Gorilla Families in Bwindi Ruhija sector
Gorilla families in Bwindi Ruhija sector; Ruhija sector makes up one of four gorilla trekking sectors located in the eastern half of Bwindi impenetrable national park, which is one of the greatest sites for gorilla trekking in Africa owing to its high concentration of mountain gorillas. Ruhija sector is home to four gorilla treks that are offered on a regular basis, namely;
Oruzogo gorilla family
Oruzogo is one of the trekking-accessible gorilla families in the Ruhija area. The gorilla family gets its name from a local plant called Oruzogoto, and it first welcomed visitors in 2011 under the leadership of Tibirikwata silverback, who ensured the family’s survival.
With 19 members, Oruzogo was the largest and most dominant gorilla family in Ruhija sector, but the group split in 2021 when a silverback Kasimali left the group, leaving the group with only 10 members, including 1 silverback, 4 black backs, 2 female adults, 1 sub-adult female, 2 sub-adult, 1 juvenile, and 1 infant. Because of the fun energy of the youngsters that keep visitors delighted during trekking, the Oruzogo gorilla family is an intriguing gorilla group in Ruhija.
Bitukura gorilla family
Bitukura is yet another gorilla family in the Ruhija area of Bwindi impenetrable national park that is open for trekking on a regular basis. The gorilla family was called after the river where they were discovered. The Bitukura gorilla family, which includes Karamuzi, the dominant silverback, Rukumu silverback, Rukara silverback, Betina adult female, Ruhara adult female, Kamuga adult female, Kamuga adult female, Obia black back, Mugisha black back, Twakire juvenile, Kabandize juvenile, Kadogo infant, Mubwindi infant, and a newborn baby, was opened for tourism in 2008.
Kyaguliro A and B gorilla family
Another gorilla family in the Ruhija area is the Kyaguliro gorilla family. The gorilla family was one of the first to be habituated in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in 1995, but it was only utilized for study. At the time of habituation, Kyaguriro was ruled by Zeus silverback, who was eventually ejected by Rukina silverback, who took over the group’s leadership. Rukina was also challenged by Mukiza, another silverback who abducted several members of the group and formed his own family.
The Kyaguriro gorilla family was subsequently divided into two groups in 2016: Kyaguriro A, which is ruled by Rukara silverback after Rukina was struck by lightning in 2012, and Kyaguriro B, which is dominated by Mukiza silverback. Both gorilla families are commonly spotted in the same region. Kyaguriro B was designated for gorilla study, whereas Kyaguriro A is allowed for trekking with a group of 15 people.
The Ruhija sector’s gorilla families may be seen during the gorilla trekking experience, which begins very early in the morning with a training on the norms and regulations to observe while hiking. Following the briefing, you will be separated into groups of eight individuals, with each group assigned a habituated gorilla family to hike and a park guide who is well-versed in the various trekking trails in Bwindi impenetrable forest.
Mountain gorilla trekking in the Ruhija sector takes between 30 minutes and 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are situated because they prefer to wander from one location to another in quest of food. During the trek, you will be able to see various bird species, other primate species, mammals, and tree species, among others.
Once the mountain gorillas are located, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat, where you will be able to learn more about their behaviors, habits, and watch them carry out their daily activities such as feeding, breastfeeding, and grooming young ones, among others.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Ruhija sector
Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi’s Ruhija sector cost 700 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 USD per person for East African citizens.
How to book gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Ruhija sector?
Gorilla trekking permits in the Ruhija sector of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be obtained directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) by contacting the park headquarters in Kampala by email or phone calls.
Gorilla trekking permits in the Ruhija sector can also be obtained through a reputable tour operator, such as Explore Rwanda Tours, by contacting us with the days, months, and year you desire to see the mountain gorillas.
We will check for permit availability when you contact us, and if permits are available on requested dates, you will be required to submit a deposit. We will acquire permits on your behalf and give you a scanned copy of the receipt as proof as we receive the funds.
How to get to Ruhija sector for gorilla trekking
Ruhija sector is strategically situated in the eastern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and may be reached by road from Kampala, Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and then to Ruhija sector, which takes around 8 to 9 hours.
Ruhija sector is also accessible from Kigali Rwanda, where travelers would fly to Kigali international airport and then link to Ruhija sector via Katuna border in Kabale district, which takes around 3 to 4 hours to drive.
You may also reach the Ruhija sector by air, by booking charter or scheduled domestic flights with Bar Aviation or Aero Link Uganda from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi airfield and then connecting to the Ruhija sector by road.
