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Here is Why Buhoma Is the Best Place for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. The Buhoma Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands out as one of the best places for gorilla trekking in Uganda due to its rich history as the first area where gorilla tourism began, its relatively accessible terrain compared to other sectors, and its well-developed infrastructure that enhances the overall trekking experience; located in the northern part of the park.
Buhoma offers a mix of dense rainforest and gentler trails, making it suitable for a wide range of trekkers including older travelers and those seeking a less strenuous hike, while still delivering an authentic encounter with habituated mountain gorilla families such as Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura; beyond trekking, Buhoma provides a complete safari experience with activities like guided nature walks to the waterfall trail, birdwatching, and cultural visits to the local Batwa communities, all of which enrich the journey and deepen understanding of conservation and community involvement.
Why Buhoma Is the Best Place for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, the sector also hosts some of the most established and comfortable lodges in Bwindi, from mid-range to luxury options, ensuring convenience and comfort right at the forest edge, and its accessibility by road from Kigali or Entebbe makes it a practical choice for travelers with limited time, combining ease of logistics with exceptional wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and a strong conservation legacy that continues to make Buhoma a top choice for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
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.
Where else is Gorilla Trekking done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park?
Apart from Buhoma sector, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is also done in Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi and Ruhija sector in the North Eastern part of Bwindi both sectors are located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing if you are trekking at these sectors another reason Why Buhoma Is the Best Place for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. In the southern Part of Bwindi it is where Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are located close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking. Each sector has different habituated mountain gorilla families open for gorilla trekking with Rushaga sector having many families compared to other sectors.
How much is Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
A Gorilla Permit costs USD800 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents, USD500 for African Citizens 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 Bwindi Forest 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 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 and for tourists arriving in Uganda through Kigali they can purchase their permits at the branch headquarter of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kisoro town which is 1-2 hours drive to Bwindi. 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.
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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)
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.
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 with 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 information Why Buhoma Is the Best Place for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and booking gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector.