Running through dense evergreen rainforest and montane marshlands that ravel across the verdant floor of the jungle are your breathtaking forest trails to the different bird hot spots. While undertaking guided forest walks, leading to the jaw-dropping waterfalls in the lush terrains to enjoy the thunderous roars of the tranquil river water crushing against the huge Rocks, behold a plethora of bird species. Birding in Ruhija sector usually takes 1-3 hours to ably spot numerous species.
There is nothing as phenomenal and unforgettable as enjoying the sweet melodies of Bird chatters spiced with the cascading falls. Ruhija sector in the Eastern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a birding hot spot with over 100 species of birds. While walking along the Mubwindi swamp trail be sure of spotting several endemic and localized bird species that include the Black-billed Turacos, Ayres’s Hawk eagles, Grey-throated barbets, Montane Oriole, Red-chested Flufftail, Oriole Finch, the African green broadbill, barbets, Grey-throated Barbets, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, common Buzzard, Red-headed bluebill, Dwarf honeyguide, Cabanis’s Greenbul Carruther’s Cisticola, Waller’s starling, Red-throated Alethe, African shrike flycatcher and many others.
As you continue ambling through the endowed sector of Ruhija, keep your ears widely opened and feel free to look at the top of the trees where you are likely to see the Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Snowy-crowned Robin chat, Rwenzori batis, African pygmy Kingfishers, Helmeted Guineafowls, Short-tailed warblers, Yellow-rumped tinkerbird, African Goshawk, and Blue-headed sunbirds. As you descend steeply, feel free to ask your guide any relevant questions while looking for more birds where you will also come across the Black-billed Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, and Grauer’s warblers, Northern Puffback, African Paradise Kingfisher and Tambourine Doves among others.
The Bamboo forest and Afro-montane habitats around Rwamunyonyi Peak (highest point in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) is also a haven for several bird species especially the ones endemic to the Albertine Rift. Expect sights and sounds of Mountain masked Apalis, Handsome francolin, Kivu ground thrush, Stripe-breasted tit, Purple-breasted sunbirds, Archer’s Robin Chat, Strange weavers and many others.
Other riveting bird species that call Ruhija sector home include Grey-crowned cranes, White-tailed Blue flycatchers, the White-headed wood-hoopoe, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Doherty’s Bush shrike, Blue-headed sunbirds, African Emerald Cuckoo, African blue flycatchers, Ross Turaco, Black-billed Turaco in addition to interesting animals like the Blue monkeys, Black-fronted duikers, black and white colobus monkeys, elephants and others.
When is the best time to go birding in Ruhija sector?
The stunning birdlife in Bwindi’s Ruhija sector exist all year round although interesting and less challenging birding adventures are in June to August because they experience least rains. March to May season experiences heavy rain fall thus making birding trails muddy, slippery and sometimes even interfere with birding tours. However, migratory species are also common in the wet months especially November and April
Packing list for Ruhija Birding Tour.
Given the densely forested and hill terrain of Ruhija sector, you have to wear breathable and comfortable pants as well as long-sleeved shirts, first aid kit, hiking boots with enough ankle support, rain jacket, camera, daypack for carrying birding essentials on the day of the adventure, gardening gloves, re-usable water bottle, toiletries, pair of binoculars and cotton socks among others.
Accommodation facilities in Ruhija sector.
Birders in Ruhija sector can stay in Ruhija Safari Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Agandi Uganda Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Ruhija Community Rest Camp and many others. Visitors can also stay in the nearby sector of Buhoma, about one hours’ drive from Ruhija.
