Fly to Kihihi and Trek Gorillas in Buhoma Region of Bwindi

Fly to Kihihi and Trek Gorillas in Buhoma Region of Bwindi

Looking to explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from a unique perspective? Fly to Kihihi and embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in the renowned Buhoma region! Located in the northern part of the park, Buhoma is a prime destination for gorilla enthusiasts and home to the park’s first habituated gorilla families. This sector is famous for its rich wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

Why Buhoma?

Buhoma is not only the most famous but also one of the most visited areas in Bwindi. It’s home to the oldest mountain gorilla family in the park, the Mubare family, along with three other families: Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe. This makes Buhoma one of the best places to experience mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Trekking Gorillas in Buhoma

If you’re interested in flying to Kihihi and trekking gorillas in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Trek Africa Expeditions can help make this dream a reality. Whether you’re traveling alone or in a group, a gorilla permit is required to trek the mountain gorillas. The permit prices are:

• USD 700 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 600 for Foreign Residents
• 250,000 Uganda Shillings for East African Citizens

This permit gives you the opportunity to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas, a truly unforgettable experience.

Things to Consider When Planning Your Trip to Buhoma

1. Book Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

Buhoma has 32 gorilla permits available for sale daily. To guarantee your spot, we highly recommend booking your permit well in advance. You can secure your permit with a payment of 100%, 70%, or 30% in advance. We advise booking at least 3 to 4 months before your travel date, as permits can sell out, especially during the high season.

2. Accommodation Options in Buhoma

There’s no shortage of accommodation options in Buhoma, catering to all budgets. For luxury stays, you can choose from top-tier lodges like Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, and Silverback Lodge. For those on a budget, consider Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, or Buhoma Camp. No matter your choice, Trek Africa Expeditions ensures your accommodation includes full board (all meals).

3. Comfortable Travel to Buhoma

For a comfortable journey to Buhoma, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Kihihi Airstrip, located just 1 hour away from Buhoma. This will save you from the long 8-9 hour road trip from Entebbe/Kampala.

4. What to Wear During Your Trek

When preparing for your gorilla trek, it’s important to dress appropriately for the rainforest environment:

• A long-sleeved sweater (it can get cold)
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Two pairs of long trousers
• A hat and sunglasses (optional)
• Cameras with long-lasting batteries (flash off for better gorilla encounters)
• Binoculars for birdwatching
• Gardening gloves for handling branches
• A raincoat (the forest is known for sudden rainfall)
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen (optional, but helpful in sunny weather)
• Neutral-colored clothing (bright colors or black/blue can disturb gorillas)

5. How to Get to Buhoma

You can easily reach Buhoma by either air or road:

• By Air: Take a flight to Kihihi Airstrip with AeroLink Uganda, which offers scheduled and charter flights. From Kihihi, it’s just a short 1-hour drive to Buhoma. Please note, AeroLink allows 15kg of baggage per person, with excess charged at USD 3 per kilogram.
• By Road: Buhoma is about 8-9 hours by road from Entebbe/Kampala and 4-5 hours from Kigali.

6. Best Time to Visit

While Buhoma is open for trekking year-round, the best months for a visit are between June and August and December to February. These months tend to have the least rainfall, making the trails less slippery. However, if you visit between March-May or November, expect rain, but you can take advantage of lower accommodation rates during these months.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in organizing exceptional gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. With extensive experience and rave reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, we focus on providing eco-friendly, sustainable, and unforgettable travel experiences. Our tours also include activities like chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural experiences, ensuring a holistic African safari.

Contact us today to plan your trip to Buhoma and experience the magic of trekking gorillas in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park!