Why trek mountain gorillas in Buhoma sector?
If it were possible, Buhoma sector would undeniably be a first stop for all travelers to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Situated in the northern part of Bwindi in kanungu district, Buhoma sector is an exceptional region of the park. its not surprising that most if not travelers booking gorilla tours in Bwindi first ask whether there is availability in Buhoma. This w has left many people stunned on what makes the sector unique compared to the others sectors namely Rushaga in the south, Ruhija in the east and Nkuringo in the south which are normally asked as the next alternative. Travelers always resort to other sectors after failing to get availability in Buhoma. Also. Gorilla permits in Buhoma are always fully booked by early travelers since gorilla permits are issued on first come first serve basis. Buhoma sector has an interesting history being the first region to be visited by the first group of travelers to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Also, Buhoma is a home to Bwindi’s oldest gorilla family named Mubare which was habituated in 1992. Buhoma has always been outstanding compared to other regions hence a desire for all travelers. Some of the reason why you should trek mountain gorillas in Buhoma include among others:
Ease of access
Regarding access, Buhoma is the easily accessible region in Bwindi forest national park. The sector is roughly 2 hours drive from kabale town via kanungu and 4 hours from ishasha sector south of Queen Elizabeth national park. The ease of access is an added advantage for travelers enabling them to take part in some activities such as the game drives in ishasha, forest walks and community visits in Buhoma unlike other sectors in the far corners of the national park. Those driving direct from Kampala can reach Buhoma by taking Kampala- Masaka-Mbarara-Ntungamo-Rukungiri- Buhoma route. Alternatively, travelers can fly direct to kihihi airstrip and then drive a few kilometers to the park
Gorilla families
Buhoma sector is a home to three gorilla families habituated for trekking. These families also known as groups are Mubare, Habinyajna and Rushegura family. Interestingly, each of these families has a different story. Mubare was the first group habituated in 1992 and hence the oldest family in the park having 9 members. Habinyanja was habituated in 1997 comprised of 17 members and lastly Rushegura family, which was opened for tourism in 2000 having 19 members. Altogether, buhoma. Each day, 24 gorilla permits are available and issued out in Buhoma where of the three gorilla families is visited by 8 people everyday.
Alternative activities
Besides gorilla trekking, Buhoma offers a variety of activities and attractions for travelers. These include a community walk to the adjacent communities of batwa pygmies and Bakiga communities. The batwa demonstrate their forest life to the before they were evicted to the edge of the forest. Also, travelers are allowed to take part in local communities such as digging, preparing local food, baby-sitting, brewing local beers, and collecting fruits among others. also, travelers can do forest walks to different points of the park. Birding watching is also a must do in Buhoma if the safari is to be complete.
A variety of accommodation facilities
If you want to sleep comfortably and eat delicious food, look not further than Buhoma sector. The sector has a variety of luxury, midrange and budget lodges which all serve high quality services. The cost of services vary from lodge to lodge depending on the quality of service but all lodges offer excellent services delivered by professional and experienced staff. Lodges in Buhoma include mahogany springs lodge, Buhoma lodge, Bwindi forest lodge, Bwindi guesthouse, Bwindi view bandas, gorilla forest camp and Bwindi volcano lodge among others. All these lodges have connecting shortcuts to the gorilla trekking starting point, which make it easier for travelers to catch up with the pre trekking briefing at the national park headquarters in Buhoma.
In general, a gorilla safari to Buhoma sector is a lifetime experience in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. The ease of access, comfortable lodges and camps and all other activities make Buhoma a best place to trek gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.
