Buhoma gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest

Buhoma gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest – Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Buhoma gorilla safari to Bwindi forest – Buhoma sector is situated in the North Western part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park mainly in Kanungu District, and it faces the dark amazing evergreen and hilly impenetrable forest of Bwindi.  Out of the four regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Buhoma region is one of the major sectors that cannot be left out especially concerning Gorilla trekking because of its History.  Buhoma is the first sector of Bwindi to be opened up for gorilla trekking in other words, it’s where Gorilla tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park started from, and in Uganda as a whole in the year 1993 just after Bwindi was established into a National Park. It is for this reason, that the region has the oldest habituated gorilla family known as Mubare which was the first to be visited by the first team of tourists to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking. Today Buhoma region boasts 5 gorilla families which include; Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe and Muyambi.

Why trek gorillas in Buhoma.

Accessibility to Buhoma

 Buhoma region is easy to access as compared to other sectors of Bwindi National Park. From Kampala, travelers can take the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Ntungamo-Rukungiri-Kihihi route to reach Buhoma, which is a distance of approximately 550km and should take between 9-10 hours to drive. Travelers can also access Buhoma from Kabale town via Kunungu which should take about four hours and three hours from the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. By air, a flight from Entebbe International airport or Kajjansi takes one hour to Buhoma.

Buhoma is also in close proximity with other National Parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park and Mountain Rwenzori National Park. This therefore, makes it an easy option to visit the above national parks after the gorilla trekking experience.

Connection with other sectors

Buhoma is also within easy reach with other gorilla trekking sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For example one may choose to stay at Buhoma, then drive for two hours to Ruhija sector for their gorilla trekking activity, or  One can also choose to walk through the impenetrable forest to the southern sector of Nkuringo, which is a three hours of adventurous and rewarding walk.

Availability of volunteering opportunities

Travelers who prefer taking part in volunteering activities in Uganda alongside trekking should consider Buhoma sector for their gorilla trekking activities so that the trekking can be combined with volunteering.

Availability of accommodation for all classes.

Buhoma sector boasts all ranges of accommodation ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury that are available at all times. These include among others; Luxury gorilla forest camp, Buhoma lodge, Buhoma community rest camp, Volcanoes Bwindi lodge, Trekkers safari lodge, Haven lodge, Mahogany Springs, Engagi, Bwindi forest lodge, Bwindi view bandas, Bwindi guest house and Silverback lodge.

The altitude of Buhoma gorilla sector

Buhoma sector is the best place to trek the mountain gorillas for those who don’t want to hike very high due to its lower altitude compared to the other sectors. The terrains in Buhoma sector are easily passable thus making the trekking experience enjoyable. In fact Buhoma sector favors all trekkers, including those who prefer shorter and longer treks.

Availability of five gorilla trekking families

Buhoma gorilla safari to Bwindi forest is still remains the top most preferred sector. The sector has five gorilla families which include; Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe and Muyambi that are trekked all year round, allowing eight permits per gorilla family per day.

Activities to do

Bwindi National Park lies in south-western Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley and has a variety of attractions ideal for both tourists and researchers. There are a number of activities one can do in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. As the saying goes, “Independent of what you are looking for, you will find something here”.

These include;

.Community Tourism

.Gorilla trekking

.Nature Walks/hiking

.Bird watching

.Visit the women’s project at, “Ride for a woman”

.Visit the Bwindi Community hospital