Best Gorilla Trekking Sector in Uganda for First-Time Visitors

Learn about the best gorilla trekking region in Uganda for beginners.

Gorilla trekking is one of the top tourist activities in Uganda. This activity takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the southwestern part of the country.

The park has four sectors for gorilla trekking: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga.

For beginners, Buhoma is the best sector. It is found in the northern part of Bwindi.

Buhoma is the most well-known region in Bwindi because it was the first to be opened for gorilla trekking. The first group to be visited here was the Mubare gorilla family.

The Mubare family now has 9 members. The number reduced after the death of the silverback Ruhondeza, who had grown old and could no longer protect the group.

Other gorilla families in Buhoma include:

• Habinyanja – habituated in 1997, with 13 members
• Rushegura – habituated in 2002, with 19 members, making it the largest in Buhoma
• Katwe – habituated in 2018, with 7 members led by silverback Rukara
• Muyambi – habituated in 2021, with 9 members led by silverback Muyambi

Buhoma is the best choice for beginners because of its gentle slopes and easier trails. The hikes are shorter, usually lasting between 1 to 4 hours. This makes the experience more comfortable and saves time.

Buhoma is also easier to reach from Kampala compared to other sectors. It is about 500 km away, which takes about 8 to 10 hours by road.

This sector also has better accommodation options than the other regions. These range from luxury to mid-range and budget choices. Some popular lodges include:

• Buhoma Lodge
• Engagi Lodge
• Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Mahogany Springs Lodge
• Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Buhoma also offers a high chance of seeing gorillas, with a success rate of about 98%. This is because several gorilla families are habituated in this area.

The best time to visit Buhoma is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During this time, the trails are dry, and the weather is better for hiking.

A gorilla permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.

Buhoma is the best region for beginners. It offers easier trails, good infrastructure, and a high chance of seeing gorillas, making it a great place for a first-time trekking experience.

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