Buhoma Gorilla Sector is one of the most popular and historic trekking regions in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The sector is a renowned gateway to gorilla trekking in Uganda, which began in the early 1990s, when the first habituated mountain gorilla family was opened to tourism, thus marking the beginning of Uganda’s remarkable gorilla conservation journey.
Today, the Buhoma gorilla sector remains a top choice for travellers planning an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking journey in Uganda. The region is rich in well-developed infrastructure, experienced ranger guides and a wide range of accommodation facilities that offer a well-balanced and rewarding gorilla trekking experience.
Why Choose Buhoma for Gorilla Trekking?
Buhoma is often chosen for its combination of history, accessibility, and well-established tourism services. As the first trekking sector opened in Bwindi, it has a long-standing reputation for professional guiding and organised trekking experiences.
The sector offers relatively moderate trekking terrain compared to some of the steeper southern sectors of Bwindi. While gorilla trekking always involves hiking through dense forest and uneven paths, Buhoma is sometimes considered more manageable for travellers who prefer less strenuous routes.
Another advantage of Buhoma is the variety of accommodation options located close to the park headquarters. From mid-range lodges to luxury forest retreats, visitors can find comfort within minutes of the trekking briefing point, reducing early morning travel stress.
Gorilla Families in Buhoma Gorilla Sector
Buhoma is home to several habituated mountain gorilla families that visitors can track. Each family has a dominant silverback, adult females, juveniles, and playful infants. Below are the main gorilla families found in this sector.
Mubare Gorilla Family
The Mubare family was the first gorilla group habituated for tourism in Uganda in 1993. It is usually a smaller group, making the experience feel intimate and personal. Mubare is known for its calm nature, and trekking this family offers visitors a special connection to the history of gorilla tourism in Bwindi.
Habinyanja Gorilla Family
Habinyanja is one of the larger and more dynamic families in Buhoma. The group has experienced leadership changes over the years, which is a natural part of gorilla life in the wild. When tracking Habinyanja, visitors often see active juveniles and multiple adult members, making the one hour encounter lively and engaging.
Rushegura Gorilla Family
Rushegura split from the Habinyanja group and has grown into a stable and peaceful family. It is often described as calm and relaxed, which many visitors appreciate. The family usually stays within a reasonable trekking distance, although this can vary depending on daily movements.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience in Buhoma
Gorilla trekking in Buhoma begins with a morning briefing at the park headquarters. Visitors are assigned to a gorilla family in small groups of up to eight people, accompanied by experienced ranger guides.
The trek can last from one to several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you are allowed to spend one unforgettable hour observing them. Watching a silverback lead his family or seeing young gorillas play in the forest creates a powerful and emotional experience.
How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Buhoma?
The costs of gorilla trekking permits are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which is responsible for gorilla conservation and trekking programs.
A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for Foreign Residents, USD 500 for Foreign Residents of Africa and UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens.
The gorilla trekking permit prices are high due to the growing demand for gorilla trekking, as well as the need for sustainable conservation efforts and therefore, visitors are advised to book their gorilla trekking permits in Advance to secure availability of gorilla permits.
When is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma?
Buhoma Gorilla Sector can be visited at any time of the year, depending on your interests. However, the best time to visit Buhoma Gorilla Sector is typically during the dry season, which runs from December to February and from June to September.
During the dry season, the weather is predictable, and gorilla trekking includes dry walking trails and short vegetation that makes seeing the gorillas easier. Gorilla trekking can also be done during the wet season, which runs from March to May and September to November, which is characterised by heavy rains, which become a big challenge to gorilla trekking.
Plan Your Gorilla Trekking safari with us Today
Buhoma continues to be one of the most rewarding sectors for gorilla trekking in Uganda. With its history, accessibility, and variety of gorilla families, it offers a well-balanced experience for all travellers.
When you book with us, we secure your permit, recommend the right lodge, and organise every detail of your safari. Let us plan your unforgettable Buhoma gorilla trekking adventure and experience the magic of meeting mountain gorillas in the wild.