Explore Buhoma Mountain Gorillas

Discover the Buhoma Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Explore Buhoma Mountain Gorillas — Buhoma is one of the most popular sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the northern part of the park. It holds the distinction of being the first sector to be habituated for gorilla trekking in 1993, just after Bwindi was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Buhoma is home to four mountain gorilla families, including the iconic Mubare family, making it the most visited and well-known area in Bwindi.

Gorilla Families in Buhoma Sector

Mubare Gorilla Family

The Mubare gorilla family is the oldest group in Bwindi, habituated in 1993 when tourism in the park began. The family was named after the Mubare Hills, where the group was first spotted. Initially, the group had 12 members led by the dominant silverback Ruhondeza. Unfortunately, the group faced setbacks over the years, losing some members and, after Ruhondeza’s death at 50, was reduced to 5 members. Under the leadership of Kanyonyi, a new silverback, the group has now grown to 9 members.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family

The Habinyanja family was habituated in 1997 and started tracking in 1999. The name “Habinyanja” comes from the word “Nyanja”, which means “water place” in Rukiga, after the family was first seen near a swamp pond. The group began with Mugurusi as the silverback, succeeded by his two brothers, Mwirima and Rwansigazi. Today, under the leadership of Silverback Makara, the family has expanded to 17 members (9 adults, 5 infants, and 3 juveniles). This family is one of the easiest to track, with a 45-minute drive from the starting point at Nyamishaba Village.

Rushegura Gorilla Family

The Rushegura family broke away from Habinyanja in 2002 under the leadership of Mwirima, who was determined to form his own group. After Mwirima’s death, the family is now led by a blackback and has grown to 19 members from an original 8. This group is unique in that it frequently crosses between Uganda and DR Congo as it lives along the border. Rushegura is one of the easier groups to track, with a short 15-minute walk from the park headquarters to the trailhead at Mukono.

Katwe Gorilla Family

The newest addition to Buhoma sector, the Katwe family, was habituated in 2018. This family took 3 years to become fully accustomed to human presence and is now open for visitor tracking. It consists of one dominant silverback, four females, and two infants. The group is still in a state of flux, with members moving in and out. The creation of the Katwe group was aimed at increasing the number of gorilla permits available and boosting Uganda’s tourism revenue.

What to Wear and Bring for Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma

Gorilla trekking in Buhoma involves hiking through steep, muddy terrain, often with the possibility of rain. Here’s what you should bring and wear for the best experience:

• Sturdy shoes: Expect mud, so waterproof footwear is ideal.
• Long sleeves and trousers: Protect yourself from stinging nettles and thorny vegetation.
• A sweatshirt or light jacket: The early mornings can be chilly.
• Old gardening gloves: Help protect your hands when grabbing onto plants and branches.
• Daypack: Keep your essentials in a small waterproof bag. Bring at least 2 liters of water and a snack for the trek.
• Rain gear: A poncho or raincoat is recommended during the rainy season, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Camera protection: Ensure your camera gear is kept dry with a waterproof bag or plastic cover.

You won’t need binoculars to see the gorillas, but bird watchers might find them handy during the trek.

Best Time to Trek the Buhoma Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi is open for gorilla trekking year-round, but as a tropical rainforest, it can rain at any time. The best months to visit for more favorable conditions are:

• June to August and December to February, when the park experiences less rainfall and the trails are less slippery.
• If you travel during the rainy season (March-May or November), you may find discounts on accommodations, but you should expect higher rainfall.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Experience in Buhoma with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we create unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. With over 10 years of experience, we are proud to be highly rated on TripAdvisor for providing exceptional service. We combine eco-friendly practices with exciting adventures like chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, and cultural experiences. We’re dedicated to preserving wildlife and supporting local communities through responsible tourism.

If you’re ready to experience the magic of Buhoma’s mountain gorillas, contact Excursia Adventures today to plan your dream safari!