Buhoma Sector of Bwindi – The Buhoma sector is located in the northern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is considered the major sector for gorilla trekking.
Buhoma is the most visited sector by tourists in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla trekking in this sector is a fascinating activity that commences early in the morning because gorillas are most active at that time.
Trekking starts with a briefing where tourists are informed about the rules and regulations.
Later, tourists are led by park rangers into the lush forests to search for the gorillas.
Buhoma sector has five habituated gorilla families, which include:
- Mubare Gorilla Family: The Mubare gorilla family was the first gorilla family to be opened for trekking in 1993. The family initially consisted of 12 members and was led by a dominant silverback, Ruhondeza, but the silverback died in 2012 due to old age. Leadership then passed to Kanyonyi, who later lost it to Malaya. The family currently has 9 members under the leadership of Malaya, the dominant silverback. Other members include 4 females, namely Nyampazi, Karungi, Twesiime, Buziza, and 4 babies.
- Habinyanja Gorilla Family: This gorilla family was formed in 1996, and its name comes from the Rukiga word Nyanja, meaning “place with water.” At its formation, the family had 25 members under the leadership of Mugurusi, who later died of old age. There were disputes within the family over leadership between Rwandigazi, Mwirima, and Makara. Rwandigazi and Mwirima co-led the family until 2002, when they separated. Rwandigazi led 12 members, including 2 silverbacks, 2 blackbacks, 3 adult females, 3 sub-adults, and 2 juveniles, maintaining the family while Mwirima formed his own group.
- Rushengura Gorilla Family: This family was formed when Mwirima broke away from the Habinyanja family with 7 members. By 2010, the number of members had increased to 19, but Mwirima died, and leadership passed to a blackback.
- Katwe Gorilla Family: This family is one of the smaller groups in Buhoma, with 9 members, including 1 silverback, 4 adult females, 2 blackbacks, and 2 infants.
- Muyambi Gorilla Family: This is the newest gorilla group in the sector, formed in 2019. The family is led by a dominant silverback, Muyambi, who separated from the Mubare family. The group currently has 6 members.
Cost of Gorilla Permits
- A gorilla permit costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents
- USD 700 for foreign residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
Best Time to Visit Buhoma
The Buhoma sector can be visited all year round, but the best time is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February.
These months experience little rainfall, which means the trails are not slippery or muddy.
How to Access Buhoma Sector
- By Road: The Buhoma sector of Bwindi can be accessed by road from Entebbe or Kampala, with a 10-hour drive covering a distance of 340 km. Tourists will travel via the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale road and then head to the Buhoma Park headquarters.
- By Air: The park can also be accessed by air transport, with tourists booking either scheduled or chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip. From there, they proceed to Buhoma Park headquarters by road.
Activities in Buhoma
Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is the most exciting activity in Buhoma, providing tourists with a personalized experience with the gorillas in the jungle. About 32 gorilla permits are sold every day in this sector, and only 8 people are allowed to trek a particular family.
Birding: Bwindi is home to over 350 bird species, giving tourists a chance to explore them in the Buhoma sector. Bird species include:
- Klaas’s cuckoos
- Barred long-tailed cuckoos
- White-throated greenbul
- African blue flycatcher
- African cuckoos
- Red-headed bluebill
- Great blue turacos, among others.
In conclusion, the Buhoma sector is a true haven of nature and wildlife in the heart of the jungle, offering unforgettable experiences.