Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Exploring Buhoma: The Gateway to Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi

Buhoma, situated in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, holds the distinction of being the first region where gorilla trekking was introduced in 1993, shortly after the park’s UNESCO Heritage designation. Widely recognized as the most renowned and frequently visited section of the park, Buhoma is home to the oldest gorilla family, Mubare, along with other prominent families like Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe. If you’re interested in trekking the mountain gorillas of Buhoma in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Trek Africa Expeditions can make your dream a reality.

Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Buhoma: A Captivating Experience

Embarking on a mountain gorilla trek in the Buhoma region offers an incredible opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, you’ll need a gorilla permit to venture into the impenetrable forests of Buhoma. Gorilla permits are priced at USD 700 for foreign non-residents, USD 600 for foreign residents, and 250,000 Ugandan Shillings for East Africa citizens, allowing you a precious hour to share an intimate encounter with the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas of Buhoma.

Key Considerations for Planning Your Buhoma Gorilla Trek

Booking and Securing Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

With Buhoma offering 32 gorilla permits for sale each day, it’s crucial to secure your permit well in advance to guarantee your spot for trekking in this region. To reserve your permits, you can make an upfront payment of 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total permit cost. Gorilla permits for Buhoma are in high demand, particularly during peak seasons, so we recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months prior to your desired trekking date. Contact us for detailed information on reserving gorilla permits for tracking the Buhoma gorillas.

Booking Your Accommodation in Buhoma

When planning your mountain gorilla trek in Buhoma, it’s essential to arrange your accommodation in advance to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay during your safari. Buhoma offers a diverse range of lodging options, including luxury accommodations like Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Silverback Lodge, and Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp. For those on a budget, there are also budget lodges and camps such as Buhoma Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, and Bwindi Forest Lodge. All these accommodations provide full board and three meal plans.

Ensuring Comfortable Travel to Buhoma

For a comfortable journey to the Buhoma region, it’s advisable to opt for a 4×4 Land Cruiser. Additionally, you have the option of flying to the nearby Kihihi airstrip and then proceeding to Buhoma by road, significantly reducing travel time. Instead of the typical 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe/Kampala, you can enjoy a mere 1-hour drive from Kihihi to your lodge in Buhoma.

What to Wear During Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma

When preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure in Buhoma, it’s important to dress appropriately. Consider the following items:

• Long-sleeved sweater or shirt to keep warm in the chilly park
• Two pairs of long trousers for protection against nettles and branches
• Waterproof hiking boots for traversing the muddy terrain
• Hat and sunglasses (optional) forsun protection
• Cameras with long-lasting batteries for capturing memorable moments (remember to turn off the flash)
• Binoculars to spot other wildlife and birds in the dense forest
• Gardening gloves for a better grip while trekking through vegetation
• Raincoat, as Bwindi Forest is a tropical rainforest with unpredictable rainfall
• Mosquito repellent to protect against insects
• Sunscreen to prevent sunburn (depending on the season)
• Avoid wearing bright colors, as they may startle the gorillas
• Neutral-colored clothing is recommended to avoid attracting tsetse flies

Getting to Buhoma for Your Gorilla Trek

By Air: Flying to Buhoma is a convenient and time-saving option. Aero Link, a national airline, offers regular and charter flights to Kihihi Airport. From there, a professional guide will transfer you by road to your lodge in Buhoma, approximately a 1-hour drive. It’s important to check in 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and luggage is limited to 15 kg per person.

By Road: Buhoma can be reached via the main Entebbe/Kampala highway, with an approximate travel time of 8-9 hours. You will pass through Kihihi town before reaching Buhoma. Alternatively, you can also access Buhoma from Kigali in Rwanda, which takes around 4-5 hours.

Best Time to Trek Mountain Gorillas in Buhoma

Buhoma, nestled within the impenetrable Bwindi Forest, welcomes gorilla trekkers year-round. However, it’s essential to consider the weather conditions. The optimal months for gorilla trekking are June to August and December to February when rainfall is minimal, and the forest trails are less slippery. Traveling in March to May and November, during the rainy seasons, offers the advantage of potential hotel discounts. Plan and book your gorilla trek with Trek Africa Expeditions for a memorable experience.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions

With over 10 years of experience, Trek Africa Expeditions is dedicated to providing customized safaris. Our committed and reliable team of travel consultants responds to inquiries within 20 minutes, helping create personalized travel itineraries and securing all necessary services in advance. We offer knowledgeable safari guides in various languages, catering to your preferences. Whether you opt for a 2-day, 3-day, or 4-day gorilla safari, we ensure your trip is tailored to your desires. Contact us today for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.