Batwa Cultural Tours in Ruhija Sector Bwindi Forest National Park: The Bakiga and Batwa are the two primary tribes that live near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and visitors to the Ruhija sector in Bwindi national park may learn about their fascinating culture through guided forest walks, visits to traditional healers, blacksmith visits, and lively cultural dance performances.
Guided Batwa cultural tours in Ruhija sector in Bwindi Forest National Park, perched high up in the misty slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, are part of cultural excursions in Ruhija sector. These trips are mostly focused on the lives of the Batwa people, who previously occupied Bwindi Forest until it was gazetted for tourism in 1991.
During these walks, Batwa guides lead visitors through their community, demonstrating how they lived in the forest before being evicted through small huts, fire-making techniques by rubbing sticks, ancient hunting skills by learning how to shoot with a bow and arrow, traditional honey harvesting techniques, and vibrant traditional dance performances.
The community walks also lead to local schools for impoverished children and orphans who, despite the absence of contemporary education technology, continue to dream large and hope to become responsible citizens. Interact with the students and their instructors, who will perform a special welcome song or dance.
Visits are also made to the traditional herbalist, who collects leaves, roots, stems, and tree barks for the treatment of common diseases. Don’t forget to taste the local banana beer as well as the great local cuisine.
The highlight of cultural excursions through Batwa Communities is their vivid traditional dance performances, which you may participate in to celebrate and dance with locals. The complete community walk through Ruhija Village takes between two and four hours, depending on your rate of travel and how much time you spend at each stop. Be prepared to climb up and down slopes and hills on these cultural trips.
In addition to guided community walks, Ruhija Village has a variety of nature paths that take tourists to amazing sites such beautiful waterfalls, caves, and a diverse range of bird species.
Aside from cultural tours in the Ruhija sector, other sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, such as Buniga Forest Nature Walks, Rubuguri Village Walks, Nkuringo Community Conservation and Development Foundation (NCCDF), Nyundo Community Eco-Trails, Nkuringo Cultural Center tour, and Buhoma Community Tour, to name a few, offer incredible cultural experiences.
What is the best time for Batwa Cultural Tours in Ruhija Sector in Bwindi?
Ruhija’s finest guarded secrets may be discovered at any time of year. Between June and September, as well as December and February, the Village, where most Batwa cultural tours in Ruhija sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park are done, is dry. This is advantageous for trekking since the routes are drier, whereas the wet months make hiking more difficult.
Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The sector now has four fully-habituated gorilla groups, including the Mukiza, Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, and Bitukura groups. The Kyaguriro group was designated for study reasons, and permission to hike with the group must be obtained in advance from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The remaining three are open for trekking all year, which means there are only 24 gorilla permits available per day, with 8 people visiting each family per day.
Gorilla trekking in the Ruhija sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park begin with a meeting and briefing with park rangers on the dos and don’ts of treks at the sector headquarters.
Following that, 8 people are assigned to a certain gorilla troop, and a qualified Uganda Wildlife Authority Park guide is assigned to conduct the treks. Actual treks begin at 8 a.m. and can last up to 6 hours to reach the designated gorilla troop, but it will be worth it once you are in their magnificent presence. You will spend one fantastic hour with them before returning to the starting point and receiving your hiking certificate.
How Much is a gorilla permit in Ruhija Sector in Bwindi Forest National Park?
The price of gorilla trekking permits in Ruhija sector is the same for all sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The permit for gorilla trekking costs USD700 for non-foreign residents, USD600 for foreign residents, and Shs.250, 000 for East African citizens. The trekking permit only permits for one hour of gorilla viewing, despite the fact that seeing gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Accommodation in Ruhija Sector Bwindi Forest National Park.
Gorilla Mist Camp, Agandi Uganda Eco-Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Cuckoo land Tented Lodge, Eco-marvels Gorilla Resort, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ruhija Safari Lodge, to name a few budget and midrange places to stay while exploring the cultures around Ruhija Uganda sector.
Early risers can also stay in the Buhoma sector-northern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-Kabale Town, and the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi, which offer unrivalled views.
How to get to Ruhija Sector in Bwindi Forest National Park.
Scheduled flights of one and a half hours are regularly conducted from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip in Kampala to Kihihi Airstrip, followed by a 1-2 hour car drive to Ruhija sector. Road excursions from Kampala to the spectacular Ruhija area span 8-9 hours and are marked by breathtaking en-route scenery.
Getting to Ruhija Sector in Bwindi National Park from Kigali, Rwanda.
You may also drive to the Ruhija region from Kigali, Rwanda, which takes around 4-5 hours across the Uganda-Rwanda border at Katuna. You will travel via Kabale Town for lunch before continuing on to Ruhija for your Ruhija gorilla trek.
