Buhoma gorilla permits: A gorilla permit is a special document given to all visitors on gorilla safaris and it what allows you to track/trek one of the habituated gorilla families in Buhoma sector or any other gorilla destination in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo. All Buhoma gorilla permits are issued out at USD700 for FNR- Foreign Non-Residents, USD600 for FR- Foreign Residents and Shs. 250,000 for all East Africa citizens. The cost of Buhoma gorilla permits are per person per gorilla trek.
How many gorilla permits are available in Buhoma daily?
Buhoma sector is comprised of 4 habituated mountain gorilla groups and they are open for tracking each day. Each gorilla group in Buhoma is trekked by 8 visitors and in total, it translates into 32 gorilla permits. The 32 gorilla permits are available for booking for tourists planning to visit Buhoma sector for gorilla trekking.
How to book Buhoma gorilla permits 2022
There are 2 options for booking Buhoma gorilla permits- through a reliable tour operator/agent/company on ground or direct booking through the reservation team at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). When booking for Buhoma gorilla permits, specific details – name, date you plan to trek gorillas in Buhoma etc. will be required and the tour company will cross-check for availability of permits at UWA offices. Feedback will be sent to you by email letting you know about availability of Buhoma gorilla permits and deposit will be required for you to pay for booking the permit.
The process of booking gorilla permits is a little strenuous and dealing with the ground tour operators can save you from such stress. However, not to miss the gorilla permit, you are advised to book it as early as possible at least 2-4 months prior to the actual date. Holding Buhoma gorilla permit is a great opportunity to spend full one hour with mountain gorillas in the wild. This is a lifetime opportunity which you shouldn’t miss.
Mountain gorillas live in only 3 African countries- Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park and D.R. Congo in the Virunga National Park. As of 2021, these large primates account for a population of not more than 1063 with half of them thriving in Uganda.
What is included in the Buhoma gorilla permits?
Buhoma gorilla permits includes one hour of face to face with mountain gorillas in the wild, park entry fees, park guide/ranger fees. However, it excludes costs for accommodation in Buhoma, meals, transportation, other activities, tipping etc.
Buhoma sector.
Buhoma is one of the 4 locations / regions where gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted. This is the Northern most sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Kanungu district which doubles as the park’s overall headquarter. It is where the first gorilla family was habituated and opened for gorilla tourism. The pioneer gorilla family to be opened for trekking in Uganda is Mubare, which is found in this sector.
Other families of mountain gorillas in Buhoma include Rushegura, Habinyanja and Katwe. Other than Buhoma, the 3 additional sectors in Bwindi include Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija.
Accommodation in Buhoma sector.
Buhoma boasts of different accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury. The budget lodges and camps worth booking include Bwindi Canteen, Buhoma Community Rest Camp; midrange/moderate lodges include Buhoma Haven Lodge, Kitandara Tented Camp while luxury include Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs and Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge.
How to get there?
Buhoma is accessible both by road and by air. By road, there are two options – start from Kampala in Uganda or Kigali in Rwanda. From Kampala to Buhoma for gorilla trekking takes 8-9 hours’ drive and you drive through Masaka-Mbarara route that also lets you make a stopover at different sites including at the Equator crossing or Mpambire drum makers or enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the countryside.
From Kigali to Buhoma, it takes only 3-4 hours and you cross via ether Chanika border or Katuna border. Also, there is easy access to this region via Queen Elizabeth National Park, taking about 2-3 hours from Ishasha sector with opportunity for you to see tree climbing lions.
By air; daily scheduled flights are available by Aerolink and set off from Entebbe Airport and land in Kihiihi Airstrip or Kisoro airstrip. From Kihihi, your tour operator will pick you up and transfer to your booked safari lodge in Buhoma.
