Are you dreaming of gorilla trekking experience in Africa, look no further than Uganda which is a home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas found in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. These magnificent primates in Uganda draw their history to one “Buhoma sector where the first habituated gorilla family is located which makes it distinctively unique from the rest of the sectors that make up the entire Bwindi mountain gorilla tracking destination
Gorilla families in Buhoma Sector
Being the first sector to be habituated, the first habituated gorilla family was named Mubarebut later expended to other three gorilla families which include Katwe gorilla family, Rushegura gorilla family, and Habinyanja gorilla family. These all offer great experiences once you encounter them on the trek for a memorable tour
Gorilla tracking experience in Buhoma region
Gorilla trekking is indeed worth it to this sector and the time given the fact that gorillas to this sectors are advantaged to be encountered easily, the experience starts with briefing at the park headquarters where you are guided on the do’s and don’ts once in the jungle, you will then proceed with your ranger guide and an armed ranger for any insecurity that may occur on the trek. You are then offered one hour once you meet the gorillas on the trek where you are allowed to have time for photography, ask questions and watch them play along in the forest before heading back to headquarters, this experience has been termed as a once in a life time experience and should not miss on every travellers tour package on a safari to Uganda.
What is the cost of a gorilla permit for Buhoma?
To meet gorillas in Buhoma region you must ascertain a gorilla permit which stands at $700 per person per trek for foreign-Nonresidents and $600 for foreign residents. While east African citizens pay Uganda shillings 250, 000 these prices are as per Uganda wildlife tariffs of 2020-2021.There are 40 gorilla trekking permits available in Buhoma daily with each gorilla family being visited by 8 visitors per day. Ensure that you book your gorilla trekking permits to Buhoma early enough (4-5 months prior) since there is a lot of competition for the permits to the sector.
What is the best time to visit Buhoma sector for gorilla tracking experience?
Uganda has two season of the year and thus seasons vary whereby the rainy season is from March till May and October till November. Light rain season falls in November and December. Dry seasons are from December to February and June to August. Gorilla trekking experience is done annually but however the best months of the year would be December to late February and from June to September where the area is less muddy and less slippery on hikes while tracing the gorillas in the jungle but never the less hiking during the wet season is as well adventurous especially to visitors who are physically fit for the trails.
How to access Buhoma for a gorilla tour?
The area can be easily accessed by both air and road transport which has made it more distinctive whereby through use Air transport one can book with aero link from Kajjansi airstrip in Kampala or Entebbe international airport to Kihihi and Kayonza airstrips which is about One and half hour and flights are arranged in the morning and afternoon time, by road it can be accessed from kampala with distance coverage of 550km / 342 miles and 8 – 9 hours’ to the sector. You can as well choose to travel through Kigali/Rwanda through either Katuna/Cyanika border a distance of about4-5 hours to the park headquarters for your intended activity.
Where to stay on your tour to Buhoma?
There several accommodation centers in this region ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury with high level of hospitality to make you comfortable on your tour to this region. While in Buhoma, you can stay at Buhoma Havens, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany springs, Engagi lodge, and sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp among several accommodation facilities. The cost of services vary from lodge to lodge depending on the quality of service but all lodges offer excellent services delivered by professional and experienced staff and a quick access to gorilla trekking headquarters
Safari Vacations & travel service’s is your number on tour operator when it comes to Uganda Bwindi gorilla tour. We can organize for you gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Contact us for a quote or detailed information about gorilla trekking and wildlife encounter in Uganda and Rwanda.