Why Buhoma Permits Are Scarce – The Buhoma sector is the oldest sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with the first habituated gorilla family introduced in 1993. It is located in the northern part of Bwindi and is easily accessible, requiring an 8–9-hour drive from Entebbe to Bwindi or a 2-hour flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airport, followed by a short drive to the Buhoma sector.
Gorilla trekking permits are documents that allow trekkers to search for gorilla families with the help of experienced tour guides and spend one hour with the gorillas. Different sectors in Bwindi experience varying levels of permit demand, and Buhoma permits are particularly in high demand, often leading to scarcity.
Reasons for the Scarcity of Buhoma Permits
Several factors contribute to the scarcity of permits in the Buhoma sector:
- Limited Permits Available: The number of permits for trekking in the Buhoma sector is limited, making them scarce.
- Accessibility: Buhoma is the most easily accessible sector compared to the other sectors of Bwindi. It is also closest to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where tourists can watch tree-climbing lions.
- Less Challenging Terrain: The Buhoma sector has less challenging terrain, making it easier to trek to gorilla families. This makes it a favorite for tourists who are not interested in difficult hikes.
- Nature Walks: Buhoma offers guided nature walks, providing insights into the tropical rainforest and its inhabitants, such as chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, butterfly species, and birds like the red-headed bluebill, African emerald cuckoo, and short-tailed warbler.
- Cultural Experiences: Tourists can enjoy cultural experiences with the Batwa pygmies, the original inhabitants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. They can explore the Batwa’s day-to-day activities, such as hunting and basket weaving.
- Biking Experiences: Buhoma offers biking opportunities with bicycles provided by “Ride for a Woman Bwindi,” an initiative that supports the local community.
Cost of Buhoma Gorilla Permits
- USD 800 for foreign non-residents
- USD 700 for foreign residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
The above reasons justify why Buhoma gorilla permits are scarce and in high demand.
