Buhoma Sector

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located in southwestern Uganda is a popular destination for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda. Bwindi is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population – a perfect place to visit see these massive gentle giants. The National Park is divided into four major sectors; Rushaga, Nkurungo, Ruhija, and Buhoma. The Buhoma Sector is one of the four sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Buhoma Sector is situated in the northern part of the park and is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the critically endangered mountain gorillas.

Buhoma Sector is exceptionally teeming with habituated gorilla families, a shouldn’t miss track while on mountain gorilla trekking tours in Uganda. The sector has the oldest and most famous gorilla trekking trails in Uganda.

This sector of Bwindi was the first gorilla trekking region in Bwindi, dating back to 1993, when it was first opened for gorilla trekking safaris after a successful habituation of the first gorilla family in the region, the Mubare gorilla family. This sector holds an important history of gorilla conservation. As of today, other habituated gorilla families live in this sector and you can be guaranteed to see gorillas in Buhoma. Some of the habituated gorilla families in this sector include; Rushegura, Mubare, and Habinyanja. Gorilla trekking in Buhoma is truly rewarding with excellent gorilla sightings.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in the Buhoma Sector

Gorilla trekking in Buhoma is just like trekking in all other sectors. The sector is home to several habituated gorilla families that allow for up-close encounters with these magnificent creatures. Gorilla trekking in Buhoma offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about their behavior in their natural habitat.

The trekking experience usually starts early in the morning at around 8:00 am. The trekking experience in Buhoma starts with an early morning briefing before visitors are allocated to different gorilla families. The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family being visited. The terrain can be challenging, with steep slopes, thick vegetation, and rugged paths, but the effort is worth it once you encounter the gorillas.

Upon encountering the gorillas, visitors are allowed a maximum of one hour to observe and take photos while maintaining a safe distance. The experience of being in the presence of these gentle giants is truly awe-inspiring and often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Buhoma Gorilla Permits

Gorilla trekking in Buhoma requires a permit, which needs to be booked well in advance. Acacia Safaris Limited can help you make the necessary bookings for both your gorilla trekking safari and the permits. These permits are limited in number to ensure the conservation of the gorillas and their habitat.

Besides Gorilla trekking, Buhoma also offers other activities for nature enthusiasts, including forest walks, bird watching, and cultural encounters with the local Batwa pygmy community. The surrounding area is characterized by lush forests, beautiful landscapes, and a rich biodiversity, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Gorilla Families in Buhoma – Buhoma Sector

There are four habituated gorilla families in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Mubare Gorilla Family:

Members: Mubare is the oldest habituated gorilla family in Buhoma. It currently consists of approximately 9 members, including 1 silverback, several adult females, and juveniles.

History: This family was named after the Mubare hills, where it was first sighted. It was habituated for tourism in 1991 and has been open for visiting since then.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family

Members: The Habinyanja family is one of the largest gorilla families in the Buhoma sector, with around 17 members, including 2 silverbacks, multiple adult females, and young gorillas.

History: The Habinyanja family was habituated in 1997 and has been a popular choice for gorilla trekking. The family’s name is derived from “Nyanja,” which means “a place with water,” as they were often found near a swamp in the park.

Rushegura Gorilla Family

Members: Rushegura is another prominent gorilla family in Buhoma, currently composed of approximately 19 members, including 1 silverback, several adult females, and juveniles.

History: The Rushegura family was habituated in 2002 and has been a favorite among tourists due to their playful nature and frequent encounters near the Buhoma village.

Katwe Gorilla Family

Members: The Katwe family is the newest habituated gorilla group in Buhoma, formed in recent years. The exact number of members is not widely known, but it is estimated to have about 8 members, including a dominant silverback.

History: The Katwe family was named after the nearby Katwe village and is gradually growing in popularity as a gorilla trekking choice.

Plan your Gorilla Trekking safaris with Acacia Safaris Limited and explore Bwindi’s Buhoma sector. We guarantee gorilla trekking permits for Uganda and Rwanda.

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