Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in the Buhoma Sector

Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in the Buhoma Sector

The Buhoma Sector, located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is one of the most iconic destinations for gorilla trekking in Uganda. It holds a special place in the history of conservation as it was the first sector in Bwindi to be habituated for gorilla trekking back in 1993, shortly after the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Buhoma is the most famous and frequently visited sector of the park, home to the oldest habituated gorilla family, Mubare, alongside other notable families such as Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe.

Why Visit the Buhoma Sector for Gorilla Trekking?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, boasting an extraordinary range of biodiversity. Its ecosystem includes:

• 350 bird species
• 310 butterfly species
• 200 tree species
• 51 reptiles
• 88 moth species
• 120 mammals (including primates like chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys).

Most notably, the park is home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, estimated at 1,064 individuals. Bwindi has over 19 habituated gorilla families open for trekking, with permits limited to 8 trekkers per group per day to ensure the sustainability of this unique experience.

Where Does Gorilla Trekking Take Place in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is conducted in four main sectors:

1. Buhoma Sector – Northern Bwindi (close to Queen Elizabeth National Park).
2. Ruhija Sector – Northeastern Bwindi.
3. Nkuringo Sector – Southern Bwindi (near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park).
4. Rushaga Sector – Southern Bwindi (also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience).

The northern sectors of Buhoma and Ruhija are ideal for combining gorilla trekking with game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The southern sectors, Nkuringo and Rushaga, offer proximity to Mgahinga for activities like golden monkey tracking.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in the Buhoma Sector Cost?

To participate in gorilla trekking in Buhoma, you’ll need a gorilla permit. The cost is as follows:

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

This permit grants you one unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi’s pristine forest.

How to Purchase Gorilla Trekking Permits for Buhoma

You can buy permits for the Buhoma Sector through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at their offices in Kampala or Kisoro.

Alternatively, Trek Africa Gorillas can handle the permit booking process for you. Here’s how we make it easy:

1. Confirm your travel dates with us via email or WhatsApp.
2. We tentatively reserve your permits online.
3. Once payment is made, we purchase your permits immediately.
4. A scanned copy of the permit will be sent to you as confirmation.

Booking permits in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak seasons, as demand often exceeds supply.

When Is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma?

The best time to trek gorillas in the Buhoma Sector is during the dry months:

• January and February
• June through early September

During these months, the park’s trails are less muddy, making it easier to navigate the forest and the vegetation is less dense, offering better visibility of the gorillas.

How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking in the Buhoma Sector?

Gorilla trekking in the Buhoma Sector is generally easier compared to other sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest due to its more gentle slopes. However, trekking conditions can still vary greatly depending on the gorillas’ location and the time of year. The weather in the rainforest can change quickly and the terrain is often steep and rugged.

While some treks may take only a couple of hours, others can extend to 8 hours or more, depending on the distance to the gorillas. The hike can be physically demanding, with high-altitude conditions and muddy trails. Therefore, it’s recommended to be in good physical shape and prepared for varying weather.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in the Buhoma Sector

When preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure in the Buhoma Sector, it’s essential to pack the right gear to ensure comfort and safety throughout your trek. The conditions can be challenging, with muddy trails, steep uphill climbs and unpredictable weather. Here’s a list of essential items to pack for your gorilla trek:

• Insect Repellent – Protect yourself from biting insects.
• Torch/Flashlight & Spare Batteries – Useful for early mornings or when it gets dark.
• Wet Wipes – Handy for quick clean-ups during your trek.
• Water Bottle – Stay hydrated throughout the hike.
• Camera & Lenses – Capture memories of your gorilla encounter.
• Comfortable Hiking Boots & Socks – Choose durable, comfortable shoes for the trek.
• Gardening Gloves – These will help when holding onto branches or trees.
• Sandals/Flip-flops – Useful for relaxing after the trek.
• Hat & Sunscreen – Protect yourself from the sun.
• Rain Jacket – Be prepared for sudden downpours.
• Sweater/Fleece – Temperatures can drop in the evening.
• Swimwear – If your accommodation has a pool or hot springs.
• Binoculars – For bird watching and spotting other wildlife.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma Sector

Buhoma offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the best places to stay include:

• Buhoma Lodge – A comfortable and scenic lodge near the park entrance.
• Bwindi Lodge – Offering stunning views of the forest and gorilla trekking experiences.
• Buhoma Community Rest Camp – A budget-friendly option with a local touch.
• Ride 4 a Woman – A community-focused accommodation with a unique cultural experience.

For those exploring other sectors in Bwindi, Ruhija also has several great lodging options such as:

• Trekkers Tavern Cottages
• Agandi Eco Lodge
• Gift of Nature Lodge
• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Broadbill Tented Camp

How to Get to Buhoma Sector for Gorilla Trekking

There are two main ways to reach Buhoma Sector:

• By Road:
  Buhoma can be accessed from Entebbe or Kampala via the Kabale-Kisoro road. The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours. Once you reach Kabale, look for signs directing you to Buhoma Sector.
• By Air:
  Scheduled and chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip are available. Once at the airstrip, arrange a transfer to your lodge (a drive of about 1-2 hours).

Why Book Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in the Buhoma Sector with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas is your trusted partner in booking unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi. We help secure your gorilla permits and offer a range of safari packages tailored to your preferences, from budget to luxury.

Here’s why you should choose us:

• Expert Guidance – We assist with the entire booking process, from permits to accommodations.
• Excellent Service – Our team is dedicated to providing outstanding customer care.
• Trusted Reviews – Check our satisfied customer reviews on TripAdvisor.
• Customizable Safari Packages – We offer tours combining gorilla trekking with other wildlife and cultural experiences in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.

Let us take care of the details so you can focus on creating lifelong memories. Contact us today for more information about exclusive gorilla trekking in the Buhoma Sector.