Which gorilla trekking sector is best for VIPs in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking for VIPs is best done in the Buhoma sector, situated within the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While Buhoma takes the spotlight among most VIPs, other sectors should not go unnoticed. The other sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where VIPs could enjoy gorilla trekking are Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. All three 3 sectors are situated in southern Bwindi, while Buhoma is the only sector situated in northern Bwindi.

Why is gorilla trekking in the Buhoma sector the best for VIPs in Bwindi?

There are a number of reasons why VIPs choose the Buhoma sector as their ideal gorilla trekking region. Among them are.

Accessibility

The most accessible sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by road from Kampala is Buhoma. Buhoma was the first region where gorilla trekking started in Uganda. VIPs will travel for almost 10 hours via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro roads to enter through the park headquarters. Also, VIPs can reach Buhoma faster from Queen Elizabeth National Park compared to other regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Ease of gorilla trekking

Due to the lower hilly terrain compared to the other 3 sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is especially good to avoid exhaustion experienced while hiking on steep slopes. This is good for a wide range of VIPs, including the elderly and persons with physical disabilities. However, despite the terrain, the Buhoma sector still offers lovely views of forests, streams, and wildlife species, including the mountain gorillas.

Kihihi Airstrip

This is the closest to the Buhoma sector, with a distance of around 45 km. This takes only an hour and 20 minutes for VIPs to drive from Kihihi airstrip to Buhoma sector after a flight. Compared to the southern sectors, Buhoma is the nearest place if you choose to travel by air from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi airstrip. The flights are offered by AeroLink and could also start from Kisoro, Mweya, and Kasese airstrips.

High-end lodges

These are quite numerous to ensure that VIPs on gorilla trekking tours enjoy unmatched comfort with exclusive amenities. These lodges are stylish and offer serene atmospheres for VIPs to enjoy their stay while at Buhoma. Luxury lodges in the Buhoma sector include Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Silverback Lodge, and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, etc.

Gorilla families

There are as many as 5, and easier to trek by VIPs because of the less challenging terrain. The gorilla families are Mubare, Muyambi, Rushegura, Katwe, Habinyanja, and Binyindo. Mubare is the first ever habituated gorilla family in Buhoma. Mubare’s current leader is the silverback Maraya, who heads a family of 7 members. The Muyambi family has at least 7 individuals, all led by the silverback Muyambi.

The Rushegura family consists of 16 members under the leadership of the dominant silverback Kabukojo. The Katwe gorilla family, with 10 members, is led by the dominant silverback Mahaane. The Habinyanja family has up to 13 members, under the leadership of the dominant silverback Makara. The Binyindo family, consisting of 9 members, is led by the dominant silverback Binyindo.

How is gorilla trekking done in the Buhoma Sector?

Gorilla trekking tours are done in the same way in all the sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Each gorilla trekking tour starts at around 8:00 a.m. after a briefing led by a park ranger at the trailhead. This implies that you should arrive at the trailhead before 8:00 a.m. This is preferably at around 7:00 a.m. Only 8 VIPs are allowed to track a habituated gorilla family per day. All VIPs will be informed about how gorilla treks are done safely for success.

Then, an excellent tracker and armed rangers will lead or accompany you into the forest to locate one of the gorilla families mentioned above. After finding them in the forest, you will observe how they forage and behave in unique ways with each other. Take photos when told by the ranger guide. You will then return to the trailhead to be awarded a certificate. The entire trek could last from 2 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorilla family spent the previous night.

What is the cost of gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking fees are charged through a gorilla permit. This is acquired for only $800 per person. Only 8 people can acquire this permit to trek a particular gorilla family for one day. You should therefore book a permit in advance because you will face high competition to purchase any of the 8 permits for the gorilla family per day. But gorilla permits are purchased through a reputable tour operator, like Standard Safaris.

Why should you get a gorilla permit through Standard Safaris?

Standard Safaris is a locally based tour operator in Uganda that offers authentic gorilla trekking adventures and other tours. Besides gorilla treks, we provide tailor-made tours that include game drives, cultural encounters, birdwatching excursions, chimpanzee treks, boat cruises, beach tours, city tours, and others. We do not stop in Uganda, but also explore Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, etc.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.