How many Gorilla groups are in the Buhoma region? Which is the best group trek in the Buhoma Region? What is the price/cost of Gorilla permit in Buhoma Region? How do I get to Buhoma Region? All Frequently Asked Questions Answered in this article. Gorilla Groups in the Buhoma Region
Buhoma region is one of the four (04) designated gorilla trekking Regions of Bwindi Forest. The region is also the historical pioneer location where gorilla tourism started in 1993. Buhoma Region then had only one (01) habituated mountain gorilla group called Mubare Mountain gorilla group. But as we write this article, the Buhoma region now boasts of six (06) habituated mountain gorilla groups.
Habituated Mountain Gorilla Groups in Buhoma Region
Buhoma Region boast of six (06) fully habituated gorilla families;
- Mubare Gorilla Family – group also referred to as M- group has eleven (11) members and was the first habituated Mountain gorilla group to be visited in Bwindi as early as April 1993 ( habituation began In 1991 and lasted two years – till 1993 when Mubare Gorilla Group was opened for the maiden Gorilla Tracking In Uganda. Learn more about the Mubare Gorilla Family In Buhoma Region.
- Habinyanja Gorilla Family – Group also referred to as H – the group has a Group size Of up to 17 members with one (01) blackback challenging for silverback position, and 6 infants that make trekking this gorilla group a lot more picturesque fun. The name habinyanja is derived from the local word “Nyanja’ to mean “a place with water” – Gorillas in this group were first seen near the swamp in the Bwindi national park. Habituation of the Habinyanja Gorilla group kicked off in 1997 and the group was officially opened for trekking In 1999.
- Rushegura Gorilla Family – Group also referred to as R- Group has a group size of 16 members under the lead of silverback Kabukojo. Rushegura Group comprises of Four (04) active blackbacks and 04 infants that make this a spectacular family to Visit. Rushegura Gorilla group visit is often a Quick – light trek of fewer than 05 hours. Learn More about the Rushegura Gorilla Family in Buhoma Region.
- Katwe Gorilla Family – Group was the fourth habituated mountain gorilla group to be commissioned for Gorilla trekking in the Buhoma Region from the previous three; Mubare, Habinyanja & Rushegura. Katwe gorilla family has a total of 9 members – comprised of 1 silverback, 2 adult females, 2 blackbucks, and 2 infants. Learn more about the Katwe Gorilla group of the Buhoma Region.
- Muyambi Gorilla Family – group is the latest addition to the list of habituated gorilla families in the popular Buhoma Region. The Mumbai gorilla family was birthed from a split of the habinyanja Gorilla family save for the known facts of the group size 4 individuals including 1 silverback – we are still generating information about this group.
- Malaya Gorilla Family (still undergoing habituation). There is very little information about the Malaya gorilla family found in the Buhoma region. We’ll update you on any information we discover.
Binyindo Gorilla Family – group (Not open for trekking). This family consisted of 06 members including one dominant silverback. This family, unfortunately, was recently joined by a group of wild unhabituated gorillas which meant that they would be potentially dangerous to humans. All the groups you visit have undergone mandatory habituation to prepare them for the human visits that we call gorilla trekking/tracking. We will continue to keep you posted on any development regarding the Binyindo gorilla family.
Best Habituated Gorilla group to track in Buhoma Region
Of all six (06) habituated gorilla groups found in the Buhoma Region, the Rushegura gorilla group is considered the best gorilla family to trek while on a safari to the Buhoma region.
The group has the highest concentration of mountain gorillas with 16 members led by a silverback named Kabujoko, 4 adult females, 4 black backs, 4 infants and 3 juveniles. The plus side Of trekking the large Rushegura gorilla group is the fact that they are known to keep within proximity of the park headquarters in the Buhoma region and henceforth meaning that the treks to see and photograph this group are usually (not all the time) much shorter than when you trek the other groups found in the region. We like to recommend this group to the elderly trekkers, and those that don’t want to be trekking for hours to see gorillas.
Note: The above advice is not a guarantee that the treks visiting the Rushegura gorilla family will always be shorter less strenuous. This is because the mountain gorillas freely roam the forest and can choose to move even much higher up in the forest. If travelling with Realm Africa Safaris™ – your premium gorilla trekking safari company, our guides will do all that is possible to match you with the trek of your interest – just let us know during the course of your safari with us.
What is the Price/Cost of a Gorilla permit in the Buhoma Region?
Mountain gorilla permits in Buhoma Region (Bwindi/Uganda) cost;
- $700 per person for Foreign non-residents.
- $600 per person for foreign Residents (Proof of residence required!)
- UGX250,000 per person for East African Citizens.
When is the best time/month to trek Gorillas in Buhoma Region?
Much as Gorilla trekking/tracking can be done at any time of the year, the best time/months to go gorilla trekking in the Buhoma Region (Northern Bwindi forest National Park) is in the drier season months from June to September and January to February. During these times/months, the trails are drier and less challenging to navigate. However, it’s important to note that these times/months are considered peak season months – which means gorilla tours will be relatively pricey compared to if you opted to go in the low season months of March, April and May.
March, April, and May form the rainy season in these countries, There are very few people trekking Gorillas at this time of the year, making idle for travellers seeking to travel without crowds. Tour companies will Offer discounted Gorilla Safaris around this time of the year.
Related: Reasons to go gorilla trekking in March,April & May 2022 -2023
Where can is stay when trekking Gorillas in the Buhoma region?
Buhoma region has a variety of accommodation options ranging from the very basic and cheap Community operated budget lodges, affordable midrange lodges, and high-end/luxury safari lodges.
- Budget Lodges in Buhoma Region; Buhoma Rest camp.
- Midrange Lodges in Buhoma Region; Ride 4 A Woman Guesthouse – community operated.
- Luxury Lodges in Buhoma region; Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Engagi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge.
How do I get to Buhoma Region from Kampala/Entebbe?
There are several ways to get to buhoma Region (Northern Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park)
By Air, you’ll fly from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi Airfield aboard Aerolink Uganda or Fly Uganda respectively landing at Kihihi Airport. From Kihihi you’ll transfer by road to Buhoma Region – a Journey that will take you about 80 minutes. This is in our opinion the best/quickest way to get to the Buhoma region (Northern Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park).
Private chartered Helicopter rides from Entebbe to Buhoma Region are also possible to arrange but be sure to “break a bank/pay heavily” for this experience.
By road, you’ll have to brace yourself for a long 9 – 10 hours drive from Entebbe/Kampala to get To Buhoma Region. While this is the most common way people get to Buhoma Region, it can be tiring especially if on an express 3 days Gorilla Safari. If you have more days we would recommend getting to Buhoma Region by car with stops at Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth, and also plan a day to relax by the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi.
