Is a high-season gorilla trek in the Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park something you’re considering? If so, Katland Safaris can make that a reality for you. Even though it may be challenging, particularly during the peak season from June to September each year, we have perfected the art of ensuring that you get the gorilla permits. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a popular activity at this time of year, but the park’s services and permits sell out quickly, leaving visitors with little choice except to conduct their treks in Buhoma or another area.

Located in the park’s northern section, Buhoma sector was the first to be habituated in 1993, shortly after Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the park’s most well-known and popular areas is Buhoma, which is home to the legendary Mubare gorilla family as well as three other groups: Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe.

Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp and Bwindi Lodge, the only two lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, are situated in the Buhoma sector, which is why many people come to enjoy a gorilla trekking experience there. As you embark on your gorilla trek in Bwindi, stay at one of these beautiful lodges.

Additionally, the sector is home to a large number of gorilla families, second only in number to the Rushaga sector, which makes it easier to get a gorilla permit, and the fact that gorilla trekking originated here gives many tourists hope that they may see gorillas when visiting this sector. One of the main reasons why gorilla permits and services in the Buhoma sector sell out in advance is because it is home to more luxury hotels than any other sector in Bwindi, which makes it ideal for luxury tourists.

Priorities for planning a high-season, luxurious gorilla safari vacation to Buhoma
Get your gorilla permits ahead of time

It is highly recommended that you reserve your gorilla permits at least three to four months in advance of your gorilla safari date in Buhoma while planning a luxury gorilla safari vacation. This is because, on a first-come, first-served basis, permits sell out far in advance of the peak season. To go mountain gorilla trekking in Buhoma, you’ll need a gorilla permit, which costs $800 for non-resident foreigners, $700 for resident foreigners, and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African citizens. For this fee, you may spend an hour up close and personal with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi. To get more information on how to reserve gorilla permits for tracking in Buhoma ahead of time, please contact us at this link.

Enjoying a stay at a five-star hotel

It is highly recommended to stay in luxurious lodgings for an unforgettable gorilla safari trip in Buhoma during peak season. This will ensure that you have a fantastic experience and are comfortable during your safari. There are a number of high-end lodges in Buhoma, such as Mahogany Springs and Silverback Lodge, in addition to the two resorts within Bwindi Forest—Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp and Bwindi Lodge.

Traveling to Buhoma in style and comfort

It would be more comfortable for you to go to Buhoma in 4×4 Land Cruisers. Flying into Kihihi Airstrip, which is near Buhoma, is another alternative; this can shorten the 8 to 9-hour travel from Entebbe or Kampala to your Buhoma resort to only 1 hour.

Outfit Recommendations for Gorilla Trekking
If you’re still unsure about what to pack for your hike, consider the following items:

A long-sleeved sweater, since the park cools off at night
Two sets of long pants
Waterproof boots for trekking
A cap and sunglasses (optional, but recommended) on sunny days
Photography is a great way to preserve memories, so be sure to bring a camera and long-lasting batteries. Never forget to turn off our flash.
Scope with two lenses. You may see many monkeys and a wide variety of birds in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Gardening gloves; they’ll come in handy for grabbing onto branches and trees as you hike.
You should bring a raincoat just in case. The weather in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is quite unpredictable, being a rainforest.
Because it is a forest, there are many different kinds of hazardous insects, thus it is wise to bring or use a mosquito repellent.
sun protection; this is totally discretionary, but in some seasons, the heat might be unbearable, so it’s wise to wear a sunscreen just in case.
If you want to avoid charging or frightening the gorillas, it’s best to avoid wearing particularly bright colors.
Also, keep away from black and blue hues; these attract tsetse flies. Thus, I propose that you go with muted tones.

Where to Find Buhoma Sector in Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

Traveling by Air: Flying to Buhoma is a more efficient and less taxing option. You may travel to Buhoma from Kihihi Airstrip with Aero Link, a local airline that offers both scheduled and charter flights. You may be dropped off at Kihihi and then picked up by our experienced guide to take you to your lodge; there is no direct flight to Buhoma. About an hour and a half is the driving time between Kihihi and a neighboring resort.

Always arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight’s planned departure time. It should be mentioned that AeroLinks allows 15 kilos of luggage per passenger, with an additional 3 USD per kilogram fee for any excess. Clients with specific time and route needs may also take advantage of customized charters. You can also consider taking your children on a trip with you; infants under the age of two go at no cost. The fare for children over the age of 15 is 70% of the cost for adults.

From Entebbe or Kampala, you may reach Buhoma via the major highway route; the travel should take around 8 or 9 hours. The town of Kabale will be your passing point on the way to Buhoma. From Kigali, Rwanda, one may reach the park after a four- to five-hour journey.

Peak season for arranging a Buhoma luxury gorilla safari

You may go hiking at Buhoma in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest at any time of year, but keep in mind that it’s a tropical rain forest, so it might rain at any moment. Since the jungle is less slippery and rainfall is lowest from December to February and June to August, these are the optimum months to follow gorillas. However, you may get better deals on lodging at some lodges if you plan your trip between March and May or November, when there is a greater likelihood of more rainfall.

Why should you use our company to plan your high-season Buhoma gorilla safari vacation?
Established in 3003, Katland Safaris is proud to provide personalized safaris. Its staff is reliable and hardworking. Our staff of expert tour guides will respond to your questions within 20 minutes. In order to save you time and trouble, these experts will create a personalized trip plan, address all of your queries, and guarantee that all of your services are reserved in advance.

Depending on your language requirements, we also have very competent safari guides available. You may choose from a variety of luxury gorilla safaris, including 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day itineraries, depending on your preferences. Contact us at your convenience.

On the subject of the Buhoma sector gorilla families
Apes of the Mubare Mountains
When tourism was first brought to Bwindi in 1993, this gorilla group—the oldest in the area—became habituated. It was in the world-famous Mubare Hills that the search party first laid eyes on the band, thus the name Mubare. The original group size was fifteen people, with Ruhondeza at the helm, but due to raids and other misfortunes, that number has now dropped to five. The gang has grown to nine members after Ruhondeza’s death at more than fifty years of age and the subsequent leadership transition to another silverback, Kanyonyi.

The Family of Habinyanja Gorillas
The habituation process began in 1997, and tracking commenced in 1999. Additionally, the Buhoma area is home to the group. A water site is the origin of the Rukiga word “Nyanja,” from whence the name Habinyanja was formed. Mugurusi was already at the head of the group when they were first seen near a swamp pond in Bwindi; Mwirima and Rwansigazi, two brothers, took over after him.

Unlike Mwirima, who preferred to remain put, Rwansigazi was always up for an adventure. Rushegura was later established by Rwansigazi. There are now 17 members of this family, including the Silverback Makara as head. There are 9 adults, 5 babies, and 3 juveniles. You may reach this group, which is one of the easier ones to follow, by driving for 45 minutes from the starting point to Nyamishaba hamlet, where the route begins.

Kinship of the Rushegura Gorillas
Separated from the Habinyanja gorilla family, this subgroup became accessible for monitoring around the year 3002. After years of feuding with his brother Rwansigazi for control, powerful silverback Mwirima decided to establish his own group and spearheaded the breakaway, which he did with the help of seven other members. He passed away later on, and a black back is now leading the gang.

From an initial 8 members, the club has grown to a current membership of 19. This population resides on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and makes frequent crossings between the two countries. Another group that is simple to keep tabs on is the visitors that begin their journey at the park headquarters and walk the short fifteen minutes to the trailhead in Mukono.

The Katwe Gorilla Family.
It took this most recent cohort three years to become accustomed and prepared for visitor monitoring in the Buhoma area. A dominant silverback, together with four females and two young, make up the group. Since people are constantly joining and leaving the organization, an accurate headcount is impossible to get. Established in 2018, the group’s stated goal is to raise daily gorilla permit availability and, by extension, national income.