Gorilla Families in Buhoma Sector
The Buhoma sector is home to several habituated gorilla families that are open for trekking by tourists. Gorilla trekking in Buhoma sector is a unique experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The sector has a total of three habituated gorilla families, namely Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura. Mubare is the oldest habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and has been open for tourism since 1993. The family comprises of 9 members, including one silverback, two blackbacks, two adult females, and four infants. Habinyanja is another habituated gorilla family in Buhoma sector. It has 17 members, including two silverbacks, three blackbacks, six adult females, and six infants. Rushegura is the third habituated gorilla family in the sector and has 19 members, including one silverback, five blackbacks, five adult females, and eight infants.Tourist activities done in Buhoma sector
Apart from gorilla trekking safaris, there are several other activities that visitors can engage in while in Buhoma sector. These include nature walks through the forest trails, bird watching tours to spot some of the over 350 bird species found in the park, cultural tours to visit nearby communities and learn about their way of life and traditions. One of the main activities that can be done in Buhoma sector is gorilla trekking. Visitors can go on guided hikes through the dense forest to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat. This activity provides a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close and personal. Another popular activity in Buhoma sector is bird watching. The park is home to over 350 species of birds, including several endemic species such as the African green broadbill and Shelley’s crimsonwing. Visitors can take guided walks through the forest with experienced birding guides to spot and identify different bird species. Nature walks and hikes are also a popular activity in Buhoma sector. Visitors can explore the forest on foot and discover its diverse flora and fauna, including several species of primates such as chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. In addition to these activities, visitors can also participate in cultural experiences such as visiting nearby villages and learning about the local Batwa community‘s traditional way of lifeTrails in Buhoma sector
Buhoma has Various trails that have been designed for to access the park and some of these include,- Muyanga Waterfall Trail – This trail takes visitors through the forest to the beautiful Muyanga Waterfall. The trail is about 3 kilometers long and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Along the way, visitors can see various species of birds and primates.
- Rushura Hill Trail – This trail offers stunning views of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the surrounding areas. The trail is about 5 kilometers long and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Visitors can see various species of birds, primates, and butterflies along the way.
- Habinyanja Trail – This trail takes visitors through the forest to the Habinyanja gorilla group. The trail is about 4 kilometers long and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Visitors can see various species of birds and primates along the way.
Where to stay on your safari in Buhoma sector.
There are several accommodations found in Buhoma, a small town located in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda. These accommodations range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious lodges that cater to tourists who come to the area to see the endangered mountain gorillas. Accommodation options in Buhoma sector range from luxury lodges to budget campsites. Some of the popular lodges in the sector include Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, and Gorilla Forest Camp. Budget travelers can opt for campsites such as Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Bwindi View Bandas. One of the most popular accommodations in Buhoma is the Buhoma Lodge. This eco-friendly lodge offers guests comfortable and spacious rooms, each with its own private veranda overlooking the forest. The lodge also has a restaurant that serves both local and international cuisine, as well as a bar and lounge area where guests can relax after a day of gorilla trekking. Another popular accommodation option in Buhoma is the Gorilla Resort. This lodge offers guests a unique experience, with rooms built using traditional materials and techniques. The resort also has a restaurant that serves local dishes, as well as a bar and lounge area where guests can unwind. For budget-conscious travelers, there are several guesthouses and campsites in Buhoma that offer affordable accommodation options. These include the Bwindi View Bandas, which offers basic but comfortable rooms with shared facilities, and the Buhoma Community Rest Camp, which has both campsites and basic rooms for rent. Overall, there are several accommodation options available in Buhoma to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for luxury lodges or budget-friendly guesthouses, you’re sure to find something that meets your needs in this small Ugandan town.How to Access Buhoma sector in Bwindi
- By Air: You can take a flight to Entebbe International Airport, which is the main gateway to Uganda. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip. The Kihihi Airstrip is closer to Buhoma and takes about 2 hours to reach by road. Kisoro Airstrip is farther and takes about 3-4 hours to reach by road.
- By Road: You can also access Buhoma Sector by road from Kampala. The journey takes about 8-9 hours You will drive through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kanungu before reaching Buhoma.