Stay in Buhoma region & trek gorillas in Ruhija sector – Bwindi impenetrable National Park 2023 – 2024
Stay in Buhoma region & trek gorillas in ruhija sector – Mountain Gorillas live in a thick tropical rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park situated in south-western part of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Bwindi forest comprises of four sectors altogether facilitating Gorilla tracking experience and they include: Buhoma sector in the North, Ruhija in the East, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern region of the forest. The fact that Buhoma sector is closer to Ruhija, travellers have always preferred to stay in Buhoma and track Mountain Gorillas in Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. There are various reasons why travellers would prefer staying in Buhoma and tracking Mountain Gorillas in Ruhija sector. It’s both advantages and there are also some pitfalls that you should be aware off and take proper precautions before making your final decision.
Staying in Buhoma and tracking Gorillas in Ruhija
There are various reasons why travellers would prefer staying in Buhoma and tracking mountain Gorillas in Ruhija sector, reasons being that Buhoma sector has got many options of good accommodation facilities for clients. Buhoma sector used to have only 3 habituated Gorilla families, which only takes about 24 people tracking the Gorilla every day, which is not the case since Mountain Gorillas here have increased and this sector now has 6 Gorilla families whereby 5 are ready for tracking and one still going under the habituation process. Because of the many good accommodation options in Buhoma sector, the Gorilla permits here are so competitive and they get sold out quickly. So, for the travellers who would prefer staying in Buhoma sector lodges like; Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Engagi Lodge, Trekker’s Lodge and Buhoma Haven Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp and Silverback Lodge can therefore take an alternative in the nearby sector of Ruhija in case Buhoma Gorilla permits get sold out. When the Gorilla permits are sold out, travellers can therefore track Mountain Gorillas in the Ruhija sector because it’s a bit closer to Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with a scenic drive of 1-2 hours through the forest. When tourists therefore accept this option, they will be advised to wake up early by 6:00am and start the drive to Ruhija sector to join the fellow trekkers for briefing at the park offices before starting on the Gorilla trek in the forest. The distance is not very long but in most cases the road tends to be in bad shape most especially during the rainy seasons. The road becomes muddy causing difficulty to drive through which cause delays to get to Ruhija sector and sometimes you may reach, when other traveler’s have started on their Gorilla tracking in the forest. There is always communications if any delays so that they know that you are coming and they arrange for your tracking when you get there. Also note that, Gorilla tracking starts at 8:30am. Travellers are therefore advised to have information before making any final decision to void and challenges that may occur. Also, in case you have chosen to stay in Buhoma and trek Mountain Gorillas in Ruhija, we recommend you to use a 4×4 vehicle which is in good condition and a well-trained driver guide that is well aware of what is likely to happen during your journey.
Great Adventure Safaris recommend traveler’s tracking Mountain Gorillas in Ruhija sector to book accommodation nearer to the tracking location. Ruhija sector has several accommodation facilities that traveler’s can stay in while on their Gorilla tracking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest though not the standards of those in Buhoma sector. Accommodation options in Ruhija are: Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Trekkers Tavern and others. You can drive directly from Kampala or Entebbe to Ruhija sector and stay in any of the lodges of your choice in preparation for your Gorilla tracking day.
The other alternative is to book accommodation in Kabale town or in Lake Bunyonyi lodges and then drive for your Gorilla tracking in Ruhija sector of Bwindi National Park. Contact Great Adventure Safaris to book a safari to see gorillas but you can stay in Buhoma region & trek gorillas in Ruhija sector.
