Buhoma Sector Bwindi
Buhoma Sector is the hallmark of the four sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park and has the most thrilling history it being the first region to be visited by the first group of tourists to visit Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. And above all is the pioneer of Bwindi’s oldest gorilla family named Mubare which was established in 1992 and it has been always the main outstanding region in Bwindi compared to other regions thus attracting to all travelers. Furthermore, Buhoma sector is one of the four sectors where travelers trek mountain gorillas on their visit in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park popularly known as a largest primeval forest situated in south western part in kanungu district of Uganda and it sits at the edge of the Albertine Rift at an elevation ranging from 1,160 to 2,607 meters.
However, Buhoma sector is the main stopping sector for trekking mountain gorillas for all tourists who usually visits Bwindi impenetrable forest national park because before booking for their gorilla permits they first ask ,if there is availability of gorilla trekking permits in Buhoma sector. Buhoma sector being one of the four sectors in Bwindi and each sector is located in different direction of the park. Buhoma sector is positioned in the northern part of Bwindi in Kanungu district and is the exceptional region of the park. To most of the tourists booking gorilla safari in Bwindi first ask whether there is availability in Buhoma .This sector is totally different when compared to other sectors that is Rushanga in south and Nkuringo sector, Ruhija sector in east and these are just asked as alternative optional .Travelers always select to other sector after they have failed to get availability in Buhoma. More so about Buhoma sector, Gorilla permits which are sold to trek in this sector are always fully booked by early travelers since there is a limited number of permits sold at ‘’UWA’’Uganda wildlife Authority the body that manages all the national parks of Uganda. Note that, Gorilla permits are issued on first come first serve, all you need to do is to book your gorilla permits in advance by the help of the trust worthy tour operator or buy directly from ‘’UWA’’. Below are some of the reasons why you should trek great mountain gorillas in Buhoma Sector among others such as;
Easy getting to Buhoma sector
Ideally, the Buhoma sector can be easily accessed in a way that takes roughly 2 hours’ drive from kabale town via Kanungu. From Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth national park it lasts 4 hours. This is another alternative of advantage as to why travelers choose it has ease access in order to enable them to engage in some activities like game drive in Ishasha, visiting the Batwa forest trail in Buhoma unlike other sectors in the far parts of the national park. Travelers driving from Kampala main city can access Buhoma by taking Kampala –Masaka –Mbarara –Rukungiri –Buhoma route within 8 to 9 driving hours.
Another alternative, traveler can decide to fly from Entebbe International Airport while using domestic flight ‘’Aero link’’ that flights to all Uganda national park. Aero link can fly direct to Kihihi airstrip which is a nearby airstrip to the park and be picked up by park drive to drive you a few kilometers to the park.
Buhoma Gorilla Families
Buhoma Sector is a home of three habituated gorilla families ready for trekking. These families/groups include ;Mubare ,Habinyanja and Rushegura family Amazingly, each of these gorilla groups has different story that is Mubare was the first habituated gorilla family in 1992 and thus the oldest family in the park with 9 members. Habinyanja was habituated in late 1997 composed of 17 members and Rushegura gorilla family was opened for tourism in 2000 having 19members.The three gorilla families in Buhoma sector ,each day 24 gorilla permits are available and issued out for a limited numbery of 8 people per trek per group.
Other activities to do in Buhoma sector.
Apart from trekking gorillas in Buhoma sector, it also offers a number of activities and attractions for travelers. Activities include community walk that leds you to Batwa pygmies and Bakiga Communities. Getting a chance to visit the Batwa pygmies it’s a time you will never forget in lifetime where you will get amazed about their historical forest life before settling to the edges of the forest. Travelers are also allowed to take part in local communities like preparing local food, digging, baby-sitting, collecting fruits and brewing local beers among others Another activity is forest walks to different parts of the park, bird watching is also favorable in Buhoma sector if you want to enjoy in more activity.
Accommodation facilities in Buhoma region/sector.
Bwindi impenetrable forest national park has four gorilla trekking sector and each sector has its accommodation facilities suitable to all visitors. However, Buhoma sector/region has comfortable sleeping accommodation facilities with delicious food. The accommodation in these sector ranges from Luxury, midrange and budget lodges and they all serve quality services to travelers. The price of the lodge varies from the quality of the lodge service but they all offer excellent services delivered by trained and experienced staff. Some of the lodges found in Buhoma region include; Buhoma lodge, Bwindi forest lodge, Bwindi guest house, Bwindi view bandas, Gorilla forest camp, Mahogany spring lodge and Bwindi Volcano lodge many more. And all these lodges have provided a short cut to the gorilla trekking start up point, which make it easier for visitor to catch up with the pre trekking briefing at the national park head quarter in Buhoma.
Lastly, gorilla trekking safari to Buhoma sector is a life changing experience in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. That is to say, the sector is ease to access, offers comfortable lodges and camps and all other activities that make Buhoma a top ultimate place to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park.
