How to Trek Mountain Gorillas in the Buhoma Region of Bwindi

How to Trek Mountain Gorillas in the Buhoma Region of Bwindi

How to Trek Mountain Gorillas in the Buhoma Region of Bwindi — The Buhoma region, situated in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, was the first sector of Bwindi to be opened to gorilla trekking in 1993. Renowned for its rich history and abundant wildlife, Buhoma offers visitors a chance to see the famous Mubare family, the oldest gorilla group in the park, along with the Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe families.

Experience Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma with Trek Africa Expeditions

With Trek Africa Expeditions, trekking in the Buhoma region is an exciting and accessible experience, whether you’re traveling as a group or solo. You’ll need a gorilla trekking permit, which costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX for East African citizens. This permit grants you a magical one-hour experience with the mountain gorillas.

Key Tips for Trekking Gorillas in Buhoma

1. Booking Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

The Buhoma sector has 32 gorilla permits available daily, and booking in advance is essential to secure your spot. You can reserve permits by paying in full or making a 70% or 30% deposit, though booking 3 to 4 months ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons when demand is high. Contact us to learn more about permit booking and availability.

2. Reserving Accommodation in Buhoma

Choosing the right accommodation ensures a comfortable experience during your trek. The Buhoma region offers a range of options to suit your budget, from luxury lodges like Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, and the exclusive Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp to budget-friendly spots like Buhoma Community Rest Camp and Bwindi Forest Lodge. Many accommodations provide full-board meal plans, so you can enjoy all-inclusive convenience during your stay.

3. Planning Your Journey to Buhoma

For a smooth trip to Buhoma, a 4×4 Land Cruiser is recommended for the rugged roads. Alternatively, you can shorten the travel time by flying to Kihihi Airstrip, located about an hour from Buhoma. This option reduces the drive from Entebbe or Kampala, which typically takes around 8-9 hours, to a more manageable journey.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma

If you’re gearing up for a gorilla trek in Buhoma, it’s important to be well-prepared with the right gear. Here’s a helpful guide on what to wear and bring along to make your adventure comfortable and enjoyable:

1. Long-Sleeved Sweater or Jacket
   The forest can get quite chilly, so a warm, long-sleeved sweater or jacket is essential.
2. Long Trousers (Two Pairs)
   Two pairs of long trousers will provide comfort and protection from branches and insects.
3. Waterproof Hiking Boots
   Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must, as the trails can be muddy and rugged.
4. Hat and Sunglasses
   These are optional but helpful on sunny days. Be sure to check the forecast.
5. Camera with Extra Batteries
   A camera is key to capturing the moment. Remember to turn off the flash when photographing the gorillas.
6. Binoculars
   Bwindi is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. Binoculars will give you a closer view of the forest’s inhabitants.
7. Gardening Gloves
   These gloves are helpful for gripping tree branches or vines along the trails.
8. Rain Jacket
   Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, so rain can happen at any time. A rain jacket is essential to stay dry.
9. Mosquito Repellent
   Bring insect repellent to protect against forest insects, which are common in this environment.
10. Sunscreen
    This is optional but recommended for sunny days to prevent sunburn.
11. Neutral-Colored Clothing
    Avoid bright colors, as they can alarm or scare away the gorillas. Neutral tones, such as green or brown, are ideal. Avoid black and blue, as these colors tend to attract tsetse flies.

Getting to the Buhoma Sector for Gorilla Trekking

By Air
The quickest way to reach Buhoma is by air. Aerolink Uganda offers scheduled and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip, from where it’s a one-hour drive to Buhoma. Although there are no direct flights to Buhoma, Trek Africa Expeditions can arrange for a guide to pick you up at Kihihi. Note that luggage allowance on Aerolink is 15 kg per person, with a $3 charge per additional kilo. Children under two years fly for free, while those over 12 fly at 70% of the adult fare.

By Road
Buhoma is about an 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala, with a scenic route passing through Kabale. For those coming from Kigali, Rwanda, the drive takes approximately 4-5 hours, making it a convenient option as well.

Best Time to Trek Gorillas in the Buhoma Region

While gorilla trekking in Buhoma is possible year-round, the drier months of June to August and December to February are generally the best times to visit. During these periods, the rainfall is low, and the trails are less slippery. If you’re open to visiting during the rainy seasons of March to May and November, you may find discounts on lodging.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions provides an experienced and knowledgeable team dedicated to creating memorable gorilla trekking experiences. Our team, which is based locally in Uganda, is highly recommended on TripAdvisor and takes pride in offering the latest, most reliable information. We are a locally-owned company with deep ties to the area, ensuring you’re in trusted hands every step of the way. Reach out to us today to start planning your gorilla trek in Buhoma!