Gorilla trekking in Buhoma Uganda sector
Gorilla trekking in Buhoma Uganda sector is that one most thrilling wildlife experience worthy including on your bucket-list adventures while on Uganda safaris. For long, Buhoma sector has positioned itself as one most visited region in Bwindi when it comes to gorilla trekking safaris. This gorilla trekking area shelters only 4 habituated gorilla groups with first ever gorilla family to open to tourists to trek.
Gorilla families of Buhoma Uganda sector
- Mubare gorilla family
- Habinyanja group
- Rushegura gorilla family
- Katwe gorilla group
Mubare gorilla family
Mubare gorilla group is Buhoma’s and Uganda’s oldest habituated gorilla group. The habituation process for Mubare began in 1991 when Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Southwestern Uganda was officially established as a national park till 1993 when it was opened to tourists on gorilla safaris. During habituation, about 12 family members made up Mubare under the leadership of Ruhondeza silverback who unfortunately died causing some of its members to leave reducing its composition to about 5 individuals.
Later, some family members also joined Mubare and in 2013, the group recorded about 9 family members. They included Kanyonyi silverback who took over after passing away of Ruhondeza silverback.
Habinyanja gorilla group family
Habinyanja group of Buhoma Uganda sector in Bwindi underwent through habituation exercise from 1997 up to 1999 when it was ready for gorilla trekking. Originally, Habinyanja comprised of 30 family members with Mugurusi silverback being its leader but he died after severe fights. He was succeeded by his 2 brothers; Rwansigazi and Mwirima who also separated to make up Rushegura family group. Rwansigazi was left with 18 family members.
Rushegura group
In 2002, Rushegura split from Habinyanja family and Mwirima went along with 8 female members. In 2014, Mwirima passed on and he was succeeded by Kabukojo silverback leading a family of 16 individuals.
Katwe gorilla group
Katwe gorilla group is Buhoma’s and Uganda’s newest habituated group comprising of 7 family members. Recently, Uganda Wildlife Authority opened up new family groups, of which, Katwe was part and the other is Christmas in Nkuringo region.
Reasons to track mountain gorillas in Buhoma Uganda sector
- Buhoma Uganda sector has 4 gorilla families all open for gorilla trekking. It is from Buhoma where-Mubare the first gorilla group to open for gorilla tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found.
- Buhoma Uganda sector can easily be reached unlike other Bwindi gorilla trekking sectors. The region can easily be reached from Queen Elizabeth National Park Western Uganda. From Queen via Ishasha area, it takes visitors 3-4 hours to drive up to Buhoma Uganda sector.
- Buhoma is known for its unique terrain and considerably it is easy to track compared to the high terrain of Nkuringo or Rushaga.
- While in Buhoma Uganda sector for gorilla trekking, you also plenty of activities to add on to enhance your experiences. They include cycling or biking, bird watching, nature walks, Batwa trail experience.
- Visitors on tour in Buhoma sector also variety of accommodation options to choose from for their overnight stay. They range from budget, moderate to luxury/up market.
Gorilla permits for Buhoma Uganda sector
Each of the gorilla trekking permits in Buhoma Uganda sector can be purchased at different rate depending on visitor category; non-residents, residents and East Africa Community citizens. Permits for Buhoma Uganda area are issued at $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 foreign residents and shs. 250,000 East African Community citizens. These are available for booking through a reliable tour operator or directly if you deal with Uganda Wildlife Authority.
What to carry for gorilla trekking in Buhoma Uganda sector?
A successful gorilla trekking in Buhoma Uganda sector can be had when you have packed the right gear. The essentials or must-haves for your successful gorilla safari in Buhoma Uganda sector include gardening gloves, gorilla permits, long-sleeved shirt/blouses, sweater, rain jacket or poncho, trousers, camera without flashlight, visas, insect repellents, first aid kit/medical kit, sun hat, bottled drinking water, energy giving snacks, walking stick-this can be given at the park offices/lodge.
When to travel for gorilla trekking in Buhoma Uganda sector
Gorilla trekking safaris in Buhoma Uganda sector can be planned at any time of the year. However, the most ideal time to embark on a trek to see mountain gorillas in this sector is during the dry season. The 2 phases of dry seasons that should be marked on your travel calendar begin from June to September and December to February. It is during these drier months that Buhoma region becomes more passable unlike during the rainy/wet season.
Where to stay on a gorilla trekking trip to Buhoma
Buhoma Uganda sector has amazing accommodation facilities ranging from budget to luxury. They include among others Lake Kitandara Gorilla Forest Camp, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Volcanoes Safari Bwindi Lodge, Bwindi Guesthouse, Engagi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Gorilla Resort.