Buhoma sector is where gorilla trekking in Bwindi began. The original visitor centre, the first habituated family, the most established lodge infrastructure — Buhoma is the classic Bwindi gorilla trekking experience, and it remains one of the best. Here is everything you need to know to book Buhoma for 2027.
Buhoma’s History and Significance
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi was launched from Buhoma sector in 1993, when the Mubare gorilla family became the first fully habituated group available for tourist visits. The Mubare family’s habituation — led by the Mountain Gorilla Project in partnership with what was then the Uganda National Parks authority — established the template for gorilla tourism in Uganda: limited daily visitor numbers, strict distance rules, ranger escort, and conservation revenue flowing directly into the surrounding communities. Everything that makes gorilla trekking in Uganda an ethical, well-managed form of conservation tourism was pioneered in Buhoma. Visiting Buhoma means visiting the original gorilla trekking site on the continent.
Buhoma’s Gorilla Families
Buhoma sector has three habituated gorilla families. The Mubare family is the oldest habituated family in Bwindi — habituated in 1993 and the most experienced with human presence of any Bwindi gorilla group. The family currently numbers around 12 individuals. The Rushegura family was habituated in 2002 and numbers approximately 15 individuals. The Habinyanja family is the largest of the three Buhoma families, currently with around 17 members and two silverbacks. Each family has its own territory within the northern Bwindi forest. The Mubare and Rushegura families tend to range in more accessible terrain; Habinyanja sometimes ventures into steeper areas. Buhoma’s families have the longest history with human observers, making them among the calmest and most relaxed habituated gorilla groups in Africa.
Trek Difficulty at Buhoma
Buhoma is generally considered the most accessible of Bwindi’s four sectors for trekking, particularly for the Mubare and Rushegura family treks. The forest in the Buhoma area includes sections of relatively gentle terrain, and many treks in this sector involve less severe elevation change than Nkuringo or some Ruhija routes. This does not mean Buhoma is easy — it is still forest trekking on uneven ground — but it is the recommended sector for older travellers, those with fitness concerns, and first-time gorilla trekkers who want a more manageable physical experience. Porters are available and recommended for all visitors.
Buhoma’s Tourism Infrastructure
Buhoma has the most developed tourism infrastructure of any Bwindi sector. The village of Buhoma, adjacent to the park entrance, has grown around the gorilla tourism industry and offers a full range of services: accommodation from budget guesthouses to luxury lodges, restaurants, craft markets, community walks, and cultural experiences. The Buhoma Community Rest Camp was one of the first community-owned tourism businesses in Uganda and remains a popular mid-range option. Higher-end options include Bwindi Lodge, the Mahogany Springs Lodge, and the excellent Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. The Buhoma Gorilla Bar and Lodge Canteen area creates a social atmosphere in the evenings where trekkers share their day’s experiences over Nile Special beer and Ugandan food.
The Buhoma Community Walk
The Buhoma community walk is a two-hour guided walk through the villages surrounding the park, visiting local homesteads, traditional healers, craft makers, and community development projects funded by tourism revenue. It is excellent context for understanding how gorilla conservation integrates with local community life and is particularly worthwhile for travellers interested in the human dimensions of conservation. The walk costs approximately 30 USD and is operated by the Buhoma community tourism programme with profits going directly to community development funds.
Getting to Buhoma
Buhoma is approximately 475 kilometres from Kampala by road, typically a seven to eight hour journey via Mbarara and the Kigezi highlands. Charter flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kihihi airstrip (the nearest airstrip to Buhoma, approximately 40-45 minutes by road from the park entrance) reduce total journey time to under two hours. Kihihi is the main charter flight hub for northern Bwindi. For travellers driving, the road from Kabale to Buhoma passes through some of Uganda’s most beautiful highland scenery and is fully paved to within a short distance of the park entrance.
Booking Buhoma Permits for 2027
Buhoma permits are available from Uganda Wildlife Authority and through registered operators. Peak season availability (June to September, December) is limited — with only three gorilla families and a maximum of eight visitors per family per day, Buhoma has 24 permits maximum per day, significantly fewer than Rushaga’s capacity. Book at least three to four months in advance for peak season dates. Shoulder season availability is better. Contact us to check current availability for your preferred 2027 dates and to receive a full Buhoma itinerary including accommodation, transport, and pre-trek preparation guidance.
