Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi from Buhoma Region

Buhoma area, the northern gorilla trekking region is one of the best trailheads to start a trek to see the endangered mountain gorillas while you are on gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is among the most visited sectors of the 4 gorilla trekking areas within Bwindi, Southwestern Uganda.

Bwindi features among the 4 parks with mountain gorillas and of the 1063 world’s remaining population of these rare apes, about half of them do exist within this protected area. This park has been in existence since 1991 when it was founded purposely to protect mountain gorillas within its vast area of 331sq.kms.

What is Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma?

Gorilla trekking in Buhoma like it is in other regions or other parks largely takes visitors on a thrilling on-foot walk adventure to see mountain gorillas. All treks in Buhoma trailhead begin with an early morning briefing on gorilla rules and regulations. The length of the trek in Buhoma like other regions varies depending on the visitor speed of hike, nature of the habitat and location of gorillas.

Briefing on rules for gorilla trekking in Buhoma always begin at 7:00am and during this time, the park official assigns a gorilla group to tourists. It is essential to understand and observe the stipulated gorilla trekking measures to ensure safety of these endangered creatures.

A glimpse at mountain gorillas in the wild is thrilling but being human closest relatives sharing about 98% of their DNA, it makes them very susceptible to human disease hence need to protect them. Purchasing a gorilla permit to trek gorillas in Buhoma is a significant factor since it is the major source from which park management gets support in running daily activities of gorilla conservation and protection.

How many gorilla groups can be trekked in Buhoma region?

Buhoma region is Bwindi’s first area to have its gorilla family habituated and gorilla trekking was originally launched here. To many, it is a back born of mountain gorilla tourism in Bwindi and Uganda at large. Currently, the region prides itself of 5 habituated gorilla groups.

These include Habinyanja group, Mubare group (the first family to open for gorilla safaris), Rushegura, Katwe and Muyambi group. Each of the habituated gorilla groups is trekked by only 8 visitor and the whole experience involves getting an in-depth exploration about gorillas’ daily behaviors. Out of the 5 groups, 4 can be trekked by tourists and they translate into 32 gorilla permits.

How much are gorilla trekking permits for Buhoma sector?

Generally, the cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda differs as per the visitor category. But each gorilla permit is obtainable at US Dollars 700 for foreign non-residents, US Dollars 600 foreign residents and shs. 250,000 paid by the East African citizens. It is easier to book a gorilla permit and gorilla safari to Buhoma with Maranatha Tours and Travel.

When to visit Buhoma for gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi generally is done all year-round! But exceptional treks can be realized during the dry months of the year and these come in 2 phases: You can choose to travel from June to September or from December to February. During the rainy months of the year, there is also possibility to trek gorillas in Buhoma. That is from March to May and October to November.

Whether it is during the dry or rainy months that you plan to go gorilla trekking in Buhoma, you should consider packing appropriately. This means, you shouldn’t miss to carry waterproof hiking boots, camera with no flashlight, insect repellents, first aid kit, long sleeved shirts, daypack, sweater, gorilla permits.

Places to stay in Buhoma region

Some of the comfortable places to consider for overnight stay in Buhoma include Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Bwindi Volcano Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Buhoma Havens, Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge.

Accessing Buhoma region of Bwindi for gorilla trekking

By road: Buhoma region is easier to reach by road starting from Kampala or Entebbe through Masaka to Mbarara connect to Ntungamo to Rukungiri then get to Kihihi. This route takes between 8 and 9 hours’ drive. From Queen Elizabeth National Park, Buhoma is 4 hours’ drive via Ishasha region. From Kigali via Katuna or Chanika border, Buhoma area is accessible within about 4 hours’ drive.

By air, flights can be taken direct from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kayonza airstrip.