1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma: Short Buhoma Gorilla Tour
Overview of 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma
1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma is a short Uganda tour taking you to Bwindi National Park to see endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is the main highlight of this short trip and takes you to Buhoma trail-head in the northern part of Bwindi, Southwestern Uganda.
Buhoma is an extra-ordinary gorilla sector in Bwindi National Park, boasting of 4 habituated gorilla families-including Mubare, Rushegura, Katwe and Habinyaja. Only one of these will be allocated to you to track during the 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma tour in Uganda. The 4 groups are among the 20 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi National Park, a home to all 459 mountain gorillas.
In 1991, Bwindi was established mainly to host these endangered apes and today, you more than mountain gorillas to see on Uganda safari. The park protects a total of 120 mammal species including chimpanzees; reptiles, flowering plants and 360 bird species and these can easily be seen on gorilla trek in Buhoma. Your 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma holiday trip starts and ends in Kigali.
Detailed itinerary of your 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma
Day 1: Kigali to Buhoma in Bwindi; Gorilla Trekking & depart
Transfer from Kigali to Buhoma Trail-head of Bwindi after breakfast or carry tea/coffee and have it en-route. You will crossover to Uganda through Katuna/Chanika border, about 3-4hrs to Kabale/Kisoro then drop off to the lodge around Buhoma area Or if you are in Kabale or Kisoro town, simply drive to Buhoma sector to be briefed on gorilla trekking rules. Expect to spend 2-6 hours on Buhoma gorilla tour.
You will only be allowed to spend 1 hour face to face with gorillas upon getting them in the wild. This is when you will take photos, have insight into their daily behaviors and lifestyles while in Buhoma area. After, you will be awarded with certificate for Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma then drive back to Kigali.
End of your 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma tour in Bwindi-Uganda
What is included in this 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma Tour
Valid gorilla permit for Buhoma
4×4 rental car in Uganda for 1 day travel and an English speaking guide
Bottled drinking water
Entrance fees to Bwindi
Government taxes provided they are relevant
What is excluded in this 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma
Tipping
Porter fees
Shopping
Laundry
Cigarettes
Visas
Optional trip activities
The insurance expenses
Beverages
Airfare tickets
Frequently Asked Safaris Questions (Buhoma Uganda Gorilla Sector Guide)
What is the best time to book a 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma Tour?
The best time to book a 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma tour is during the two dry seasons (June to September and December to February). This is because its easy to see the gorillas in their natural habitats on a sunny day as they come out to play jumping from one branch to another. In the rainy season, the gorillas hide in search for warmth making it hard to see on a trek. Also during the dry season roads to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park in Buhoma sector are easy to use unlike in the rainy seasons when they are muddy and slippery. Although there are best days to trek gorillas of Buhoma sector, its always perfect timing to book a gorilla safari to this place and we do arrange trips to trek gorillas in Buhoma throughout the year.
How much does a 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma tour cost?
The cost of a 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma tour depends on numerous factors and these include, the number of people on safari, the accommodation types (budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation), the number of days of the safari and more. For starters, if you want to go gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector then budget from $1200 and above.
Is it safe to go on a 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma safari after COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes its safe to go on a 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma tour after the world COVID-19 world pandemic. As of June 2021, Uganda was declared safe to visit and tourists are allowed to travel to the various destinations in the country. The government urges tourists to follow the set standard operating procedures related to COVID-19 prevention. Read more about Uganda COVID-19 travel guide.
How can I obtain a gorilla trekking permit for Buhoma sector?
Do you want to track gorillas of Buhoma sector? Then you need to obtain a valid gorilla trekking permit and this can be obtained from Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) through a registered tour operator. You can also obtain one by contacting UWA directly on their website.
How much does a gorilla permit for Buhoma sector cost?
A gorilla permit for Buhoma sector in Uganda costs $700 per person for foreign non residents and $500 for foreign residents. For Ugandan citizens a gorilla trekking permit for Buhoma sector costs shs. 250, 000 per person.
Are there discounted gorilla trekking permits for Buhoma sector Uganda?
Currently there are no discounted gorilla trekking permits for Buhoma sector. In future when the government announces discounted gorilla permits in the region, then we shall let you know on this website.
How long does gorilla trekking in Buhoma Sector take?
Gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector normally takes 2 to 8 hours. The time spent tracking gorillas depends on the gorilla group tracked. Some gorilla groups tend to be far in the thick forest making it hard to find while others are easy to see.
At what time does gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector start?
Normally, gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector starts in the morning at 7AM. This is after a briefing from the park officials and rangers about the “do’s and dont’s” while tracking the gorillas in Buhoma Uganda.
What to carry on a gorilla trekking tour to Buhoma sector?
If you want to track gorillas in Buhoma sector in bwindi forest then some of the things to carry include; long-sleeved shirt, long-sleeved trouser, a hat, camera, rain jacket, pair of glasses, gloves, water bottle and hiking boots.
What are the gorilla groups in Buhoma Sector Uganda?
Buhoma sector has got 5 well habituated gorilla groups and these are; Mubare gorilla family, Rushegura gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla group, Katwe gorilla family and Muyambi gorilla group.
Where to stay on this 1 day Gorilla Trekking Buhoma tour?
Since this is a one day trip, you will not require accoomodation because after tracking the gorillas in Buhoma sector then you will depart. However, we have compiled a list of some of the lodges to book in Buhoma and these include; Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp.