Buhoma Sector Guide
Buhoma sits on the northern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of four trekking sectors alongside Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga, located in southwestern Uganda’s Kigezi highlands near Congo’s Virunga National Park. Bwindi covers 331 square kilometers and holds 19 habituated gorilla families open for tourism across all four sectors.
Gorilla Hurly Burly arranges gorilla trekking permits and full safari packages for travelers who want to explore Buhoma sector.
Buhoma’s History as Bwindi’s First Trekking Sector
Buhoma holds the distinction of being the first sector to host tourists for gorilla trekking and habituation, starting in 1993. This makes it both the oldest sector in the park and the oldest gorilla tourism site in Uganda overall, a history that continues to draw the highest visitor numbers of any Bwindi sector today.
Gorilla Families in Buhoma
Buhoma is home to four gorilla families: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe.
Mubare Gorilla Family was the first to be habituated, a process taking two years starting in 1991 before opening for trekking in 1993. First seen on Mubare Hill, which gives the group its name, Mubare originally had 18 members, though the number declined over time due to deaths and group splits caused by disagreements between silverbacks.
Habinyanja Gorilla Family takes its name from the Rukiga word “Nyanja,” meaning water pond, since the group was first spotted near one. Opened for tourism in 1999 after two years of habituation, Habinyanja originally held 30 members under silverback Mugurusi. After his death, brothers Mwirima and Rwansigazi led the group together until Mwirima left to form his own family. Habinyanja now has 18 members.
Rushegura Gorilla Family formed when Mwirima split from Habinyanja, later led by silverback Kabukojo following Mwirima’s death in 2014. The group started with just 8 members and has since grown to 16. Mwirima earned a reputation for being peaceful and for teaching good habits within the group during his leadership.
Katwe Gorilla Family stands as the newest habituated group in Buhoma, with 7 members led by a single silverback, Katwe, after whom the family is named.
With only four gorilla families in Buhoma, and each family limited to eight visitors per day, the sector offers just 32 permits daily, making it more limited in permit volume than sectors like Rushaga.
Accessibility
Buhoma is easily accessible from Kigali, Rwanda, Kabale Town, or the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, giving travelers multiple route options depending on where their broader itinerary starts. This convenient location is a major reason many tourists choose Buhoma over Bwindi’s other sectors.
Terrain in Buhoma also runs easier than in Nkuringo or Rushaga, with less steep, less rugged paths that generally let visitors reach their assigned gorilla family in a shorter time than in the park’s more physically demanding sectors.
Accommodation Options
Buhoma offers extensive accommodation, spanning budget to luxury lodges, all providing solid service in a peaceful setting near the forest edge. This range gives travelers flexibility regardless of their trip budget, from backpacker-style lodges to high-end properties offering premium comfort after a day of trekking.
Other Activities in Buhoma
Beyond gorilla trekking, visitors to Buhoma can take part in cycling and cultural visits to the Bakiga and Batwa communities, adding variety to a trip otherwise centered on the gorilla encounter itself. These activities work well as either a rest-day alternative to trekking or an add-on for travelers spending multiple days in the sector.
Why Buhoma Permits Sell Out Quickly
Because of its accessibility, easier terrain, and long-standing popularity, Buhoma gorilla permits stay in consistently high demand. Booking at least 4 to 6 months in advance is advisable to secure a spot, since the sector’s limited 32 daily permits, spread across just four gorilla families, fill up faster than sectors with more trekking capacity.
Why Choose Buhoma Sector
Buhoma suits travelers prioritizing convenience, easier terrain, and strong accommodation variety, backed by the sector’s long history as Uganda’s original gorilla trekking destination. First-time trekkers, older visitors, and those wanting a well-established, reliable trekking experience tend to find Buhoma the most approachable of Bwindi’s four sectors.
Book Your Buhoma Gorilla Trekking Safari
Buhoma sector combines gorilla trekking history, easier terrain, and strong accommodation options into Bwindi’s most popular trekking destination. Book your gorilla trekking safari with Gorilla Hurly Burly today. Contact our team to secure your Buhoma permit and plan a well-organized trip to this historic northern Bwindi sector.
