Buhoma vs. Ruhija | Best Sector for Gorilla Trekking

Buhoma and Ruhija are two well-known sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, famous for their rewarding gorilla trekking experiences.

Buhoma is located in the northern part of Bwindi and was the first sector opened for trekking in 1993. It is the most popular and most visited sector, with the first habituated gorilla family, Mubare. Other families in Buhoma include Habinyanja, Rushengura, and Katwe.

Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi and is home to gorilla families such as Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Kyaguriro. This sector is also a good choice for bird watchers and offers great hiking opportunities.

Both sectors offer close encounters with mountain gorillas, but the choice depends on the experience you are looking for.

In terms of accessibility, Ruhija is closer if you are coming by road from Kampala or Entebbe. For both sectors, you branch off from the Kabale-Kisoro road and continue to your lodge in the sector you are visiting.

In terms of accommodation, both sectors have mid-range, budget, and luxury lodges for your stay during the trek. Buhoma has more luxury lodges compared to Ruhija, including Buhoma Lodge and Bwindi Lodge. The lodges in Buhoma offer higher levels of service, making the experience more comfortable.

In terms of gorilla families, Buhoma has more gorilla families than Ruhija, which means more permits are available daily in Buhoma.

In terms of trekking distance, it depends on the location of the gorilla family on the day of your trek. You can inform the park rangers if you prefer a short or long trek so they can assign you to a nearby or further gorilla family based on your preference.

In terms of trekking terrain, Buhoma has moderate to steep slopes that are easier to trek and require less physical fitness. Ruhija has steeper slopes, making the trek more challenging and requiring more physical fitness.

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