Nestled in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Buhoma Sector is where Uganda’s gorilla trekking story began. This is the very spot where the first official gorilla tracking experience was introduced to the world back in 1993, marking the beginning of a conservation and tourism success story that would transform Bwindi from an isolated jungle into a globally celebrated wildlife haven. Today, Buhoma remains the most popular and accessible sector of the park, often the first choice for both first-time and seasoned travelers seeking an unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas.

A Perfect Blend of Access and Adventure

One of Buhoma’s greatest advantages is its accessibility. Compared to other sectors of Bwindi, Buhoma is more reachable by both road and air. It’s approximately 8–9 hours by car from Kampala or Entebbe, and only a few hours from Kabale or Kisoro. For those seeking quicker travel, scheduled domestic flights from Entebbe land nearby at Kihihi airstrip, followed by a scenic drive into the forested hills of Buhoma.

But ease of access doesn’t mean a diluted experience. On the contrary, Buhoma offers one of the richest gorilla trekking environments in the park, with thick forests, misty trails, and a network of well-maintained paths that wind through dramatic ridges and deep river valleys. It’s wild, it’s beautiful, and it’s still wonderfully untamed.

Gorilla Families in Buhoma

Buhoma is home to several habituated gorilla families, including some of the most studied and photographed in Bwindi. Among the notable families are Mubare (the first to be habituated in Uganda), Habinyanja, and Rushegura. Each group has its own story, behavior patterns, and territory within the forest, offering different trekking experiences depending on the gorilla family assigned to your group during the morning briefing.

Trekking in Buhoma can range from moderately easy to moderately difficult, depending on the gorillas’ location that day, but many visitors find the treks in this sector to be more accessible than the steeper climbs found in the southern sectors.

Beyond Gorillas – Activities in and Around Buhoma

While the highlight is undoubtedly the gorilla encounter, Buhoma offers much more. Visitors can take part in guided nature walks, waterfall hikes, and community tours. The Batwa Cultural Experience allows guests to connect with the Indigenous forest-dwelling Batwa people who once lived in Bwindi before it became a protected area. There are also visits to craft markets, tea farms, and local schools that provide a deeper understanding of how conservation and tourism intertwine with community livelihoods.

This blend of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty makes Buhoma a sector that speaks to the soul of a traveler—curious, responsible, and looking for more than just a photo op.

Accommodation and Amenities

Because of its longstanding role in Uganda’s tourism circuit, Buhoma is well-developed with a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to high-end eco-lodges. Properties like Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, and Bwindi View Bandas offer stunning forest views, locally inspired cuisine, and warm hospitality rooted in conservation ethics.

The sector also has some of the best visitor infrastructure, including ranger stations, briefing centers, and tour operator offices that make the trekking process seamless and organized.

Why Choose Buhoma?

Buhoma is perfect for travelers who want a balance between comfort and adventure. Its history, accessibility, and mature tourism facilities make it especially appealing to families, older travelers, and those visiting Uganda for the first time. Yet its trails, wildlife, and rich forest canopy still hold the magic of a wild, ancient world.

It’s the sector where the gorilla conservation movement in Uganda took root—and when you step into Buhoma’s lush terrain and meet its legendary gorillas, you don’t just become a visitor; you become part of that legacy.