Can You Block All Permits to Trek Buhoma Gorillas Exclusively?

How to Book an Exclusive Gorilla Trekking Experience in Buhoma, Bwindi

Are you looking for an exclusive, private gorilla trekking experience in Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest? Wondering if it’s possible to block all the permits in advance for a completely private trek? The answer is yes – with Trek Africa Gorillas, you can block all permits and enjoy a private gorilla trekking experience in Buhoma, either as an individual or with a private group.

How to Block All Gorilla Permits in Buhoma

To trek Buhoma gorillas exclusively, you’ll need to secure all available permits for the day. Buhoma is home to 4 mountain gorilla families, which means 32 permits are available daily for trekking. By booking all of them, you ensure that no other tourists will be trekking in the same region on the dates you’ve chosen.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

• USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 700 for Foreign Residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

Each permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas. To block all 32 permits and guarantee your exclusive trek, you will need to pay USD 22,400 in advance.

You can secure the permits by paying 100%, 70% or 30% of the total cost, depending on your preference. We recommend booking 3-4 months in advance, as permits can sell out quickly during peak seasons. For more details or to begin the booking process, contact us here.

About Buhoma Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Buhoma is the park’s most famous and frequently visited sector. It was the first to begin gorilla habituation back in 1993, shortly after the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Buhoma is home to the oldest gorilla family, the Mubare family, as well as three other families: Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe.

Key Considerations for Booking Private Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma

Booking All Gorilla Permits in Advance

To guarantee your exclusive trekking experience in Buhoma, you must secure all 32 permits in advance. Once you’ve done this, no other visitors will be allowed to book a trek in the same region. We recommend booking the permits at least 3-4 months before your trip to ensure availability, especially during the high season when permits tend to sell out quickly.

Booking a Lodge Exclusively

To make your Buhoma gorilla trekking experience truly private and luxurious, consider fully booking a lodge for your stay. Buhoma has a variety of accommodation options, including:

• Luxury options: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Silverback Lodge and more.

Staying at a lodge exclusively for your group adds to the privacy and comfort of your trek.

How to Get to Buhoma Sector

By Air:

• Flying is the fastest and least tiring way to reach Buhoma. AeroLink offers scheduled and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip, which is about an hour’s drive from Buhoma. Our guides will pick you up from Kihihi and take you to your lodge.
• Check-in is 90 minutes before your flight, with a baggage allowance of 15 kilograms per person (excess luggage is charged at USD 3 per kilo).
• Private charters are also available, offering more flexibility. Children under two fly free, while children over 12 are charged at 70% of the adult fare.

By Road:

• Buhoma is accessible from Entebbe/Kampala via the main highway, about an 8-9 hour drive. The route passes through Kabale town and continues on to Buhoma.
• You can also reach Buhoma from Kigali, Rwanda, which is about a 4-5 hour drive. Additionally, the route through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector provides scenic views and a chance to spot wildlife along the way.

Travel Tips for Getting Around Buhoma

For the most comfortable journey to Buhoma, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. The road can be bumpy but the vehicle ensures you’ll arrive safely and comfortably. If you prefer a quicker route, you can fly to Kihihi Airstrip, which is about a 2-hour drive from Buhoma. This option reduces the typical 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala.

Alternatively, Buhoma is also accessible from Kigali, Rwanda, with a drive of approximately 4-5 hours via the Katuna border.

Best Time of Year to Trek Gorillas in Buhoma

The best time to trek Buhoma gorillas is during the dry months: January, February, June, to early September. During these months, it’s easier to navigate the park’s trails and visibility is better since the vegetation isn’t as dense.

What to Wear for Your Buhoma Gorilla Trekking Safari

Planning a gorilla trek in Buhoma and wondering what to wear? Here’s a guide to help you prepare for a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

1. Long-Sleeved Sweater or Jacket: The forest can get quite chilly, especially in the morning. A warm, long-sleeved sweater will help keep you comfortable.
2. Long Trousers: Pack at least two pairs of long trousers. They’ll provide extra protection from insects and the dense vegetation.
3. Waterproof Hiking Boots: Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots are essential for navigating muddy trails and rocky terrain.
4. Hat and Sunglasses: These are optional but a hat can protect you from the sun and sunglasses can be helpful on bright days.
5. Camera and Spare Batteries: Photos are a great way to capture memories. Bring a camera with long-lasting batteries and remember to turn off your flash when taking pictures of the gorillas.
6. Binoculars: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is known for its diverse bird species and other wildlife, so binoculars can enhance your experience.
7. Gardening Gloves: These will protect your hands if you need to hold onto branches or trees for support during the trek.
8. Rain Jacket: Bwindi is a rainforest and sudden showers are common. A raincoat will help keep you dry.
9. Mosquito Repellent: Given the forest environment, insect repellent is essential for comfort and protection.
10. Sunscreen: If you’re trekking during a sunnier season, sunscreen can help protect your skin from sunburn.
11. Neutral-Colored Clothing: Avoid bright colors, which can startle the gorillas. Also, skip black or blue, as these colors can attract tsetse flies. Neutral colors are ideal.

Why Book Your Private Gorilla Safari in Buhoma with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas specializes in custom, tailor-made safaris to ensure a memorable and smooth experience. Our team is diligent and responsive, answering all queries within 20 minutes. Our professional tour consultants can assist in planning your travel itinerary, answering all questions and booking services in advance to avoid any last-minute inconveniences.

We also provide experienced safari guides who are knowledgeable and can cater to your language preferences. Contact us to plan your exclusive, private gorilla trekking experience in Buhoma!