Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma Sector – Buhoma sector is located in the northern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, within the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is believed to have existed for over 25,000 years and is one of the most biologically diverse forests in the world.
The forest was established as a national park in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for gorilla trekking, making it a major destination for tourists worldwide.
The park is home to over 120 mammals, including elephants and yellow-backed duikers, 350 bird species such as the black bee-eater, Grauer’s broadbill, bush shrike, regal sunbird, black-billed turaco, and Kivu ground thrush, as well as over 220 butterfly species, among others.
Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma Sector
Gorilla trekking is a wildlife activity that involves hiking through dense forests in search of mountain gorillas.
Buhoma sector has 5 gorilla families, which include the Mubare, Rushengura, Habinyanja, Katwe, and Muyambi gorilla families.
Buhoma is the most visited sector and was the first gorilla trekking sector in Bwindi.
Gorilla trekking in Buhoma starts early in the morning, with a briefing at 7 a.m. at the Buhoma Park headquarters.
Tourists are then led into the dense forest by a well-armed park ranger to search for the mountain gorillas.
While trekking, tourists may also encounter other wildlife such as birds, elephants, and various landscapes, including rivers and hills.
Cost of Buhoma Gorilla Permits
- USD 800 for foreign non-residents per person
- USD 700 for foreign residents per person
- UGX 300,000 for East African nationals per person
Best Time to Visit Buhoma Sector of Bwindi
Buhoma sector is open for gorilla trekking year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February. During this time, the trails are dry, making trekking easier.
How to Access Buhoma for Gorilla Trekking
- By Road: Buhoma can be accessed by road from Kampala or Entebbe via Kabale, with the journey taking about 10 hours and covering a distance of 340 km.
- By Air: Buhoma can also be accessed by air from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips, followed by a road transfer to Buhoma.
Gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector is a fascinating activity that offers relaxation and an unforgettable experience for tourists.
