Buhoma gorilla trekking, Bwindi's original sector
Buhoma gorilla trekking in northern Bwindi, the park's original and most established sector. The classic first-time trek, gentler terrain, the finest lodges, permits and access, by Bwindi House Gorilla Safaris.
- Where
- Northern Bwindi, the original sector
- Signature
- The classic first-time gorilla trek
- Habituated families
- 6
- Standard permit
- USD 800 per person
- Habituation
- Not offered, Rushaga only
- Altitude
- About 1,500 m to 1,900 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate, the gentlest of the four
- Pairs with
- Queen Elizabeth, Batwa walks
Buhoma, the original sector
Buhoma is where gorilla trekking in Bwindi began. It is the historic northern gateway to the park, the most established of the four sectors, and the one we most often recommend for a first encounter with mountain gorillas. The lodges are the finest in the forest, the trailheads are within walking distance of the park headquarters, and the terrain is the most forgiving Bwindi offers.
This page focuses on trekking in Buhoma specifically. For permits, seasons, costs and the wider planning picture, start with our complete Uganda gorilla tours guide.
Why trek in Buhoma
Buhoma's strength is reassurance. It has the best lodge infrastructure in Bwindi, the most established pre-trek briefings, walking-distance access from several lodges to the trailhead, and the gentlest terrain of the four sectors. For a first gorilla trek, or for travellers who would rather the logistics felt calm and proven, it is hard to better.
The first-timer's sector
If you have never trekked for gorillas before, Buhoma is the natural place to start. The combination of gentler terrain, strong infrastructure and the most practised guiding team in the park means the day is built around the encounter rather than the endurance. The trek can still be muddy and unpredictable, because gorillas move where they will, but the odds of a manageable day are best here.
Understand what to expect on the trail in our fitness and trekking guide.
The gorilla families of Buhoma
Buhoma tracks around 6 habituated families, among the longest-established in Bwindi. Your permit names one family for one day, and because Buhoma's groups are so well known to the trackers, briefings here are detailed and confident.
For the wider picture, see our journal piece on the gorilla families of Bwindi.
Buhoma permits and prices
A Buhoma trek is always the standard one-hour visit, because the habituation experience is offered only in Rushaga. The standard permit is USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for a specific family and date.
| Buhoma | |
|---|---|
| Standard trekking permit | USD 800 per person |
| Habituation experience | Not available, Rushaga only |
| Time with gorillas | One hour |
| Habituated families | Around six |
See how permits are released and priced in our Uganda gorilla permits guide.
How to reach Buhoma
Buhoma is in the north of Bwindi. The classic route drives from Entebbe and breaks the journey in Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving at Buhoma as the finale of a wider safari. For shorter trips, light aircraft to the Kihihi airstrip and a road transfer is the fastest way in.
Terrain and fitness in Buhoma
Buhoma sits at roughly 1,500 to 1,900 metres and offers the most moderate terrain of the four sectors, though no Bwindi trek is ever guaranteed easy, since you follow the gorillas wherever they have moved. Reasonable fitness still pays off, and a porter is available to carry your pack and help on the climbs.
Pack well with our Bwindi packing list.
Where to stay for Buhoma
Buhoma has the strongest lodge infrastructure in Bwindi, and several lodges sit within walking distance of the trailhead. As always, the lodge belongs in the same sector as the permit. See the wider picture on our Buhoma trekking guide.
Buhoma compared with the rest of Bwindi
Buhoma is the classic, gentler choice, but the other sectors answer different briefs. Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo offer the habituation experience, dramatic ridge views and high-altitude birding respectively.
Compare all four in our Bwindi sectors guide, or return to the Uganda gorilla tours hub.
Let us compose your Buhoma gorilla trek
Tell us your travel window and your fitness, and whether Buhoma is the right sector for you. We will check permit availability, place your lodge in the same sector, and build a private journey around you, not around a fixed departure.