Buhoma Gorilla Trekking in the North of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Buhoma Gorilla Trekking is one of the most interesting gorilla experiences in Uganda. Buhoma Sector, one of the gorilla trekking regions of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has three gorilla families which include Mubare, Habinyanja, Muyambi gorilla Family, Katwe group and Rushegura Group Group. Therefore gorilla trekking in Buhoma takes place with these 5 habituated families. Buhoma, found in the northern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is among the most accessible gorilla areas in the park.
In case you are doing a Uganda safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is easier to connect to Buhoma than to any other area in Bwindi since it’s a shorter distance. To tourists taking scheduled flights from Entebbe to Bwindi forest, Buhoma is near Kihihi airstrip, where most visitors going for gorilla tracking are picked upon landing and transferred to various lodges in Buhoma area.
We organise gorilla safaris to Buhoma as well as other gorilla regions of Bwindi Forest. Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma is ideal for all categories of travelers since the area has budget, midrange and luxury lodges.
With Buhoma being in the north of Bwindi Impenetrable National park, it is not easy to visit the region from Kigali since its far. Most gorilla trekking trips in Uganda from Kigali in Rwanda are conducted at Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo gorilla trekking sectors. These regions are nearer to Rwanda than Buhoma. But in case other regions dont have gorilla permit for your preferred dates, you can trek gorillas in Buhoma but this means you will need an extra day so that you do not get tired.
To enjoy Buhoma gorilla trekking just like in any other region, you must book a gorilla permit earlier. Buhoma gorilla permits tend to be competitive and yet the area does not have many gorilla families like Nkuringo or Rushaga sector. People doing 3 day safaris from Kampala by road tend to prefer Buhoma as it is considered nearer than the other regions. In case of flying, at times a ticket for landing at Kihihi Airstrip and trek gorillas in Buhoma is cheaper than when you land in Kisoro and transfer to the southern gorilla trekking sectors of Bwindi.
How to get to Buhoma Sector of Bwindi
Buhoma sector takes a whole day drive from Entebbe or Kampala city, 6 hours’ drive from Lake Mburo National Park and 2 hours’ drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park. Its nearness to Queen Elizabeth National Park particularly the southern Ishasha sector makes it the most reachable region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the other hand, there are scheduled flights that land in Kihihi airfield from where passengers can connect by vehciles to reach their respective gorilla safari lodges of their stay. There are charter flights as well beginning from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi. Buhoma’s easy access qualifies it as one of the best areas that you should consider visiting on your next gorilla trip to Uganda.
Guests on gorilla trekking expeditions to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can straightforwardly link to Ruhija sector found in the eastern side of the park. It means that tourists can still transfer from other regions and trek any of the gorilla families in Buhoma area. Trekkers take two hours moving from Buhoma to Ruhija sector. Travelers can also track gorillas in Nkuringo sector found in the southern segment of the park where you can walk from Buhoma in the middle of the jungle. Nkuringo safari walk trail takes tourists about 3 hours to accomplish.
Buhoma region is also characterized by some projects that visitors can participate in or support mountain gorilla conservation activities. As a visitor in the area, you can collaborate with conservation through public health (CTPH), Human Gorilla Conflict Organization (HUGO), schools, Bwindi hospital or visit the Batwa communities near the park.
Other Things to do apart from Buhoma Gorilla Trekking
Apart from mountain gorilla trekking, Buhoma is also recognized for its exhilarating nature walks with a trail that has been set up and leads visitors to three water falls. The trail also features butterflies, birds, trees, primate species and many others. Experienced guides take you through such walk after your stunning mountain gorilla journeys or else you may participate in Buhoma village walk.
In conclusion, Buhoma sector is one of the perfect trail-heads that you need to consider visiting while on gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. With the above information, we happily assume that you will have a wonderful time in Buhoma area as you visit mountain gorillas in the wild.