Planning a Luxury Gorilla Safari to Buhoma During Peak Season

Experience Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma During High Season with Trek Africa Expeditions

If you’re planning to do gorilla trekking in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park during the high season (June to September), securing gorilla permits can be challenging due to the high demand. However, Trek Africa Expeditions has mastered the art of securing permits for our clients, even during peak season.

During this time, many travelers are interested in booking gorilla trekking in Bwindi, leading to high demand for permits and services. This often results in permits selling out quickly, making it hard for travelers to have their desired treks in Buhoma and forcing them to consider other sectors in the park. Don’t let this deter you from having the experience of a lifetime. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions and we will ensure that you have the opportunity to trek gorillas in the Buhoma sector during high season.

Discovering Buhoma Sector: The Heart of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Buhoma Sector, situated in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is renowned for being the first sector to be habituated in 1993, right after the park was designated a UNESCO Heritage Site. Among all the sectors in Bwindi, Buhoma is the most famous and visited one, home to the oldest gorilla family, Mubare, and three other families, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe.

Many travelers choose Buhoma sector for their gorilla trekking experience as it houses the only two lodges located inside the Bwindi forest, Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp and Bwindi Lodge, which provide a fantastic experience during the trek. Being the place where gorilla trekking first began, Buhoma gives travelers the confidence that they will encounter gorillas, and it is easy to get a gorilla permit due to the many gorilla families present, second only to Rushaga sector.

Buhoma sector also boasts several luxury accommodations, making it an ideal destination for luxury travelers. These are among the reasons why gorilla permits and services sell out well in advance in Buhoma sector.

Buhoma Sector Gorilla Families

Buhoma Sector is home to several gorilla families, including the popular Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura groups. These families can be visited during gorilla trekking expeditions, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Each family has a unique dynamic and behavior, making every trek a unique and unforgettable experience.

Mubare Gorilla Family in Buhoma Sector

The Mubare Gorilla Family is the oldest habituated group in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, established in 1993. Its name was inspired by the Mubare Hills where the team of trackers first spotted the group. Initially consisting of 12 members, led by the late Ruhondeza, the group suffered raids and other misfortunes over the years, causing its numbers to dwindle to only 5 members. However, with new leadership from Kanyonyi, another silverback, the group has managed to regrow and currently has 9 members. A visit to Bwindi to see the Mubare Gorilla Family is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers an opportunity to witness the resilience and beauty of these magnificent primates.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family in Buhoma Sector

The Habinyanja Gorilla Family is one of the most fascinating groups to track in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Habituated in 1997 and open for tracking in 1999, the group is located in Buhoma sector. The name “Habinyanja” comes from the Rukiga word “Nyanja,” meaning “water place,” because the group was first seen near a swamp pond in the area. The group was initially headed by Mugurusi, succeeded by the brothers Mwirima and Rwansigazi, who later formed the Rushegura group. Today, the Habinyanja Gorilla Family is led by the Silverback Makara and has 17 members, including 9 adults, 5 infants, and 3 juveniles.

Compared to other groups, the Habinyanja Gorilla Family is one of the easiest to track. It takes only 45 minutes by car to reach the starting point of the trail, located in Nyamishaba village. Once on the trail, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Bwindi while observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Rushegura Gorilla Family in Buhoma Sector

Rushegura gorilla family is a fascinating group that split from the Habinyanja gorilla family and was opened up for tracking in 2002. The split was led by the late Mwirima, a strong silverback who wanted to form his group after years of power struggles with his brother Rwansigazi. The group, which was comprised of 8 members at the time of the split, has since increased to 19 members under the leadership of a black back. The Rushegura group is known to move between Uganda and DR Congo, as they live on the border edge and cross over many times. Fortunately, this group is relatively easy to track, as tourists only need to start their trek from the park headquarters and walk just 15 minutes to reach the trail in Mukono. Join a trek to experience the beauty of Rushegura gorilla family and their way of life in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Katwe Gorilla Group in Buhoma Sector

The Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a new addition to its gorilla families – the Katwe Gorilla Group. After three years of habituation, this group is now ready for visitor tracking. Led by a dominant silverback, four females, and two babies, the exact number of members is unknown as some individuals move in and out of the group. The Katwe Gorilla Group was founded in 2018 with the aim of increasing the number of gorilla permits available per day, thereby boosting the country’s revenue. Tourists can now have the opportunity to track this newest family in Buhoma sector, adding to their already unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Essential Considerations for Planning a Luxury Gorilla Safari to Buhoma During High Season

Securing Your Gorilla Permits in Advance: A Must for Your Buhoma Safari

Plan ahead for your unforgettable gorilla safari experience in Buhoma by booking your gorilla permits in advance. At least 3 to 4 months before your desired safari date is recommended, especially during high season when permits sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. A gorilla permit is required to trek the mountain gorillas in Buhoma, and prices vary depending on residency status, ranging from USD 250 for East African citizens to USD800 for foreign non-residents. This permit provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend an hour in the presence of these magnificent creatures in Bwindi. Contact us to learn more about how to secure your gorilla permit and start planning your luxury gorilla safari in Buhoma today.

Enhancing Your Gorilla Safari Experience with Luxury Accommodations in Buhoma

If you’re planning a luxury gorilla safari holiday to Buhoma during high season, it’s important to consider staying in luxury accommodations for a comfortable and memorable experience. Buhoma offers several luxury lodge options, including the only two lodges located within Bwindi Forest – Bwindi Lodge and Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp – as well as other luxury lodges such as Mahogany Springs and Silverback Lodge. Choosing one of these luxurious options will ensure you have a pleasant stay during your gorilla safari adventure.

Luxury Travel Options to Buhoma: Enjoy Comfortable and Convenient Journey to Your Lodge

Experience the epitome of luxury and comfort during your journey to Buhoma by choosing the right mode of transportation. For a smooth ride, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. This vehicle will ensure that you reach your destination comfortably and in style. Alternatively, you can opt for a quick and convenient option by flying to Kihihi Airstrip, which is located near Buhoma. This will save you from the long 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe/Kampala and provide you with breathtaking aerial views. Contact us to learn more about how you can book your luxury travel to Buhoma and make your trip a memorable one.

What to Wear for a Comfortable and Safe Gorilla Trekking Experience

When it comes to gorilla trekking, choosing the right clothing and gear is crucial for a comfortable and safe experience. Here are some tips on what to wear:

• Long-sleeved sweater: Since the park can get chilly, it’s important to bring a warm layer.
• Two pairs of long trousers: Long pants will protect your legs from scratches and insect bites.
• Waterproof hiking boots: Comfortable, sturdy footwear with good grip is essential for trekking in the forest.
• Hat and sunglasses: These can be helpful depending on the weather and sun exposure.
• Camera and binoculars: Don’t forget to capture the memories and wildlife sightings! Just remember to turn off your flash.
• Gardening gloves: These can come in handy for gripping branches and trees along the trek.
• Raincoat: Be prepared for the unpredictable rain in the rainforest.
• Mosquito repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
• Sunscreen: Avoid getting sunburnt with a high SPF sunscreen.
• Neutral-colored clothing: Bright colors may startle the gorillas and black/blue colors may attract Tsetse flies, so it’s best to wear neutral tones.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience while respecting the gorillas and their habitat. Contact us for more information on how to prepare for your gorilla safari.

When is the Best Time to Plan a Luxury Gorilla Safari to Buhoma?

Buhoma, situated in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, is open for gorilla trekking throughout the year. However, since the forest is a tropical rainforest, it is important to consider the weather conditions when planning your trip. The best months to track gorillas are between June and August, as well as December to February when the rainfall is low and the forest is less slippery. During these months, you can expect to have a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience.

If you happen to travel during the rainy season, which occurs from March to May and November, there are chances of higher rainfall. However, some lodges offer discounts on their accommodations during this time, making it a good opportunity to save on your safari expenses. Regardless of when you plan your luxury gorilla safari to Buhoma, you can be sure to have a memorable experience in this magnificent forest.

Getting to Buhoma Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Buhoma Sector, located in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, can be reached by air or road. For a faster and less tiring option, Aero Link, a domestic airline, offers scheduled and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip, from where you can connect to Buhoma. Although there are no direct flights to Buhoma, you will be picked up by a professional guide and dropped off at your lodge after a one-hour drive from Kihihi. Passengers are required to check in 90 minutes before their flight and must adhere to a 15-kilogram baggage limit per person. Private charters are also available for clients who have different timing requirements or prefer different routings. Children under two years travel free, while those above 12 years are carried at 70% of the adult fare.

Alternatively, Buhoma can be accessed by the main highway road from Entebbe/Kampala, which takes approximately 8-9 hours to drive through Kabale town to Buhoma. The park can also be reached from Kigali, Rwanda, which is a 4-5 hour drive away. Regardless of your preferred mode of transport, we guarantee a seamless and memorable journey to Buhoma for your gorilla trekking adventure.