Gorilla trekking tour in Buhoma sector; Gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector is one of the top tourist activities that attract large numbers of tourists to visit Uganda. Buhoma sector is one of four gorilla trekking sectors located in the northern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is also done in Rushaga sector in the southern part, Ruhija sector in the eastern part, Nkuringo sector in the southern part and Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Buhoma sector is the oldest and first gorilla sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park to be opened for gorilla trekking in 1993 and it’s a home of four habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking on a daily basis including Mubare family, Habinyanja family, Rushegura family and Katwe family. Gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing, you will be sub-divided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and an experienced park guide.
Trekking of mountain gorillas in Buhoma sector takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view other primate species, different bird species, plant and tree species among others. Once the mountain gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos and record the moments to show people back home after the safari.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Buhoma sector
Gorilla trekking permits are legal documents that are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit habituated gorilla families in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Gorilla trekking permits in Buhoma sector cost 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to book gorilla trekking permits in Buhoma sector
Gorilla trekking permits in Buhoma sector can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) where you will contact the head offices in Kampala via email or telephone calls. Gorilla trekking permits in Buhoma sector can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris whereby you will contact us with the date, months and year when you wish to visit the mountain gorillas. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability and if there are permits available on your desired dates, you will be asked to make a deposit. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permit on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of your receipt as confirmation.
Gorilla trekking permits in Buhoma sector should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because they are competitive and usually get sold out quickly especially during the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February therefore in order to avoid last minute disappointments, you are advised to book in advance.
Best time to go for your gorilla trekking tour in Buhoma sector
Gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February. During the dry season there is less rainfall in the national park therefore access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery.
How to get to Buhoma sector
Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park and it can be accessed by road transport means whereby you will drive from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and then to Buhoma sector which takes about 8 to 9 hours’ drive.
You can as well access Buhoma sector from Kigali Rwanda where you will fly to Kigali international airport and then connect to Buhoma sector via Katuna border or Cyanika border which takes about 4 to 5 hours’ drive and from Queen Elizabeth national park through Ishasha sector which takes about 3 to 4 hours’ drive.
Buhoma sector can also be accessed by air transport means whereby you will book scheduled or charter flights from Entebbe international airport to Kihihi airstrip and then connect to Buhoma sector by road.
Where to stay during your gorilla trekking tour in Buhoma sector
Buhoma sector has a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, midrange and luxury where you can stay during your gorilla trekking tour including Mahogany springs lodge, Buhoma lodge, Silverback lodge, Engagi lodge, Buhoma Haven lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Volcanoes Bwindi lodge, Buhoma Community Rest camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Ride 4 a woman, Lake Kitandara camp, The Gorilla Resort among others.
Other activities in Buhoma sector
There are other interesting activities in Buhoma sector that you can engage in after gorilla trekking including community tour where you will be able to interact with the local people, bird watching, nature walk where you will be able to enjoy great views of the waterfall, butterflies, Buhoma village walk among others.
