kept for research before later being opened for trekking. The family was first led by silverback Rukina, who died after being struck by lightning in 2015. Mukiza then took over, until a silverback from the Bitukura family entered the group and began challenging him. This caused the group to split into two: one led by Mukiza (now known as the Mukiza family), and the other led by Rukara, still called Kyaguriro. This is the oldest habituated gorilla family in Ruhija, with habituation starting in 1995.
Mukiza Gorilla Family: The newest group in the Ruhija sector, formed after Mukiza split from the Kyaguriro family. After Rukina’s death, Mukiza led Kyaguriro before losing control to a silverback from the Bitukura family. He then left with some members to start his own family, which he now leads.
Ruhija Gorilla Permits
There are over 30 gorilla permits available each day in Ruhija. Each Ruhija gorilla permit costs $800 per person. Children under 15 and visitors who are sick are not allowed to trek gorillas.
Many tourists prefer to get their gorilla permits for Ruhija because the area is easily accessed from Entebbe and is close to the Katuna border with Rwanda.
Where to Stay in Ruhija Sector
Choosing the right place to stay is important, and tourists should sleep in lodges located in or near the sector where they plan to trek. In the Ruhija sector, accommodation options 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.
Best Time to Visit Ruhija Sector
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is open all year round, but the best months to visit are June to August and December to February, when the weather is usually dry. See our full best time to visit Uganda guide for more detail.
You can reach Bwindi by road in 9 to 10 hours from Kampala, or 5 to 6 hours from Kigali. Alternatively, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips, which are closer to the park.
Ruhija is easy to reach from both the northern and southern parts of the park, and it’s also one of the best areas for bird watching in Bwindi.
The Ruhija sector is also near Lake Bunyonyi, often called the “Lake of Little Birds.” Tourists can relax and enjoy the lake after gorilla trekking. Lake Bunyonyi is about 52 kilometers from Ruhija and is also a great destination for bird watchers.
