Gorilla trekking is one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in Africa, drawing thousands of tourists into the tropical forests of Uganda and particularly in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Buhoma, which is one of the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offers the best of adventure and memorable gorilla trekking.
Buhoma sector can easily be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda, since it’s located in far south western Uganda near Rwanda. This sector has a history that dates back to 1993, to be the first sector where gorilla trekking in Uganda began. It is also known for its high concentration of habituated gorilla families, making it the best place to enjoy a close encounter with mountain gorillas.
One of the best advantages of trekking with the gorillas in Buhoma is the relatively shorter travel distance from Kigali. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours as you cross the Katuna border post with great views of the Virunga Mountains, rolling hills, terraced hills, and many more. The distance makes it easier compared to traveling from Kampala or Entebbe, which requires an 8 to 10-hour drive.
The shorter journey allows tourists to fly into Kigali, enjoy a brief city tour where you visit the genocide memorial museum, local markets, art and gallery centers, milk bars, and more. It’s also possible to travel early in the morning and trek the gorillas in Buhoma, and again come back to Kigali, Rwanda, for accommodation. This means it is a shorter distance as you explore two countries in a short time.
This can be combined with great visiting areas like Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale, which is the second deepest lake in Africa, known to have 29 dotted historical islands, or visiting Lake Mutanda with its views of the Virunga ranges. The trek itself is an immersive journey into Bwindi’s thick jungle. The trek begins with a briefing at the park offices, where trekkers receive different rules and regulations, including hiring porters and more.
Trekkers are divided into small groups and each assigned to track a specific gorilla family. The experience can last for one to 6 hours, depending on the location of these gentle giants on this day. Hiking through the rugged terrain rewards you with sights and sounds of flora and fauna, and these are colorful birds, primates, butterflies, and rare plant species.
The climax of the trek is the magical moment when you come face-to-face with the mountain gorillas. Watch these gentle giants as they feed, groom each other, play, breastfeed feed and more. This is an awe-inspiring experience. Visitors are allowed to spend an hour following the gentle giants as they observe and photograph them. This leaves visitors with everlasting memories and a deep understanding of the conservation efforts.
Best time to visit Buhoma for gorilla trekking
Buhoma can be visited throughout the year, but the best time is during the dry season, which occurs from June to September and December to February. During this time, the forest trails are less slippery, hence making trekking easier and more enjoyable. However, since Bwindi is a rainforest area, rain is expected at any time of the day.
The rainy season occurs from March to May and from October to November, but the gorillas are in nearby areas since they have more food than in the dry season, when the gorillas move for long distances as they search for food and water.
Accommodations in Buhoma
Buhoma boasts a wide range of accommodation options that suit your budget. Luxury lodges like Bwindi lodge, Sanctuary gorilla forest camp, Mahogany Springs lodge, and Buhoma lodge provide top-notch services, while midrange lodges, such as Silverback lodge, Engagi lodge, Haven lodge, and Gorilla safari lodge, offer comfort at a moderate price. Budget tourists can also find affordable guesthouses and campgrounds in or around the sector.
For the best safari to the Buhoma sector from Kigali, look no further. Contact Standard Safaris, and we will plan the best for you.
