Ruhija

Uganda’s highest gorilla tracking trailhead is sited at 2,340m in the hills of Eastern Bwindi. Ruhija is one of the most beautiful places one can ever visit, with fabulous southerly views over forested ridge after forested ridge to the Virunga Volcanoes. Equally panoramic views towards the western Rift valley are afforded from sections of the road leading beyond Ruhija towards Buhoma, as well as from the hill a short distance beyond the lodges. Prior to the opening of the Bitakura gorilla group for tracking, activity at Ruhija was limited to the odd visiting birdwatcher and research carried out by the International Trust for forest Conservation (ITFC) which runs a field station there. Though a motorable road passes through Ruhija linking the Kisoro Road to Buhoma, its condition was so poor that traffic was more or less limited to hardened ITFC staff. This backwater status has suddenly changed. Road improvements mean that it is negotiable by saloon cars, while four new facilities are springing up to feed and water up to eight daily gorilla tracking tourists.

The habituated Bitakura group ranges across the steep mountainside between the roadside trailhead on Ruhija ridge and the Mubwindi swamp several hundred meters below. Though just 12 in number, they include a remarkable four silverbacks. Gorilla tracking apart, Ruhija merits further exploration. The main road offers good monkey viewing, with black and white colobus particularly common. It’s also the only part of the park in which elephant are resident, so caution is required: Ruhija’s elephants have been known to rock vehicles because it lies at a higher altitude than Buhoma, the three composition is more characteristic of Afro-montane than lowland forest, and it supports a significantly different avifauna, making it an essential stop for enthusiasts with the time and means to reach it. It is one of the few places where you stand a chance of seeing all four crimson wings recorded in Uganda, and other specialties include a variety of apalis species, Lagden’s bush shrike, African green broadbill, and the handsome francolin.

Habituated Gorilla Groups in Ruhija sector

Ruhija gorilla trekking region is in eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is currently comprised of 4 habituated gorilla groups;

Bitukura gorilla family

Bitukura gorilla group is unique from the rest of habituated families the fact that it completed its habituation cycle within one and half year. It is comprised of 14 mountain gorillas with about 4 silverbacks but led by Ndahura silverback. 3 of the Bitukura’s members moved to other groups but it is currently recovering with new born babies that have been welcomed.

Oruzogo gorilla family

Oruzogo gorilla group is an incredible region to visit to start your Uganda gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It was habituated in 2009 and comprised of 22 members with Tibirikwata silverback as its leader. Trekking this region will excite you with the playful juveniles and toddlers.

Kyaguriro gorilla family

Although Kyaguriro gorilla group is set for research purposes, it can also be trekked by visitors on Uganda gorilla safari in Impenetrable National Park. It was habituated in 1999 and it is headed by Zeus silverback but later, replaced by Rukina after he passed on who also dies. Currently, it is headed by Rukara.

Mukiza gorilla group

Mukiza gorilla family is Ruhija’s new habituated gorilla group and for those in need for new experiences, it is a perfect group to explore. It is named after Mukiza silverback and consists of 13 members.

Please Note
Visitors with their own vehicles should consider crossing the centre of the park from Buhoma park headquarters through Ruhija ( a 4 WD is essential). This ridge-top route offers vistas into deep valleys containing undisturbed rainforest. Watch out for duiker, primates and both forest and grassland bird species. At Ruhija, birders should take the three-hour hike to visit the Mubwindi swamp. Visitors may also climb through the bamboo zone to find Afromontane vegetation and panoramic views towards Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga Forest.