Buhoma Gorilla Trekking Tours from Entebbe
Buhoma Gorilla Trekking Tours from Entebbe
A Quick guide to planning Buhoma gorilla trekking from Entebbe, Uganda. Explore the ultimate guide to gorilla trekking tours in Buhoma starting from Entebbe, including why you should choose Buhoma, how to get there, best time, where to stay, gorilla permits, gorilla families/groups, and other activities to do.
Buhoma sector or region (trailhead) offers an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. Embarking on Buhoma gorilla trekking from Entebbe offers you a chance to witness the rare and majestic mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas are unique to only the rainforest in Africa and are restricted to only 4 Parks globally. Booking gorilla safaris to Buhoma provides a lifetime opportunity for you to be part of the sensational encounter with the Great Apes.
Gorilla trekking in Buhoma is a popular adventure that attracts several wildlife or primate enthusiasts on Uganda safaris.
The unique bit about Buhoma gorilla tracking is that it involves trekking via the scenic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the focus is to interact with the endangered mountain gorillas.
Finding these majestic creatures in their natural environment is a great opportunity for you witness them at a close range, connect with nature, explore more about conservation efforts, and take photos.
Buhoma Region (Trailhead) & its location
Buhoma is located in the Northern Bwindi National Park, Southwestern Uganda, and is among the best regions or sectors that guarantee captivating mountain gorilla encounters.
To reach the Buhoma sector or region to trek mountain gorillas, expect to embark on a scenic drive of 8-9 hours in a comfortable 4×4 car or take a quick flight of about 2 hours from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip near the Northern part of Bwindi.
Buhoma trailhead/region/sector is lying in Kanungu District at an altitude of 1160 to 2607m. Buhoma is part of the lower end of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Why Choose Buhoma for Gorilla Trekking Tours
Discover amazing reasons why you should choose Buhoma for gorilla trekking tours over other sectors or regions/trailheads. The reasons include its pioneering status, amazing habituated gorilla families/groups, availability of gorilla lodges and camps, plus easier access from Entebbe and other regions.
Main reasons why you should choose Buhoma
Historic and established status. Buhoma is the original hub for Bwindi gorilla trekking adventures. The region offers decades of conservation success and fully established systems. The first gorilla group to officially open to the public originates from the Buhoma trailhead in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Accessibility. Buhoma is more easily reached from Entebbe by road or air. Due to its easier accessibility, it is possible to book short gorilla tours from 2-3 days (perfect if you are already in Uganda) or5 days.
Terrain nature. Buhoma isn’t steep like most trailheads, thus allowing you to search for gorillas without encountering terrain challenges. Buhoma is the best gorilla trailhead for beginners or elderly persons with a desire to engage in the trek with gorillas.
Habituated gorilla groups. A good number of families/groups reside in Buhoma and each has a rare story to tell. They include the Rushegura gorilla group, Mubare, Habinyanja, and more.
Well-established infrastructure. Buhoma has budget, midrange, and luxury lodges plus eco-friendly camps to ensure you have a comfortable overnight stay.
Experience more than gorillas. Buhoma region promises you abundant encounters and experiences, including birding, cultural visits, and access to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Buhoma & Gorilla Families to Explore
Buhoma gorilla groups to visit comprise up to 6. They include the Binyindo gorilla group, Muyambi, Katwe, Mubare gorilla group, Rushegura, and Habinyanja. Gorilla tourism in Buhoma has existed since 1993, when the Mubare gorilla family was opened to tourists to visit.
Gorilla trekking experience in Buhoma –What is it like?
Gorilla trekking sessions in Buhoma start with a briefing and allocation of gorilla groups. All guests in need to visit Buhoma mountain gorillas begin with assembling at the trailhead to clear with the authorities. Each eligible visitor should be above 15 and holds a valid Buhoma gorilla permit –to be booked in advance.
The actual day trek begins at around 8:00 am, and you expect to enjoy a journey of about 2 to 6 hours while you penetrate the jungle to interact with majestic mountain gorillas. On locating a group of these large apes, you are assured of an hour for observing and taking their pictures.
After you have taken pictures, expect to return to relax and also to be awarded a certificate. The cost of gorilla permits generally varies depending on the visitor type/category, with foreign non-residents charged US Dollars 800.
USD 500 for the rest of the African residents, USD 700 if you travel as a foreign resident, and citizens in Uganda, plus the East African community, book Buhoma permits at UGX 300,000.
The cost of a Buhoma gorilla permit can change significantly depending on the review from Uganda Wildlife Authority –UWA. The price of gorilla permits only includes entry fees, park ranger guide services, tracker services, and a certificate.
Other Tour Activities in & around Buhoma- Bwindi
At Buhoma, expect to enjoy diverse experiences. They include birding, nature walks, and cultural or community visits.
Nature walks/Hiking
Hiking tours in Buhoma allow you to explore trails including Muzubijiro Loop, Waterfall, Rushura, and Manyanga River trails. These trails can be reached on foot, and an experienced ranger guide takes the lead.
Bird-watching
Birding in Buhoma comes with astonishing sights of birds. Over 350 species of birds reside in Bwindi, and a range of them can be encountered while in the Buhoma region.
They include purple-breasted sunbirds, Shelley’s crimson wing, African green broadbill, Ross’s turacos, Waller’s starling, African dusky flycatchers, and barred long-tailed cuckoos.
Cycling experience
Embark on guided cycling or biking in Buhoma and explore the surrounding regions. Get the bike from Ride 4 a Woman and begin your journey. Participating in the cycling excursions here lets you contribute towards the local project/initiative run by Ride 4 a Woman.
Experience unique cultures at the Bakiga/Batwa community.
Enjoy the unique culture and traditions that make Uganda a culturally rich destination. Visit the Batwa pygmies or the Bakiga community for an interactive cultural experience. This can be after you have enjoyed your Buhoma mountain gorilla treks.
Essentials to Pack for Buhoma Gorilla Trekking from Entebbe
Have a valid gorilla permit, gardening gloves, a camera with additional batteries, insect repellent, a first aid kit, a sweater, a rain jacket, and a waterproof daypack.
You can also have long-sleeved shirts, or pants, snacks, thick socks, sturdy hiking or trekking boots, a water bottle, sunscreen, and a pair of binoculars. A walking stick is essential, but you don’t need to carry one since you can get one from the lodge or park offices upon request.
The best time to go on Buhoma gorilla trekking
The dry season is the best time on the Ugandan calendar to consider gorilla trekking in the Buhoma region. Book your Buhoma gorilla tour anytime from June to September or December to February.
Where to Stay –Buhoma sector
The main lodges and camps to stay in and around Buhoma include budget, midrange, and luxury. The lodging options include Mahogany Springs Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Community Guesthouse, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Engagi Lodge, high-end Bwindi Lodge, & Ride 4 a Woman.
How to plan and book a Buhoma gorilla trekking tour from Entebbe
Contact Flawless Adventure Planners Limited, an expert designer of affordable and gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Book with us a short or long gorilla tour to explore not only the Buhoma sector but also other trailheads/sectors like Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.