Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park cannot be mentioned without gorilla tracking in the Buhoma sector. This is because it is always the top on the list in the minds of tourists and tour operators.
Buhoma region is situated in the north-western side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in Kanungu district. Besides Buhoma, there are 3 other sectors in this park where gorilla tracking can also be done. These include Ruhija sector, located on the eastern side of the park; then Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors both found in the south-western and south-eastern sides of the park, respectively. Besides, Buhoma is the busiest, so permits to this sector are in most cases fully booked, that’s why it remains the busiest sector.
Establishment of Buhoma Sector for Gorilla Tracking
Firstly, Buhoma was the first sector to be opened for gorilla trekking in 1993, two years after Bwindi was gazetted into a national park. Therefore it is undeniable that this is where gorilla tourism in Uganda started from.
There are currently three habituated gorilla families in Buhoma sector. These include Mubare, the first group to be opened for tourism in 1993. Habinyanja, the second habituated gorilla group, opened for tracking in 1997 and the Rushegura family which was habituated in 2000. This implies that only 24 gorilla permits are sold for this sector per day. The fact that it was the first sector to be opened for tourism undoubtedly contributes a lot to its popularity.
Why is Buhoma Sector the most popular?
Apart from being the first section to be opened up for gorilla tracking in Bwindi, there are several strong factors that make Buhoma sector the most visited and booked for gorilla tracking in Uganda.
One of the reasons for attracting many tourists is because of the numerous lodging facilities compared to all the other sectors. Accommodation is always an important consideration by gorilla trekkers and tour operators when planning for this life changing activity in a particular area.
Lodging facilities in Buhoma sector range from budget to luxury options. These include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (luxury), Buhoma Lodge (luxury), Silverback Lodge (luxury), Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp (mid-range), and Buhoma Community Rest Camp (budget) among others.
Better still, it is easier to connect from Buhoma to other national parks, especially Queen Elizabeth National Park’s popular southern Ishasha sector. It takes just 2 to 3 hours to drive from Buhoma sector to Ishasha sector where you will encounter the exceptional tree-climbing lions only found in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
In only 4 hours’ drive to you can get to the northern Mweya section of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is known for boat cruises on the Kazinga channel, where you will be amazed for the large population wildlife and bird species along the shores.
Similarly, it is less challenging to access Buhoma sector than it is for the rest of the sectors. The section is in a 550 km (342 mi) distance, that is, 8-9 hours’ drive from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Several routes can also be used to reach Buhoma including Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Ntungamo-Rukungiri-Kihihi and then Buhoma. Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale-Ruhija and then to Buhoma.
Tourists can also access the park through air transport with Aerolink. This flies from Kajjansi Airstrip (in Kampala) or Entebbe International Airport to Kayonza and Kihihi airstrips.
More About Buhoma Sector
Unlike Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors that are marked by the Kigezi highlands, the terrain of Buhoma sector is not very mountainous hence not strenuous to hike. Buhoma sector has the lowest altitude of at least 1,350 meters (4,429 feet) above sea level, compared to other sections. This is why most elderly gorilla trekkers are advised to book for Buhoma gorilla permits.
If you are someone interested in volunteer work with some of the conservation projects within Bwindi, then visit Buhoma sector. The fact that mountain gorilla trekking began from this region, several conservation and volunteer projects were started to encourage gorilla conservation efforts. Actually, some tourists prefer combining their gorilla safaris with volunteering in the sector.
Some of these projects include Human, Gorilla Conflict Organization (HUGO), Conservation through Public Health (CTPH), and Bwindi Community Hospital under the Kellermann Foundation especially for volunteers.
Buhoma is also a sector where you will never run short of interesting activities to participate in. There are over 6 invigorating hiking or nature trails within the sector that lead tourists through the jungles of this park. While on these trails, you will watch several magnificent waterfalls, primate species, tree and plant species, colorful butterflies and exceptional bird species. Other activities within this sector include mountain biking conducted by the Buhoma Community Rest Camp, in the ‘Ride for a woman’ project, and the most sought-after Buhoma Village walk.