Buhoma sector is a renowned destination located in the northern region of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It was the first sector to be habituated in 1993 and is home to the oldest gorilla family, Mubare, along with three other families – Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe. Gorilla trekking is the main attraction in Buhoma, but there are several other exciting activities you can do in the sector after completing your trek.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a birding paradise, with over 350 bird species to spot. Birding can be done along the main trail, the Buhoma Waterfall Trail, and in the bamboo zone. Carrying a birding book is recommended, especially if you have limited safari time, as you may identify some of the birds that visit your lodge’s gardens. Birding in Bwindi is a great way to appreciate the park’s diverse avian life and add to your birding checklist.
Explore the traditional forest life of the Batwa in Bwindi Forest, which was historically their home, on a cultural experience tour. Your guide will be one of the Batwa people, who will offer insight into their ancient customs and practices. You can enjoy traditional Batwa dances and watch demonstrations of Stone Age techniques such as making fire in the traditional way. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn about the Batwa people’s cultural heritage.
At Gorilla Conservation Camp, managed by Conservation Through Public Health, visitors can take part in gorilla health and research activities. This program trains Bwindi forest park staff and community volunteers as Human-Gorilla conflict resolution teams in gorilla health monitoring. By participating in this program, visitors can contribute to the conservation efforts of mountain gorillas and their habitat in Bwindi.
Additionally, visitors have the unique opportunity to dine with gorilla doctors, learning about their important work in saving the only remaining mountain gorillas in the wild. This experience provides insight into the challenges and successes of gorilla conservation, making for a truly unforgettable and educational experience.
Experience the thrill of a nature walk in the Bwindi forest, an activity that offers an opportunity to explore the forest’s diverse tree species and wildlife beyond gorilla trekking. The Nkuringo trail, in particular, is a must-visit, offering stunning views of the River Ivi-Nkuringo and a majestic 33-meter waterfall. Join us on this adventure and immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest as you learn about its rich biodiversity.
Immerse yourself in the local culture with a community visit to the Bakiga and Batwa pygmy people living near Bwindi forest. Learn about their daily lives and customs while supporting local communities. Additionally, enjoy other activities such as yoga at the lodge, mountain biking, volunteering at local schools and projects, and butterfly watching at night.
Contact us to book any of these activities and enhance your experience after your gorilla trek in Buhoma. We’re dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable adventure while also supporting the local community.
Experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife by combining your gorilla trek with a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park‘s Ishasha and Mweya sections. The Buhoma sector, where you will embark on your gorilla trekking adventure, is located in close proximity to these two sections of the park, allowing for easy access to thrilling wildlife viewing and game safari activities. Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of the park, from the open savannah plains of Ishasha to the lush wetlands and forests of Mweya, and encounter iconic African wildlife such as elephants, lions, hippos, and a variety of bird species. Get in touch with us to book your safari and make unforgettable memories in Uganda’s wilderness.
When planning your gorilla trekking trip in Buhoma, it is important to consider the best time to visit. While Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is open for trekking all year round, it is a tropical rainforest that can receive rain at any time. For the best experience, we recommend visiting during June to August or December to February, when rainfall is at its lowest and the forest is less slippery. However, if you plan to visit during the rainy seasons of March to May or November, some lodges may offer discounts on accommodation. No matter when you visit, Buhoma promises an unforgettable experience of trekking with gorillas in their natural habitat.
For a faster and less tiresome option, you can get to Buhoma by air. Aero link, a domestic airline, offers both scheduled and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip from where you can connect to Buhoma. Although there is no direct flight to Buhoma, you will be dropped off at Kihihi and picked up by our professional guide who will take you to your lodge. The drive time from Kihihi to the nearest lodge is approximately one hour. Passengers are required to check-in 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time of their flight. Aero link allows baggage of up to 15 kilograms per person, and any excess is charged at 3 USD per kilogram. Private charters are also available for clients with different timing requirements and routings. If you’re traveling with kids, infants below two years old travel free, while children above 12 years are carried at 70% of the adult’s fare.
Alternatively, Buhoma can be accessed by road. The main highway road from Entebbe/Kampala takes approximately 8-9 hours’ drive, passing through Kabale town and proceeding to Buhoma. The park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda, which takes approximately 4-5 hours’ drive.
During your gorilla trek in Buhoma, there are various accommodation options to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. For those looking for a luxurious experience, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Silverback Lodge, and Egangi Lodge are some of the top choices. On the other hand, budget-friendly options in Buhoma include Buhoma Community Havens Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, and Buhoma Camp.
No matter which option you choose, all lodges offer a full board meal basis when booked with Trek Africa Expeditions. So, you can rest assured that you will be well-fed and ready for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted safari company founded in 2019, that specializes in creating customized tailor-made safaris. Our dedicated team of professional tour consultants will respond to your inquiries within 20 minutes, create a personalized travel plan, answer all your questions, and book all your services in advance to avoid any inconvenience during your safari.
One of the major advantages of booking with us is the knowledge and expertise of our safari guides who speak different languages to cater to your needs. With our experienced and knowledgeable guides, you will get the most out of your gorilla trekking experience in Buhoma.
We also guarantee a seamless experience during your stay in Buhoma, providing full board meal plans in our partnered luxury and budget lodges. Contact us today to book your unforgettable gorilla trek in Buhoma with Trek Africa Expeditions.