Buhoma Sector -Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Gorilla safari
Explore the Buhoma sector (area or trailhead) the best gorilla safari region in the northern end of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Buhoma sector (Buhoma area or trailhead) is one of the best regions for tourists on gorilla safari to consider a must-visit to see mountain gorillas.
Buhoma is the Northern gorilla trekking region in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Buhoma gorilla sector is home to the oldest habituated gorilla family –Mubare group. Buhoma gorilla sector protects a section of mountain gorillas that make Uganda a premier gorilla safari destination.
Buhoma Gorilla Families to visit.
Buhoma gorilla trailhead alone comprises 5 habituated gorilla families. These include the Katwe gorilla group family, Muyambi gorilla group, Mubare, Rushegura, and Habinyanja group.
Mubare group: This is the oldest of all the 5 habituated gorilla groups in the Buhoma region. Its habituation was complete by around 1993 and consists of 12 gorillas. The group was led by Ruhondeza silverback gorilla but unfortunately, he died in 2012. Currently, the Mubare group is led by Malaya silverback gorilla with about 9 mountain gorillas including females and infants.
Habinyanja group; This group is part of the habituated gorilla families in Buhoma. It officially opened for trekking in 1997 and takes its name from the Rukiga word Nyanja. It consisted of 25 members and trekking takes about 5 hours.
Rushegura gorilla group; Most popular as R-group and is comprised of 21 members during habituation. It features females, adult males, and juveniles.
Muyambi gorilla group; This opened officially for a gorilla trek in 2019 and comprised 6 members. This is the newest gorilla family in Buhoma and is open for gorilla trekking in the Buhoma sector in Bwindi National Park.
Katwe group; This consists of 9 individuals and is open for trekking Buhoma sector. The composition of the Katwe family features black backs, one silverback gorilla, females, and infants.
Gorilla trekking in the Buhoma sector in Bwindi National Park
Gorilla trekking in the Buhoma region takes visitors on a guided search for a family of mountain gorillas. Trekking Buhoma mountain gorillas takes between 2 and 6 hours inclusive of an hour for up close and personal experience as well as photography.
Gorilla permits
Visiting the Buhoma sector for gorilla trekking requires trekkers to have a valid gorilla permit and each costs USD 800 per person for all foreign nonresidents. The foreign residents pay USD 700 per visitor for foreign residents and Ugandans (East African citizens) pay UGX 300,000.
Birding in Buhoma
Buhoma sector is also known for its enriching bird watching expeditions. Variety of birds can be spotted on birding excursions including the Ross’s turacos, African dusky flycatchers, cape wagtail, white-throated greenbul, African broadbill, Handsome francolins, yellow-fronted canary, black bee-eaters, yellow-rumped tinker bird, Rwenzori batis, bar-tailed trogon, black-billed turacos, barred long-tailed cuckoos, and more.
Batwa cultural experience
The Batwa cultural experience offers authentic Batwa encounters in the nearby Batwa community. Embarking on the Batwa cultural experience allows you to visit the Batwa pygmies in their community to interact with the original forest dwellers –the Batwa pygmies. Expect to explore the unique traditions, cultures, and practices of the Batwa pygmies.
Nature walks in Buhoma sector
The Buhoma sector is also an ideal region for you to enjoy a guided nature walk. A guided nature walking experience in Buhoma involves exploring the existing trails including Munyaga Waterfall, Rushura Trail, Muzubijiro Loop, and Ivy River Trail.
Munyaga River trail/waterfall: The guided nature walk through the Munyaga River trail involves exploring some birds, primates, and flora. The trail leads nature lovers to the scenic Bizenga River and Munyaga River. Along this trail, expect to observe the scenic waterfalls as it plummets 33 meters.
Rushura Hill trail
Rushura Hill trail hike begins from Buhoma area and leads hikers to the highest peak. At the peak, expect to enjoy clear view of the surrounding Virunga Volcanoes. Overall, the Rushura Hill trail hike takes about 3 to 4 hours.
River Ivy trail in Buhoma sector
The River Ivy trail is a 14 km long trail and is the longest hiking trail in the Buhoma region. It connects visitors up to the Southern section of Bwindi National Park. During the guided walk through this trail, expect to come across duikers, chimpanzees, butterflies, and black and white colobus monkeys.
Muzubijiro Loop
Muzubijiro Loop is a 6 km long and birder’s favorite trail in the Buhoma sector. Hiking through this trail also allows you to enjoy views of the Virunga Volcanoes and other surrounding.
Where to stay (Safari Lodges) in & around Buhoma sector
Buhoma is a complete sector to consider exploring on gorilla trekking or birding. The region is comprised of accommodations including Bwindi Forest Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Engagi Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Trackers Safari Lodge.
Getting there
By road: Expect to travel for 8-9 hours on the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route. En route, you will have a chance to make a stopover at the Equator crossing. Visitors can also connect from Kigali via the Chanika or Katuna border to the Buhoma region.
By air: There are options for taking chartered/scheduled flights to Kihihi Airstrip. At Kihihi, you can easily drive up to the Buhoma region to begin your expedition to explore Bwindi’s wonders.