Top cultural activities in Ruhija region of Bwindi

Ruhija region is one of the regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, It has different habituated gorilla families open for gorilla tracking experience, Top cultural activities in Ruhija region of Bwindi. The region is commonly known for gorilla tracking, as well as cultural activities.  Ruhija sector has four Gorilla Families that is Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza and Kyaguriro all families are open for Gorilla tracking however for you to secure a spot for trekking you will need to book in advance  for you gorilla experience in Uganda.

Bwindi Forest National Park is located in the south western part of Uganda sharing border with Congo. It is one of the only two national parks in Uganda where you can trek and see the magnificent Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat in the world. It is home to more than half of the only remaining Mountain Gorillas in the wild making it famous and best place to trek the Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Forest National park is divided into different sections/sectors where you can do the Gorilla tracking experience and Ruhija region is among the major sectors of the Park.

What are the Top cultural activities in Ruhija region of Bwindi?

Forest walk and Nature walk

Guided walks will expose you to broad biodiversity with varied mammal species which include; primates like Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey, blue monkey baboon, while the black and white Columbus with its lovely flowing white tail is prominent. The shoddy trail will expose you to an array of butter fly species, species of moths, species of reptiles, tree species, the bamboo forest, flowers and many other attractions.

The Ruhija ridge top route offers visitors the insight of a deep valley containing the undisturbed rainforest as they watch the duikers, primates and both forest and grassland bird species. Visitors can also climb through the bamboo zone to find Afromontane vegetation and panoramic views towards Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.

Village and community Walks

Ruhija is a great place for  cultural and village walks and guests who are interested in visiting the local community, you can opt to visit a local school, a traditional local healer, a banana brewery or combine the community tour with a nature tour towards the forest. You will be able to see the dances, traditions, and culture of the local people.

Batwa Cultural experience

Ruhija region of Bwindi Forest National Park used to be inhabited by the Batwa people commonly referred to as the pygmies for many years until of recent when they were removed from the Bwindi Forest to the surrounding communities of Bwindi Forest National Park to ease mountain gorilla conservation and tourism. The cultural tour will give you an opportunity to see these pygmies used to spend their time in the forest, where they used to stay, how they used to harvest wild honey as well as hunting. They will show off their dances and explain how they have managed to settle and enjoy normal life outside the forest. You can as well visit the rest of the community in the out skirts of the forest, the women groups that do crafts and sell food, the community schools.

Where to stay in Ruhija region of Bwindi?

Ruhija region has variety of accommodation places to stay based on your budget structure, with a budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations facilities all available. For budget and camping Gorilla Mist Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages and Broadbill Tented Forest Camp while Mid-range accommodation there is Bakiga Lodge and Luxury accommodation option, you can stay at Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge. Some travelers opt to stay in hotels/ lodges/camps in Buhoma region of Bwindi impenetrable national Park which is very close to Ruhija sector.

How to get to Ruhija region of Bwindi?

You can get to Ruhija region of Bwindi by flying from Entebbe international Airport to Kihih Airstrip, You can also do a road trip from Entebbe/Kampala to Ruhija in South western Uganda for your cultural experiences. The Road trip is approximately 9-10 hours. You can also fly into Kigali international Airport, drive to south western Uganda in Ruhija through Cyanika or Katuna Boarder which take only 4-5 hours with the time spent at immigrations at the border. We always advise our visitors to acquire the East African Visa which allows multiple entry of both Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The East African Visa fee costs USD100 which can be gotten at the Airport upon arrival or online and it is cost effective instead of buying single entry Visas. But you can as well opt to secure single Visas as well, the Rwandan Visa costs USD30 and Uganda Visa cost USD 50. Uganda is easily accessible and guaranteed for all nationals and should be your choice for cultural tour.

Why book top cultural activities in Ruhija region of Bwindi with Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure Safaris is a Local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe. Eco Adventure Safaris is run and owned by Ugandans. We specialize in life changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and are registered by UTB (Uganda Tourism Board). We have a good and long working relationship with UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) and Local communities in Ruhija making it easy to book your cultural safari. Contact us here about the Top cultural activities in Ruhija region of Bwindi