Bwindi Ruhija Sector: Gorilla Trekking & Birdwatching.

The Ruhija sector is located in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the district of Kabale. It is situated in the high elevations of the park, about 2240 m above sea level. It is the best for birdwatching because over 400 different bird species have been recorded in this sector, including Albertine Rift endemic and migratory birds. The most birding spot in the Ruhija sector while on a Uganda safari is known as the Mubwindi Swamp Trail. The Ruhija sector is among the four unique sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, nestled in the southwestern part of Uganda, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich biodiversity. It spans a 321 square kilometer area with montane vegetation and tropical lowland vegetation and is located at the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley.

Location and accessibility of Ruhija sector

The Ruhija sector, situated in the eastern part of Bwindi National Park, can be accessed either by road or air transport. By air, tourists need to book domestic flights from Uganda Aero Link from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip and then get a car that connects you to the headquarters of the Ruhija sector. This takes about 3 to 4 hours to arrive in the park.

Using a 4WD vehicle, by road it can be accessed from Kampala via the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route to the headquarters of this sector. This takes about 9 to 10 hours to reach.

Why Ruhija is a birding Paradise

Birding is an extraordinary excursion where tourists walk through the thick, dense rainforest to spot the different bird species. Bird watching in the Ruhija sector is a guided experience where the trained Ugandan tour guides and rangers help you spot the migratory and the Albertine rift endemics. The Albertine rift endemics include the Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, African green broadbill, Grauer’s warbler, and others. The migratory species include the Eurasian hobby, the blue-cheeked bee-eater, and others. These birds are spotted in the various birding trails, namely the Mubwindi Swamp trail, the Bamboo trail, and the Rwamunyonyi Peak trail.

Best time for birding in Ruhija

Birding in the Ruhija sector can be throughout the year, but the best time for birdwatching is during the wet season from the months of March, April, and May and from October, November, and December. In this season, birds have access to a variety of food, and it is also a breeding season for the birds.

Birding can also be done in the dry season from the months of June to August and from December to February because in this period there is little rain and the forest trails are less muddy and slippery.

Bird species in Ruhija sector

There are over 400 bird species that can be spotted in the Ruhija sector. They are categorized into Albertine rift endemics, migratory or notable bird species, and seasonal birds. Among the Albertine rift endemic birds, we have Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, and Mountain Masked Apalis, among others. The rare and notable bird species we have are the African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Black Bee-eater, Rwenzori Nightjar, and Regal Sunbird, among others. The migratory species include the black kite, the common cuckoo, and others.

Best birding trails

Despite the rugged, steep terrain of Bwindi National Park, the forest trails offer a unique, stunning birding view. Other trails where birds can be spotted include the Buhoma trail, which is located in the low elevation of the park and is easily accessible and favors first-time travelers; the Mubwindi swamp trail, which is the most known for birding, and this trail descends into the lush swamp; the Bamboo trail, located in the high altitudes; the Habinyanja trail; and the Ivy river trail, among others.

Other activities in Ruhija sector

Besides birding, the Ruhija sector has interesting activities where tourists can participate, for example:

• The Batwa cultural tour, where you are able to interact with the indigenous people who are also known as the forest dwellers. Tourists learn various skills, like the hunting techniques and beer making from local breweries, among others.
• Mountain biking, where you explore the thick, dense rainforest on the bike. Community tours are when tourists visit the surrounding communities in Bwindi.
• The nature walks where you get a natural touch of the rainforest, spotting primates like the colobus monkeys and chimpanzees, among others.
• Gorilla trekking is where tourists spend one hour with the mountain gorillas. The habituated gorillas’ families include the Oruzongo family, the Kyaguriro gorilla family, and the Mukiza gorilla family, among others. Here tourists are grouped in groups of 8 people, and each gorilla family is being allocated to the different groups.

Accommodation in Ruhija

There are a number of accommodation facilities ranging from mid-range, luxury, and budget-friendly lodges where you can relax after your birding safari. These lodges include Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Trekker Tavern cottages, and Agandi Eco Lodge, among others.

What to pack for your birding safari

The following requirements should be packed for a successful encounter in the Ruhija sector. Therefore, for your minding about what to carry for a bird safari, the following items are crucial: long-sleeved clothing to prevent insect bites; hiking boots to be able to navigate through the steep terrain; cameras and binoculars to capture the stunning bird species; drinking water to stay hydrated; toiletries; insect repellent to prevent insect bites; a rain jacket since rain can pour at any moment; a first aid kit, among others.

Bird-watching tips

Below are the various tips that will help you spot and identify the different birds. These are the following tips:

• While in the jungle, listen to the sounds and songs of the birds. When you echo a sound, have a keen eye on that area and look for any form of movement. Binoculars can help to draw the images nearer.
• When you sight a bird, avoid looking away; keep the head up and eyes located directly at the bird’s spot.
• Focus your binoculars in the direction of the rustling sounds.
• Choose water trails since water attracts most birds; walk along the shore to have the perfect view of bird species.
• Teach yourself how to vocalize the sounds of the birds since birds communicate in two different ways, through songs and calls.

In conclusion

Birding in the Ruhija sector is a stunning activity that can be combined with other activities like gorilla trekking, cultural tours, biking, among others.