Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma Compared to Ruhija
Discover the differences between gorilla trekking in Buhoma and Ruhija, two top sectors in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Compare trek difficulty, gorilla families, accessibility, and accommodation options to plan your perfect gorilla safari adventure.
Buhoma and Ruhija are two of the four sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where people enjoy gorilla trekking adventures. The two trailheads in Bwindi offer exceptionally unique gorilla trekking experiences. While Buhoma and Ruhija are great regions to kick start a trekking expedition to see mountain gorillas in the wild, there are certain factors that make each of them unique. Here, we have come up with a complete guide to help you make a comparison between Buhoma and Ruhija for gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector
Gorilla trekking in the Buhoma sector involves exploring the gorilla families that roam around the Northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Buhoma is most popular in the fact that it is here where the oldest or the first habituated gorilla group resides. Mubare is the oldest group to undergo a complete habituation cycle and later opened for gorilla tourism in 1993.
But a number of other habituated gorilla families have added on the list. Today, Buhoma sector of Bwindi also holds groups such as Muyambi, Habinyanja, and Katwe. A maximum of 8 visitors per day can visit each Buhoma gorilla family, like other gorilla families.
Mubare gorilla group –This gorilla family underwent through the habituation process from 1922. This was following a successful efforts of Dr. Dian Fossey’s gorilla conservation in the Virunga region. Today, Mubare can be explored in this particular sector. Its existence in the Northern side of Bwindi makes Buhoma the most sought for gorilla trekking sector.
Habinyanja gorilla group: This gorilla group underwent through habituation cycle from 1996 and in 1999, it was ready for trekking. The group takes its name from a Kinyarwanda word “Nyanja” translated as water. The Habinyanja was first spotted by trackers nearby the water body. It is comprised of 12 gorilla families led by Rwansigazi –the dominant silverback gorilla.
Muyambi gorilla group: Muyambi is a newly habituated group in Buhoma region and originally belonged to Mubare gorilla family. It has about 8 members led by one silverback gorilla.
Katwe gorilla group. This is one of the newly trekked gorilla families in Buhoma sector and has a composition of 9 individuals. The group is led by Mahaane silverback gorilla.
Why go gorilla trekking in Buhoma?
Easier hiking in search of gorillas. Buhoma offers relatively short and easier treks thus saving trekkers’ long hours of searching for gorillas.
Accessibility –Buhoma is accessible thanks to its ideal location. It can be reached even from the Ishasha sector. In addition, a myriad of accommodation properties are concentrated around Buhoma region.
Wildlife diversity: Buhoma boasts of its diverse wildlife and bird species.
Ruhija gorilla trekking sector
This sector is found in the Eastern end of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ruhija is where the highest point of Bwindi lies rising up to 2607m. Currently, Ruhija is comprised of habituated gorilla families such as Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguriro, and Mukiza.
Bitukura gorilla group: Bitukura started habituation process in 2007 and Ndahura was its leader though unfortunately he died in 2016. The group’s leadership was assumed by Mugisha that led the 13 members.
Oruzogo- This group is comprised of 10 individuals. It became popular in 2012 following the twins born by Kakobe female gorilla in this group.
Kyaguriro group. Kyaguriro was once the largest group in Bwindi but due to family breaks, its composition has since decreased.
Mukiza gorilla group: This gorilla group broke away from the Kyaguriro group and is led by Mukiza silverback gorilla.
Buhoma Vs Ruhija
Buhoma sector is where you can explore the first habituated gorilla group in Bwindi National Park. It is the most accessible region from Kampala or even other routes including from the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park or if you are crossing from Kigali via Katuna border.
Buhoma is also consisting of several hiking trails including River Ivy Trail, Munyanga River Trail, Muzabajiro and Rushura Trail.
Ruhija sector in the Eastern part of Bwindi features as the closest region to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is often the ideal spot for visitors who like to relax or chill after the long gorilla trekking adventure. Ruhija sector is also close to Buhoma region which makes it possible for visitors to retire for a night in one of the lodges in Buhoma and track gorillas in Ruhija or vice versa.
Accommodation facilities in Buhoma Vs Ruhija
Popular gorilla safari lodges in and around Buhoma include Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Engagi Lodge, Bwindi Guesthouse, and more.
Ruhija gorilla sector’s lodges and camps include Ruhija Gorilla Friends Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Mist Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Trekkers Tavern, and others.
When to travel for gorilla trekking
Buhoma and Ruhija sectors can be visited at any time of the year for gorilla trekking. But the most preferred time is the dry season when the weather conditions are more favorable. The dry months begin from June to September, December to February. These are the months of the year which receive very low rainfall amount and the forest ground tends to be less slippery.
The wet season on the other hand offers opportunity for tourists to explore Ruhija or Buhoma gorillas. But due to the heavy rains, very few visitors often travel. The wet months/seasons also occur twice a year with the longest extending from March to May then October to November.
What to pack for gorilla trekking in Buhoma and Ruhija
The items to carry for gorilla trekking in Buhoma and Ruhija region include energy giving snacks, a pair of binoculars, a facemask, a daypack, a camera, extra batteries plus memory cards for the camera, hiking gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and more.
Gorilla trekking permits for Buhoma and Ruhija sectors
When you think about gorilla trekking in Buhoma or Ruhija, expect to secure a valid gorilla permit. A valid permit in Uganda generally costs USD 800 per visitor for foreign nonresidents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for all Ugandans (East African citizens). Permits should be booked in advance and you can do so at least 2-6 months before the actual visit to track Buhoma or Ruhija gorillas.
Gorilla trekking rules
Gorilla trekking rules and regulations to observe when interacting with Buhoma or Ruhija gorillas include;
- Observing a distance of 8-10 meters from gorillas.
- A valid gorilla permit must be obtained whether you plan to track gorillas in Ruhija or Buhoma.
- Avoid shouting colors –carry the environmentally friendly clothes.
- When searching for gorillas, keep low your voices to avoid scaring away gorillas.
- A maximum of the 8 (eight) trek one group of mountain gorillas and this must be respected.
- When taking pictures of gorillas, ensure that the flashlight is off as it can scare away gorillas.
Getting to Buhoma and Ruhija
Access to Buhoma or Ruhija is possible by road or air. By road, expect to spend between 8 and 9 hours when driving from Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route. Or connect from Kigali via Katuna border to Kabale then proceed up to Buhoma or Ruhija sector. By air, visitors can book flight services which depart from the Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kihihi Airstrip.
Whether you choose Buhoma with its easier treks and more established infrastructure, or Ruhija for its quieter trails and unique wildlife encounters, both sectors of Bwindi offer unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. Your decision ultimately depends on your preferences for accessibility, crowd levels, and trekking difficulty.
Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Book your gorilla trekking safari today and witness the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Buhoma or Ruhija awaits!
