BUHOMA SECTOR OF BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
The Buhoma sector of Bwindi is a highly popular gorilla trekking region in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is located in the northern part of Bwindi in the district of Kanungu. Buhoma is known for being the most developed and exceptional region, with 40 gorilla families in Bwindi and 19 fully habituated and available for tracking by travelers, 4 of which are found in the Buhoma sector.
History of the Buhoma sector
Buhoma was the first sector to be opened for gorilla trekking in Uganda in 1993. The Mubare gorilla family was the first habituated family made available for gorilla trekking. Currently, there are five habituated gorilla families available for trekking: Mubare, Muyambi, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe.
Cost of Mountain Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in Buhoma allows for 8 travelers per gorilla family per day. Participants must be at least 15 years old. Gorilla permits sell out very quickly, particularly in the Buhoma sector and must be booked well in advance. The cost of gorilla permits is $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens.
Why Trek Mountain Gorillas in the Buhoma Sector
There are several reasons why tourists choose to trek mountain gorillas in Buhoma, including the historical significance of the region and the variety of gorilla families available for tracking. Additionally, Buhoma offers ease of access, a wide variety of accommodation options, and a range of other activities such as coffee tours, bird watching, nature walks, Batwa cultural encounters, and volunteer opportunities.
A wide variety of Lodging facilities at Buhoma
Buhoma offers a variety of lodging options, from upmarket to basic, with the highest number of upmarket lodgings, making it an attractive choice for tourists looking to track gorillas. Visitors can expect delicious, organic food and high-quality service, along with comfortable sleeping accommodations. Some lodges even have connecting paths to the gorilla trekking starting area, allowing travelers to walk there without having to wake up extremely early.
Buhoma’s Ease of Access
The Buhoma sector is the most accessible gorilla region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is a mere 2-hour drive from the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the famous tree-climbing lions, and only 3 hours away from Kabale town.
Cessna caravan at Kihihi airstrip near Buhoma
Travelers can also opt to fly into Kihihi from Entebbe or Kajjansi on chartered planes and then drive for about an hour to reach the park. This easy access provides the advantage of including other activities like game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Availability of plenty of other things to do at Buhoma
In addition to gorilla trekking, the Buhoma sector of Bwindi offers a variety of other activities for travelers to enjoy, including coffee tours, bird watching, nature/forest walks, Batwa cultural encounters, and volunteer opportunities. This area provides several volunteer opportunities through various conservation projects such as Conservation through Public Health (CTPH). Travelers can also engage with local communities and participate in their daily activities, such as preparing local food, brewing local beers, and picking coffee.
How to book a mountain gorilla trekking trip to Buhoma
Contact our team of experts for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in the Buhoma sector. As a licensed and bonded tour operator in Uganda, we will instantly organize your trip when you click here.
