Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija Compared to Nkuringo
Ruhija and Nkuringo are two exceptional gorilla sectors in Bwindi where visitors can enjoy gorilla trekking free from crowds. Each of these sectors presents visitors with a great chance to immerse themselves in the jungles and get up close to a group of mountain gorillas. It is a mesmerizing experience finding a family of mountain gorillas in the jungle. But have you asked yourself which sector between Ruhija and Nkuringo is the best to visit for gorilla trekking?
Explore a complete guide to gorilla trekking in Ruhija and Nkuringo. The guide below provides a comparison between Ruhija and Nkuringo in terms of mountain gorilla trekking adventure. To start with, here are the key factors to look at;
Location and gorilla families in Ruhija Vs Nkuringo
Ruhija sector lies in the Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is one of the favorite regions to consider for gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda. Ruhija is not only popular for birding excursions, but also for enriching gorilla trekking experiences. If you are interested in easier gorilla treks to explore mountain gorillas, then it is the region to consider.
Ruhija sector in Bwindi currently holds about 4 fully habituated gorilla families. The different habituated gorilla families in the Ruhija sector include Mukiza gorilla family, Kyaguriro, Bitukura, and Oruzogo.
Ruhija lies at a high elevation of about 2607 meters, and Rwamunyonyi marks the highest point. It is also the coldest part of Bwindi National Park. It also offers unmatched hiking experiences. In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors in Ruhija also have a chance to explore some of the finest hiking trails.
Hiking Opportunities are more in Ruhija.
Hiking opportunities in the Ruhija sector usher you to different trails, including Mubwindi Trail, Rushura Trail, Bamboo Trail, Rwamunyonyi Peak Trail, and more. The Bamboo Trail offers the longest hiking experiences and more strenuous adventures to hikers. You may require at least 7 hours to enjoy a complete round trek through the Bamboo Trail.
Mubwindi Swamp Trail is the most sought trail in Bwindi for bird watching. Along this trail, expect to spot a range of endemic species and resident/forest species. Rushura Hill Trail offers great hiking experiences. Visitors navigating via the Rushura Trail allows you to enjoy excellent views of the Western Rift Valley, Lake Edward, Virunga Volcanoes, and the Rwenzori Mountain ranges.
The Rwamunyonyi peak (2607m) takes you on a more challenging hike, and at the summit, you can appreciate the breathtaking views.
Location of the Nkuringo sector & gorilla families
The Nkuringo gorilla sector lies in the Southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Nkuringo features fewer gorilla families, making it one of the favorite sectors to visit to track gorillas without worrying about crowds. The available gorilla families to explore in the Nkuringo sector include the Nkuringo gorilla group, Bushaho, and Christmas. Nkuringo offers more strenuous and challenging hiking experiences.
More comparison between Ruhija and Nkuringo
Accessibility: Nkuringo and Ruhija are all found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. But getting there matters a lot. Luckily, visitors can get to Ruhija and Nkuringo starting from Kampala. Ruhija sector can be reached from the Kabale-Kisoro route, and Nkuringo sector can be accessed after you have turned off at Muko area on the Kabale-Kisoro highway.
Air transportation also offers a better alternative to accessing Nkuringo and Ruhija. Take off from the Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi, where you can easily connect up to the Ruhija sector. Accessing Nkuringo on a flight is possible from the Entebbe Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, where you can be picked up by your safari driver guide.
Where to stay: While in the Ruhija sector, expect to stay in accommodation options such as Broadbill Forest Camp, Gorilla Mist Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Trekkers Tavern, and more.
Nkuringo sector and its accommodation options: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Albertine Gorilla Campsite, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mulehe Lodge, and others.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in the Ruhija and Nkuringo sectors
Gorilla trekking tours in Ruhija and Nkuringo can be planned and enjoyed at any time of the year. But the dry season is the best period of the year to embark on a gorilla trek in Bwindi’s Ruhija or Nkuringo. Visitors can opt to travel for gorilla treks in either sectors around the long dry season (June to September) or during short spells (December to February). Even the wet season/months present an opportunity for you to engage in the trek with Ruhija or Nkuringo gorillas. This can be from March to May, then from October to November.
What else to do in Ruhija and Nkuringo
Birding
Ruhija and Nkuringo sectors are ideal for birding excursions. Visitors can have an addition of birding to their gorilla trekking experiences. The ideal trails for birding tours include Mubwindi swamp. Ruhija and Nkuringo birding tours offer birders a chance to spot a diversity of Albertine Rift endemic bird species. The diverse bird species to expect to come across on a birding tour in the Ruhija or Nkuringo include the crowned hornbill, yellow-rumped tinker bird, cape wagtail. Double-toothed barbet, handsome francolins, blue-headed sunbird, African paradise flycatchers, Rwenzori batis, yellow-fronted canary, and pink-footed puffback.
Other bird species to find in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include short-tailed warblers, dusky twin spot, white-headed saw-wing, snow-crowned robin chat, Ross’s turacos, Elliot’s woodpeckers, African pygmy kingfishers, helmeted guineafowl, African hill babblers, little grebe, black swift, barred long-tailed cuckoos, dusky turtle dove, red rumped swallow, and palm nut vulture, etc.
Hiking experiences
Hiking should be a must-do on the gorilla tour in Ruhija and Nkuringo. The various hiking trails to explore include the Bamboo Trail, Mubwindi Swamp Trail, and others. Guided hikes through the existing trails in the Ruhija and Nkuringo allow you to come across interesting birds and floral species. The best trail for birding is the Mubwindi where you stand a chance to encounter diversity of birds including velvet-mantled drongo, banded prinia, white-headed woodhoopoe, bronze-winged pigeon, gray-chested illadopsis, strange weaver birds, white-eyed flycatchers, olive woodpeckers, red-chested owlet, Narina trogons, African broadbill, and red-throated alethe, etc.
Community walks/tours
Visitors can also have an addition of thrilling community walks/tours in the nearby local communities. Guided community walks offer enriching cultural interaction with the residents. Expect to explore in depth the distinct traditions, cultures, and practices of the locals, especially the Batwa community or in the Bakiga villages.
Other gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi
In addition to Ruhija and Nkuringo, gorilla treks in Bwindi are also possible in other sectors like Buhoma and Rushaga. Buhoma sector, which is situated in the Northern section of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, lets you track gorilla families, including the oldest group –Mubare. The other gorilla families in Buhoma include Habinyanja gorilla family, Rushegura, and Katwe.
Rushaga is an additional sector in the Southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In the Rushaga sector, expect to embark on the search for habituated gorilla families like Mucunguzi gorilla family, Bikingi, Nshongi gorilla family, Mishaya group, Bweza gorilla family, Busingye, Tindatine, Kutu, Kahungye group, and many others.
How to pack for gorilla trekking in Ruhija and Nkuringo
Items to carry for the actual gorilla trekking in Ruhija and Nkuringo include a waterproof rain jacket, insect repellents, long-sleeved shirts, a camera, long trousers, gardening gloves, a sweater, a pair of socks, extra camera batteries, a safari hat, a first aid kit, a daypack, a bottled drinking water, and snacks.
Ultimately, whether you wander the hazy paths of Ruhija or tackle the challenging trails of Nkuringo, gorilla trekking in Uganda is truly transformative. Ruhija provides a peaceful setting, while Nkuringo presents more excitement and difficulty. Both locations guarantee profound experiences with the gentle giants of the forest. Are you looking for a tranquil connection with nature or a thrilling adventure? The decision is yours, but regardless of your choice, the gorillas await you.
