Buhoma Sector is where gorilla tourism in Uganda began, and it remains the most established of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s four trekking sectors, with the deepest bench of experienced guides and the widest choice of nearby lodges.
Key Highlights
- Located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Uganda’s original gorilla trekking sector, open since the mid-1990s
- Widest range of lodge options, from budget to luxury, clustered around the park entrance
- Generally gentler terrain than Rushaga or Nkuringo, though still forest hiking
- Part of the wider Uganda gorilla trekking permit system
Why Choose Buhoma
Buhoma’s long track record means well-worn trails, established ranger teams, and the most developed tourism infrastructure of any Bwindi sector — a good fit for first-time trekkers who want a smoother logistical experience. It’s also the most convenient sector if you’re arriving from Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kibale, sitting closer to the northern approach roads than Rushaga or Nkuringo.
Getting There and Staying Nearby
Buhoma is reached via a scenic but long drive from Kampala or Entebbe, often broken up with a stop in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Accommodation options range from simple guesthouses to high-end lodges perched on the forest edge, more densely clustered here than in any other Bwindi sector.
For the full picture of what a trekking day involves, see our first-time gorilla trekking guide, or compare Buhoma against Bwindi’s other sectors — Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo — on our main gorilla trekking page.
Plan Your Buhoma Trek
Tell us your travel dates and we’ll check permit availability for Buhoma alongside the rest of your Bwindi itinerary.