The Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Buhoma sector is one of the 4 sectors that makes the mighty Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Other regions include; Rushaga sector in the south, Nkuringo sector in the south, and Ruhija sector in the east. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park was first introduced in the Buhoma sector in 1992 and was open for trekking in 1993 after the park was declared a UNESCO heritage. Buhoma located in the north of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is the most visited sector and the oldest in the area.

How many gorilla families are in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park?

Buhoma sector in the north of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is home to 5 gorilla families and these are Mubare gorilla family, Katwe gorilla family, Muyambi gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla family, and Rushengura gorilla family. This implies that there are 30 gorilla trekking permits available in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park every day.

What is the cost of Buhoma gorilla permits?

Trekking mountain gorillas in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park requires one to have a valid gorilla permit which can be bought from Uganda Wildlife Authority or through any trusted tour operator. Just like any other sector, Buhoma gorilla trekking permits cost $700 for foreign residents, $600 for foreign residents, and UGX250,000 for East African citizens. You are advised to book your trekking permit for this sector in advance most especially in the dry season to avoid inconvenience since a lot of tourists come into the country in that season.

How best can I Book a gorilla permit in advance?

There are 5 habituated gorilla families in the Buhoma sector meaning that there are 40 gorilla trekking permits per day in this sector because each habituated gorilla family can be visited by only 8 people. You are advised to book your Buhoma gorilla permit in advance of 3-4 months to rest assured of trekking mountain gorillas in the region. Gorilla permits can be booked in advance from Uganda Wildlife Authority or from a trusted tour operator that is licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board or a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators. A gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park costs $700 foreign nonresidents, $600 foreign residents, and shs250,000 East African Citizens. The gorilla trekking permit allows spending 1 hour around mountain gorillas as you learn about their behaviors and take photos.

Accommodation in Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park

When you book a gorilla permit for the Buhoma  Bwindi impenetrable forest national park it’s obvious you have to book accommodation facilities in the same region. There are several accommodation facilities in this sector ranging from luxury to mid-range to budget options but you need to book in advance so as to stay in the accommodation of your choice.

Accommodation facilities in the Buhoma sector include Bwindi lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Tracker’s Safari Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp, Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Guest House, Bwindi View Bandas, Ride 4 a woman, Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort, and Ruhondeza lodge among others.

Getting to Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park

Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park can be accessed by both air transport and road transport. by road transport one can use Kampala/Entebbe via Masaka – Mbarara – Kabale – Kisoro to Buhoma sector taking you 9- 10 hours or from Kigali city through Katuna border in Kabale or Cyanika border in Kisoro taking you about 4 hours. Buhoma can also be accessed using air transport from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.

What to pack for gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.

Some of the things to pack for the best gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi include waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, long-armed sweaters, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, and extra batteries, a pair of binoculars, gardening gloves, rain jackets, insect repellents, a sunscreen, drinking water, and energy-giving snacks.

What is the best season to see gorillas in the Buhoma Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking in the Buhoma sector can be done at any time of the year but the best time to visit this region is the dry season of June to September and December to February. During these months there is less or no rainfall in the park and being a tropical forest, it can rain at any time of the year. During the dry season, the vegetation in the park is very thin for clear views of animals and photography, the trails in the park are less muddy and slippery and the roads leading to the park are passable.