How is Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector

How is Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector, Gorilla trekking in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is an extraordinary adventure that offers visitors a chance to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The Buhoma sector is one of the main starting points for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and is known for its dense forest cover, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery.

Here’s what you can expect and How is Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector:

1. Preparation and Briefing: Before embarking on the trek, visitors are typically given a briefing by park rangers. This briefing includes information about gorilla behavior, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the trek. It’s essential to listen carefully to these instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
2. Gorilla Trekking Experience: Gorilla trekking in Buhoma involves hiking through the forest with experienced guides and trackers in search of habituated gorilla families. The terrain can be challenging, with steep slopes, dense vegetation, and uneven ground. The duration of the trek can vary depending on the location of the gorilla group, ranging from a few hours to a full day.
3. Encounter with Gorillas: Once the gorillas are located, visitors typically spend an hour observing and photographing them from a safe distance. It’s an incredible opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close, observing their social interactions, feeding habits, and unique behaviors.
4. Respect for Wildlife: It’s crucial to maintain a respectful distance from the gorillas and follow the guidelines provided by the park authorities. This includes keeping quiet, avoiding sudden movements, and refraining from touching the gorillas or littering in their habitat.
5. Conservation Impact: Gorilla trekking in Buhoma contributes to the conservation of mountain gorillas and their habitat. Permit fees help fund conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community development projects that benefit local communities.
6. Weather and Packing: The weather in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to pack appropriate clothing, including sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, long pants, and layers for varying temperatures. It’s also recommended to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Overall, gorilla trekking in the Buhoma sector offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and support conservation efforts while experiencing one of the most incredible wildlife encounters on the planet.

About Buhoma sector

Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Buhoma sector was the first sector to be habituated in 1993 just after the park was declared a UNESCO Heritage. Buhoma is the most famous and most visited part of the park, with the oldest Gorilla family Mubare and three other families of Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe Gorilla families.

Buhoma sector attracts many tourists even during low season period to visit this sector to do there gorilla trekking because it is home to the only two lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park located within the Bwindi forest that is Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp and Bwindi Lodge these offer a stunning experience during your gorilla trek in Bwindi. The sector is also where gorilla trekking started and this also gives many travelers confidence that they will gorillas here compared to other sectors, it is also home to many gorilla families second to Rushaga sector making it easy to get the gorilla permit. The sector is also home to many luxury accommodations compared to all other sectors in Bwindi making it great for luxury travelers, these are among the major reasons why gorilla permits and services sell out in advance in Buhoma sector.

Important things to consider when planning Buhoma gorilla trekking

Booking your gorilla permits in advance for trekking in Buhoma

When organizing Buhoma gorilla trekking we recommend you book your gorilla permits atleast 3 to 4 month prior your gorilla safari date. This is because during high season permits sell out in advance on first come first serve basis. You need a gorilla permits to be allowed to trek mountain gorillas in Buhoma, this costs USD800 for Foreign non residents, USD700 for Foreign residents, USD500 for Rest of africaand 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens and this gives an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi. Contact us here for more details on how to book gorilla permits for tracking in Buhoma in advance.

Staying in Luxury Lodges in Buhoma sector

This is very important to consider when organizing a luxury gorilla safari holiday to Buhoma during high season, for you to have a great experience and comfort during your safari it is great to stay in luxury accommodations. Buhoma has many luxury lodge options including the only 2 lodges located within Bwindi Forest that is Bwindi Lodge and Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp other luxury lodges in Buhoma include Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany springs and Silverback Lodge among others

Comfortable travel to Buhoma

You should consider travelling in 4×4 Land cruisers this will give you comfort on the road to Buhoma. There is also an option of flying to Kihihi Airstrip which is close to Buhoma, this will help cut the long drive from Entebbe/Kampala which is normally 8-9 hours drives to only 1 hour drive that you spend from Kihihi to your lodge in Buhoma.

What to wear during Buhoma gorilla trekking

 You might be probably wondering what to wear for your trek, below is a compiled list on what to wear;

• A long armed sweater since the park gets cold
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• Water proof hiking boots
• A hat and sun glasses depending on the weather though this is optional
• Cameras and long lasting batteries since photography are very important to keep your memories alive. Always remember to keep our flash off.
• A pair of Binoculars. This will help you to see the vast birds Bwindi impenetrable forest has among other primates
• Gardening Gloves; these will help you when you a holding onto trees are branches through the trek.
• A rain coat; Since Bwindi impenetrable forest is rainforest, the rain is unpredictable so to be on a safer side, you will be required to carry along  a coat.
• A mosquito Repellent; since it is a forest, it has different dangerous insects so its advisable to carry it along or wear it
• A sun screen; Well this is optional but depending on the season, it might get too hot and you end up getting sun burns on your skin so to avoid that, you will need a sun screen.
• You should not wear very bright colors since this will charge or scare away the gorillas.
• Black and Blue colors are also not recommended since they attract Tsetse flies So I would recommend neutral colors.

How to get Buhoma Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

By Air: You can get to the Buhoma by air which is faster and less tiresome. Aero link is a domestic airline offering both schedule and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip from where you connect to Buhoma. There is no direct flight to Buhoma but you can be dropped off to Kihihi where you will be picked up by our professional guide and dropped at your lodge. The drive time from Kihihi to a nearby lodge is approximately 1 hour. Passengers are always required to check in 90minutes before the scheduled departure time on you flight. It is also important to note that aero links baggage is 15kilograms per person and an excess is charged at 3usd per kilo. There also private charters available for client’s that have different timing requirements and different routings too. You might also want to travel with your kids which are free for an infant below 2years old. Children above 12years are carried at 70% of the adults fare.

By Road: Buhoma can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Buhoma. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours drive.

Why book Buhoma gorilla trekking with Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor made safaris. It has a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 30 minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences. We have some options for budget Gorilla safari tour to Buhoma and these include; the 2 days Budget Gorilla safari, the 3 day Budget Gorilla safari, 4 Days Budget Gorilla fly in safari, it all depends on your preference. Feel free to contact us about How is Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector.