Which is the best way to get to Buhoma Region in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park? In this article we will thoroughly explain what it takes for one to get to buhoma Region – the blog might be a little long but please read on if you are looking for expert travel advice.
Buhoma is the northern sector of the greater Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – located in southwestern Uganda at the edge of the Albertine Rift, the western arm of the East African Rift, at elevations ranging from 1,160 to 2,607 meters (3,806 to 8,553 ft) just a few Kilometers from the DRC Congo border in the west and about 65 km (40 mi) from the glorious Queen Elizabeth National Park. To find Buhoma on the map, use these coordinates are 0°59’16.5″S 29°36’56.3″E.
Best way to get to Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park
By Road:
Depending on where your trip starts, we have listed quite a few popular start points and suggested routings that if followed will get you to Buhoma Region.
- The Entebbe – Mbarara – Ntungamo – Rukungiri – Kihihi to Buhoma Route
The Entebbe, Mbarara, Ntugamo, Kihihi to Buhoma route is definitely the shortest from Entebbe. You’ll have about 471 km/293mi to cover, a journey that will take you about 9-10 hours with the last section of about 144km/ 89 mi being on a rugged dirt road. For this journey, we recommend using a 4×4 Toyota Landcruiser for extra comfort and reliability especially in the rainy season months of May, April & November when the roads really get muddy & slippery
- Entebbe – Kabale – Kanungu – Buhoma Route
The Entebbe, Kabale, Kanungu, Buhoma route is about 533 km/ 331mi from Entebbe International Airport. You’ll require at least 10 hours to get through it all. While a great section of this road will be on paved road, the last bit (120 km/74mi) from Kabale to Buhoma will be off-road and might take you about 3-hours to cover.
- Entebbe – Kabale – Ruhija – Buhoma Route
The Kabale, Ruhija to Buhoma route is, without doubt, the longest route to Buhoma. This route is approximately 558km/347mi from Entebbe. You’ll need up to 11 hours to cover this distance and with the last section of the drive being 120 km/74mi being on a dirt road.
- Kasese – Ishasha Sector (QENP) – Buhoma Route
From Kasese, Buhoma is about 138km/86mi with a great section being off-road. From the Katunguru junction to Ishasha sector – popular for tree climbing lions is approximately 70km/43mi – a drive that will take you about 2-hours. From the ishasha Katooke Gate to Buhoma is about 68km/42mi – a journey that will last another 02 hours to get to Buhoma. This route requires a reliable 4×4 vehicle – most preferably the Toyota Landcruiser.
- The Kigali to Buhoma Route
If coming from Kigali, you should follow the road to the Gatuna-Kabale border located about 80km/50mi a drive that will last about 2 hours. Upon crossing into Uganda, you will then follow the Kable-Kisoro road for about 26kms/16mi and look out for an uphill turn on your left with a signpost indicating Ruhija. From this turn, you will drive on a dirt road for about 135km/84mi to get to the Ruhija sector. From Ruhija to Buhoma will be only 68km/42mi to get to buhoma. Travelers using this route should ensure to keep up to date with the latest Rwanda-Uganda border news- as Rwanda is found of closing its border without prior notice.
Hiring a 4×4 Safari Car
While it’s possible to rent a car and self-drive to Buhoma, we recommend hiring a reliable 4×4 and a qualified driver-guide to safely drive you from your location to Buhoma. A self-drive 4×4 vehicle costs about $45 – $250 per day, and one with a driver/guide costs $150 – $300 per day.
Contact Us for the best deals on car rentals to Buhoma Region.
By Air
The nearest airstrip to Buhoma Sector is Kihihi Airstrip, located about 44 km/ 27 mi from Buhoma. The drive to get to Buhoma from Kihihi takes about 1hr30mins and flights from Entebbe to Kihihi take just about the same time. Aerolink operates scheduled and chartered flights from Entebbe and Kihihi from as low as $500 per person return. If booked on an organized tour, your tour operator should pick you up at the airstrip.
