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Here is What to expect during Gorilla trekking in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi. Trekking gorillas in the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is an unforgettable experience, offering a chance to encounter one of the world’s most fascinating and endangered species, the mountain gorillas. Below details is What to expect during Gorilla trekking in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi:
- Pre-Trekking Briefing: Before the trek, you’ll receive a briefing from park officials. They’ll provide essential information about the gorillas, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the trek.
- Early Morning Start: Gorilla trekking typically starts early in the morning. You’ll gather at the park headquarters in Buhoma, where you’ll be assigned to a gorilla group and a guide. Groups are typically limited in size to minimize disturbance to the gorillas.
- Guided Trek: Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you’ll embark on a trek through the dense forest of Bwindi. The trek can vary in duration and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla group you’re visiting and the terrain.
- Scenic Hike: As you hike through the forest, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Bwindi’s diverse ecosystem. The forest is rich in biodiversity, with lush vegetation, colorful birds, and other wildlife.
- Gorilla Encounter: Once your group locates the gorillas, you’ll have a precious hour to observe them in their natural habitat. You’ll be required to maintain a safe distance from the gorillas to minimize the risk of disease transmission and ensure their well-being. However, it’s not uncommon for gorillas to approach visitors out of curiosity.
- Observation and Photography: You’ll have the chance to observe the gorillas as they go about their daily activities, including feeding, grooming, and playing. Photography is allowed during the encounter, but flashes are prohibited, as they can disturb the gorillas.
- Respectful Behavior: It’s essential to follow the guidelines provided by your guide and park officials to ensure a safe and respectful experience for both visitors and gorillas. This includes maintaining a quiet demeanor, avoiding sudden movements, and refraining from touching the gorillas.
- Return Trek: After your encounter with the gorillas, you’ll begin the trek back to the park headquarters. The return journey may take a different route, providing additional opportunities to explore the forest and spot other wildlife.
- Certificate Presentation: Upon returning to the park headquarters, you’ll receive a certificate commemorating your gorilla trekking experience. This serves as a memorable keepsake of your encounter with these remarkable animals.
What to expect during Gorilla trekking in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi. Overall, gorilla trekking in the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi offers an incredible opportunity to connect with nature and witness the beauty and majesty of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors from around the world.
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.
Bwindi Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest forests with a diverse biodiversity with various species which include 350 birds, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 moths and 120 mammals, the park is also home to several primates including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey and the major one the Mountain Gorillas. The global population of mountain gorillas is 1064 individuals and half of these can be found in Bwindi forest, the park has over 15 habituated gorilla family groups open for gorilla tracking with 8 gorilla permits allocated to each group per day.
How hard and challenging is Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector?
Generally gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector is much easier compared to all other sectors given the fact this is located on a gentle slope. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rain forest. It is good to be prepared and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths. It can be very strenuous it may be just a couple of hours but it can also be for a full day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high altitude conditions therefore please be prepared for this by being as fit as possible.
How much is Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector of Bwindi
A Gorilla Permit costs USD800 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents and 300,000 Uganda shillings for East African Citizens. This Gorilla permit gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Buhoma sector of Bwindi once you find them on your trek.
How to purchase a Gorilla trekking permit for Buhoma sector
Gorilla trekking permits for trekking in Buhoma sector are purchased through a Tour operator from Uganda Wildlife Authority, this can be done at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro for tourists arriving in Uganda through Entebbe it is recommended to purchase their gorilla permits from Kampala. Eco Adventure Safaris is one of the best gorilla safari companies which can purchase for you your gorilla permit in advance and on short notice, once you confirm your dates and share them with us via email or WhatsApp we will first tentatively reserve the gorilla permits for you online and then send you an invoice for you to make payment and once money comes through on our account we will purchase your gorilla permits immediately and send you scan copies of your permits for your records and perusal and this will confirm you have purchase your gorilla permits for your gorilla trek in Bwindi forest for a given date.
What is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector Bwindi Forest?
The best time to do a gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector Bwindi forest is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector?
During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous. It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants. Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi include;
• Insect Repellent
• Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries
• Wet Wipes
• Water Bottle
• Camera, lenses etc
• Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
• Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
• Sandals/strops/walking shoes
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Rain Jacket
• Sweater/fleece
• Swimwear
• Binoculars (game/bird watching)
Where to stay during Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector
In Buhoma sector you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman among others, In Ruhija you can stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp among others.
How to get to get to Buhoma sector Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Trekking
By Road; This will depend on which sector you will be doing your gorilla trek in Bwindi Forest; Bwindi can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. Buhoma can be accessed by turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro road you will see the sign posted of Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow up to the designated sector for your trek.
By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to to Kihihi airstrip for get to Buhoma. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to your Lodge you are booked for your stay.
Why Book Through Eco Adventure Safaris your Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma sector
Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your gorilla trekking permits trekking in Bwindi Forest contact us and we advise you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to checkout our trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo with us. Contact us here for more informational about What to expect during Gorilla trekking in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi.