Planning a Budget Gorilla Safari to Buhoma During Low Season

Planning a Budget Gorilla Safari to Buhoma During Low Season

If you’re looking to embark on a budget gorilla safari to Buhoma during the low season, Trek Africa Expeditions has you covered. The low season, which falls in April, May, and November each year, is an excellent time for a quieter and more private safari experience. During this period, Uganda receives fewer tourists, resulting in less crowded attractions and more available tourism services.

Trek Africa Expeditions will ensure you find the best budget lodges to stay in Buhoma during your gorilla safari, ensuring that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at an affordable cost.

About Buhoma Sector

Buhoma sector is situated in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and was the first sector to be habituated in 1993, shortly after the park was declared a UNESCO Heritage site. Buhoma is renowned for being the most famous and most visited part of the park, housing the oldest Gorilla family known as Mubare, as well as three other families, namely Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe Gorilla families.

During the low season, Buhoma sector continues to attract many tourists who wish to undertake gorilla trekking. The sector is home to the only two lodges located within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp and Bwindi Lodge. These lodges offer a stunning experience during your gorilla trek in Bwindi. Additionally, Buhoma is where gorilla trekking first began, providing travelers with confidence that they will encounter gorillas here compared to other sectors. It is also home to many gorilla families, second only to the Rushaga sector, making it easier to obtain gorilla permits. The sector also offers several luxury accommodations, making it a great choice for luxury travelers.

Important Things to Consider When Planning a Budget Gorilla Safari to Buhoma During Low Season

1. Booking Your Gorilla Permits in Advance

For a seamless gorilla safari to Buhoma during low season, it is crucial to book your gorilla permits at least 3 to 4 months before your intended safari date. During the high season, permits can sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. Gorilla permits are essential for trekking mountain gorillas in Buhoma and cost USD800 for Foreign non-residents, USD700 for Foreign residents, and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens. Securing your gorilla permit in advance allows you to spend one hour encountering the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.

2. Staying in Luxury Lodges in Buhoma Sector

To enhance your comfort and overall experience during a luxury gorilla safari to Buhoma, consider staying in luxury accommodations. Buhoma offers various options, including Bwindi Lodge and Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp, both located within Bwindi Forest. Other luxury lodges in Buhoma include Mahogany Springs and Silverback Lodge, among others.

3. Luxury and Comfortable Travel to Buhoma

For maximum comfort on your journey to Buhoma, opt for 4×4 Land Cruisers, which provide a smooth ride on the roads. Alternatively, you can fly to Kihihi Airstrip, which is close to Buhoma, cutting down the drive from Entebbe/Kampala, which typically takes 8-9 hours, to just 1 hour from Kihihi to your lodge in Buhoma.

What to Wear During Gorilla Trekking

Proper attire is essential for a successful and comfortable gorilla trekking experience. Here is a list of what to wear:

• A long-sleeved sweater to keep warm in the park’s colder areas.
• Two pairs of long trousers for protection against vegetation and insects.
• Waterproof hiking boots for comfortable trekking through various terrains.
• A hat and sunglasses (optional) depending on the weather conditions.
• Cameras with long-lasting batteries to capture the memorable moments.
• Binoculars for birdwatching and spotting other primates.
• Gardening gloves to help with holding onto trees and branches during the trek.
• A raincoat, as the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a rainforest with unpredictable rainfall.
• Mosquito repellent to protect against insects in the forest.
• Sunscreen (optional) to avoid sunburn during hot seasons.
• Avoid wearing bright colors, black, or blue, as they may disturb the gorillas or attract Tsetse flies. Neutral colors are recommended.

How to Get to Buhoma Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

There are two main ways to get to Buhoma sector for gorilla trekking:

1. By Air: You can opt for a faster and less tiring journey by taking a domestic flight with Aero Link to Kihihi Airstrip, which is close to Buhoma. While there are no direct flights to Buhoma, you can be dropped off at Kihihi and then picked up by a professional guide from Trek Africa Expeditions to be transferred to your lodge, which takes approximately 1 hour.
2. By Road: Buhoma can be accessed through the main highway road from Entebbe/Kampala, which typically takes 8-9 hours. The drive passes through Kabale town before reaching Buhoma. Alternatively, you can access Buhoma from Kigali, Rwanda, which takes about 4-5 hours by road.

Why Book Your Budget Gorilla Safari to Buhoma During Low Season with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Founded in 2019, Trek Africa Expeditions takes pride in providing custom-tailored safaris. With a diligent and trustworthy team, they are quick to respond to your queries, with professional tour consultants crafting a personalized travel plan and addressing all your concerns. Booking your services in advance will ensure a seamless experience during your gorilla safari.

With knowledgeable safari guides fluent in different languages, Trek Africa Expeditions offers various budget gorilla safari tours to Buhoma, including the 2-day Budget Gorilla Safari, the 3-day Budget Gorilla Safari, and the 3-day Budget Gorilla Fly-In Safari, among others. You can choose the one that suits your preferences and needs.

For an unforgettable and well-organized budget gorilla safari to Buhoma during low season, Trek Africa Expeditions is the ideal partner. Feel free to contact them to create lasting memories on your gorilla adventure.