Choosing Between Buhoma and Ruhija Mountain Gorilla Trekking.
Gorilla trekking in Buhoma or Ruhija, which is better? This and many other questions are what most travelers to Uganda usually worry about in their pursuit of getting the best adventure. In this article, we’ll dive deep into every aspect to compare and see which one is the best. By the end of the article, you’ll be able to tell for yourself which option best suits your interests.
Firstly, what is gorilla trekking? Why is it that popular?
Gorilla trekking offers an extraordinary adventure through the mist-shrouded forests of southwestern Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks are the exclusive home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, remarkable primates sharing approximately 98% of human DNA. Uganda features five distinct sectors where visitors can experience gorilla trekking.
During a trek, visitors are granted a precious hour with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, observing their daily activities from feeding and playing to grooming and social interactions.
Mountain gorillas live in family groups, each led by a dominant silverback. Uganda boasts 51 gorilla families, with 25 of these habituated to human presence and available for trekking across Bwindi’s four sectors and Mgahinga’s single sector. Bwindi harbors 50 families, 24 of which are habituated, distributed across the Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga sectors. The Rushaga sector exclusively offers gorilla habituation experiences, while Mgahinga maintains one habituated family.
Gorilla trekking in the Buhoma sector.
Situated in northern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Buhoma stands as the park’s pioneering and most frequented sector. It proudly hosts Uganda’s first habituated gorilla group, the Mubare family, which was prepared for human interaction in 1992 and welcomed its first visitors the following year. Currently, Buhoma is home to four habituated families: Mubare, Habinyanja, Muyambi, and Katwe.
Mubare gorilla family.
As Buhoma’s oldest habituated group, the Mubare family emerged from Dr. Dian Fossey‘s groundbreaking conservation efforts. The family currently consists of nine members and continues to captivate visitors with their natural behaviors.
Habinyanja gorilla family
Habituated in late 1996 and opened to visitors in 1999, the Habinyanja family derives its name from the Kinyarwanda word “Nyanja,” meaning water, as they were first discovered near a water source. Under the leadership of Rwansigazi, who succeeded the late Mugurusi, the family maintains twelve members.
Muyambi gorilla family
The Muyambi family, a recent addition to Buhoma’s habituated groups, formed when it separated from the Mubare family. This intimate group of eight members operates under the guidance of their dominant silverback.
Katwe gorilla family
Since opening to visitors in 2008, the Katwe family, led by silverback Mahaane, has maintained a stable group of nine members.
Gorilla trekking in the Ruhija sector.
The eastern Ruhija sector hosts four habituated families amid its elevated terrain, offering excellent hiking opportunities alongside gorilla encounters.
Bitukura gorilla family
Habituated in 2007, the Bitukura family underwent leadership transition when Ndahura passed in 2016, succeeded by Mugisha who now leads thirteen individuals.
Oruzogo gorilla family
Named after the revered Oruzogo tree, this distinctive family maintains a close-knit group of ten members.
Kyaguliro gorilla family
Originally one of Bwindi’s largest families with twenty members under Rukina’s leadership, the group split following his tragic death by lightning. The division created Kyaguliro A, led by Rukara, and Kyaguliro B, which evolved into the Mukiza family.
Mukiza gorilla family
Emerging from the Kyaguliro split, the Mukiza family, led by its namesake silverback, comprises fifteen members.
Which is the best, Buhoma or Ruhija?
About Buhoma
As the original gorilla sector, Buhoma offers superior accessibility from Kampala and serves as the park’s central hub. It features extensive trail networks, including the Rushura Trail, Muzabajro Loop Trail, River Ivy Trail, and Munyaga River Trail.
About Ruhija
Ruhija distinguishes itself through its proximity to Lake Bunyonyi, offering perfect post-trek relaxation. The sector’s tranquil environment ensures undisturbed gorilla encounters. Its convenient location near Buhoma allows visitors to stay in Buhoma’s more numerous accommodations while trekking in Ruhija. The sector’s high elevation creates an exhilarating trekking challenge.
The best time for visiting the Ruhija and Buhoma sectors for gorilla trekking
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park welcomes visitors year-round, benefiting from its rainforest climate with consistent rainfall maintaining lush vegetation.
Peak visiting seasons occur during the dry months of June through August and December through February, featuring minimal rainfall and better trekking conditions. These periods see increased demand for permits and accommodations. The low season encompasses the wetter months of March, April, May, and November.
For more information, contact us at +256 393 247 137 or +256 742 678 918, or email info@ibuthsafaris.com. Our experienced Tour Consultants and Guides at Ibuth Safaris look forward to assisting you.
