Buhoma sector is well known to be the first sector in Bwindi and Uganda at large. It is also where the main headquarters were first built and hosted the first group of tourists to engage in gorilla trekking. This is one of the 4 sectors of Bwindi national Park among others are Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga. All these sectors support gorilla trekking experience. Buhoma is located in the north of the park and can easily be accessed through either Kihihi, Kanungu or Ishasha sector – south of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Buhoma sector is located in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park; a popular bio-diverse area which is home to about 19 habituated gorilla families that are open to tourists in Uganda. This park is located in the southwestern part of the pearl of Africa near the border of DR Congo and Virunga conservation area.
It is known to have the highest number of gorillas – about 500 individuals, almost half of the world’s total population. The gorillas in this park can be trekked and traced in the far mountainous areas which calls for average level of fitness for travelers willing to visit this park.
Buhoma sector has therefore become popular as a pioneer sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park and Uganda at large. The first gorilla group to be open for tourists is the Mubare gorilla family in 1993. Habituation of this gorilla group started 2 years back in 1991 and after the group had familiarized and gotten used to human presence, it was later introduced to tourists. The name for this group came as a result of the park rangers and researcher spotting the Mubare gorilla family near Mubare hill for the first time.
Mubare group is comprised of 9 members having reduced from initial 22 members. This number reduced due to death and migrations or splitting hence forming other groups. The group was led by the silverback called Ruhondeza who died in 2013. Buhoma sector has other gorilla families that one can trek on a Uganda gorilla safari and these include;
Habinyanja gorilla family. This name was derived from the local Rukiga word Nyanja which means ‘water pond’. This is where the family was first spotted by the park rangers and researchers. The group was open for trekking in 1999 after the habituation process that started in 1997, lasting for 2 years. The gorilla family was dominated by silverback Mugurusi leading 29 members.
After the death of Mugurusi the leader, Habinyanja group had misunderstandings caused by two rivalry brothers – Mwirima and Rwansigazi. Mwirima later separated forming his group, named Rushegura. Habinyanja gorilla family now consists of 20 members including 2 silverbacks.
Rushegura gorilla family. This was formed by Mwirima having broken away from Habinyanja gorilla family as earlier mentioned. The gorilla family is comprised of 16 members after Mwirima broke off with other 8 members in 2002. Silverback later Mwirima died in 2014 and currently the group is dominated by another silverback, Kabukojo.
The fourth group is Katwe group. Comprised of 7 individuals including 1 silverback, Katwe is the newest gorilla family to be habituated in Buhoma.
Therefore, gorilla trekking in Buhoma takes place every day and each group serves only 8 visitors which makes a total of 32 visitors per day.
Buhoma sector is the most demanded by tourists because of different factors such as easy access from Kihihi airstrip, Kigali – Rwanda and Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, being the first to host tourists for gorilla trekking, better accommodation facilities among others.
For the best Uganda gorilla trekking safaris, book your experience earlier to secure gorilla permits and usually 6-8 months in advance are advisable.
