Gorilla families in Buhoma sector – Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris.
Gorilla families in Buhoma sector – Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris : Buhoma sector is located in the northern sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park and is the most visited sector in the renowned Bwindi impenetrable forest due to easy accessibility to other tourism destinations.
Uganda gorilla trekking safaris are mainly conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable national park because the park has the highest number of habituated gorilla families than any other gorilla national park in the world. The national park is situated in the south-western part of Uganda in Kanungu district. The park has a total of 19 habituated gorilla families with 15 gorilla groups available for tourists to track and the rest are strictly meant for research purposes.
Buhoma sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park is one of the most visited sectors in the national park. It is also the starting point for most gorilla trekking activities in the park. Buhoma sector hosts 4 habituated gorilla families which include;
Mubare family, Mubare family was the first gorilla group to be habituated in Bwindi national park thus making it the oldest habituated gorilla group in the park. It was habituated in 1993 and it derives its name from Mubare hill where the group was first sighted. Mubare group had 12 members after habituation and under Ruhondeza the dominant silverback which died at the age of 50 years and now the family is comprised of 10 members with a new baby and one dominant silverback
Habinyanja family, the group derives its name from Nyanja swamp where it was first sighted and was open for trekking in 1999. The group is comprised of 17 members and is dominated by Makara silverback a local name which means charcoal.
Rushegura family, Rushegura family split from Habinyanja family and was opened for trekking in 2000. Rushegura family is the most easily accessible group in Buhoma in that it lives near the park headquarters and is known for welcoming and being friendly to the visitors. Rushegura family is comprised of 21 members and is dominated by Mwirima silverback who is a peaceful and calm leader.
Katwe family, Katwe is a new gorilla family in Buhoma sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park. This particular gorilla family was habituated together with Christmas family in Nkuringo sector. Katwe family is believed to have 9 members with one dominant silverback Katwe though the exact number of members is not yet clear.
Cost of Trekking Gorilla Families in Buhoma Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Trekking the habituated gorilla families in Buhoma sector in Bwindi Impenetrable national park will cost USD 700 for a gorilla trekking permit for Foreign Non-Residents, USD 600 for Foreign Residents and UGX 250000 for East African Citizens.
How to Book a Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit in Bwindi National Park.
Booking a Uganda gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable national park can be done through a registered and licensed tour operator company such as Explore Rwanda Tours or directly through the Reservation desk at Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala or at the park headquarters in Buhoma.
Other Activities to do while trekking gorilla families in Buhoma Sector in Bwindi National Park.
Visitors trekking mountain gorillas in Buhoma sector in Bwindi national park can engage in other activities in the park such as; bird watching, guided forest walks, wildlife viewing and community cultural tours like the Batwa Trail Experience which is a favorite among tourists.
Best Time to visit gorilla families in Buhoma Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla families in Buhoma sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park can be visited all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. The dry season is also known as the peak season and during the dry season the gorilla trekking trails in the forests are passable, short grass which give you a clear view of the gorillas compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make gorilla trekking difficult.
Accommodation in Buhoma Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Here are various accommodation facilities that visitors can stay at while trekking mountain gorillas in Buhoma sector in Bwindi Impenetrable national park; Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp, Silverback Lodge, Engagi Lodge, and Bwindi Guest House to mention but a few.
How to get to Buhoma Sector in Bwindi National Park.
Buhoma sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park can be accessed by road or air transport means. By road transport, Buhoma sector can be accessed by visitors travelling from Kampala city through Mbarara, Kabale and then Buhoma-taking about 8 to 9 hours of driving.
Visitors who wish to access Buhoma sector by air can charter a domestic flight from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield and land at Kihihi airstrip which is about an hour’s drive to Buhoma.
