6 Top Things to do in Buhoma after gorilla trekking

Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Buhoma sector was the first sector to be habituated in 1993 just after the park was declared a UNESCO Heritage. Buhoma is the most famous and most visited part of the park, with the oldest Gorilla family Mubare and three other families of Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe Gorilla families. The main activity in this sector is gorilla trekking which is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, however there are other various activities and top things you can do in Buhoma sector after your gorilla trekking and these include;

Batwa Cultural Experience

On the Batwa cultural experience tour you will be guided by one of the Batwa guides giving you an opportunity to learn about traditional forest life of the Batwa in Bwindi Forest which is historically the home of the Batwa, you will also enjoy the traditional dances of the Batwa and Stone Age practices including making traditional fire among others.

Taking part in Gorilla Health and Research

This is done at Gorilla Conservation Camp which is managed Conservation Through Public Health. This trains Bwindi forest park staff and community volunteers as Human-Gorilla conflict resolution teams in gorilla health monitoring. This has helped boost the gorilla conservation programs in Bwindi hence providing a safer habitat of the mountain gorillas.  There is also an opportunity to dine with gorilla doctors where you will have an opportunity to learn about their work towards saving the only remaining mountain gorillas in the wild.

Visiting Ride 4 a Woman for cultural experiences

While you stay at Ride 4 a Woman you can learn how to cook the traditional dishes of the Bakiga tribe and enjoy the local fruits with the community on the open deck of the dining hall, among the misty hills of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You will have a chance to take part in preparing a local meal which you will as well enjoy as your lunch or dinner.

Nature walk

The Nature walk is done in Bwindi forest. it is a very exciting activity to do apart from gorilla habituation which gives you an opportunity to learn more about tree species as well other wildlife species in the forest. In Nkuringo you will visit the River Ivi-Nkuringo trail where you will also have a sight of the falls plummeting 33 meters.

Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park Ishasha and Mweya

Buhoma sector is located close to Queen Elizabeth National park, during your gorilla trek you are able to visit both sections of Mweya and Ishasha for wildlife viewing and game safari.

Birding

Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park is one the best birding spots in Uganda home to an impressive 350 species. Birding takes place along the main trail, the Buhoma Waterfall Trail and along the bamboo zone. We recommend you carry your birding book in case you have limited safari time and you will identify some birds that visit the gardens of your Lodge.

Local community visit

Local community visits through local villages which provide insights into the lives of the Bakiga and Batwa pygmy people living beside the Bwindi forest. Other activities include yoga at the Lodge, Mountain bicycle ride, volunteering which is done in the local community schools and projects and Butterfly watching which is done at night among others. Contact us for booking the above activities that you can do after your gorilla trek in Buhoma

How to get Buhoma Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

By Air: You can get to the Buhoma by air which is faster and less tiresome. Aero link is a domestic airline offering both scheduled and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip from where you connect to Buhoma. There is no direct flight to Buhoma but you can be dropped off to Kihihi where you will be picked up by our professional guide and dropped at your lodge. The drive time from Kihihi to a nearby lodge is approximately 1 hour. Passengers are always required to check in 90minutes before the scheduled departure time of your flight. It is also important to note that aero links baggage is 15kilograms per person and an excess is charged at 3usd per kilo. There also private charters available for client’s that have different timing requirements and different routings too. You might also want to travel with your kids which are free for an infant below 2years old. Children above 12years are carried at 70% of the adult’s fare.

By Road: Buhoma can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which is approximately 8-9 hours’ drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Buhoma. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours’ drive.

Best time for gorilla trekking in Buhoma

Buhoma located in Bwindi impenetrable forest is open for trekking all year round but it is also important to note that the forest is a tropical rain forest and can receive rain at any time. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.

Where to Stay in Buhoma during gorilla trekking

For luxury lodge options in Buhoma you can look at Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany springs, Silverback Lodge and Egangi Lodge. Budget lodges in Buhoma include Buhoma Community Havens Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp and Buhoma Camp. All these lodges have three meal plans when you book your safari with Encounter Africa Safaris, u a guaranteed a full board meal basis.

Why book your gorilla trek in Buhoma with Encounter Africa Safaris?

Founded in 2003, Encounter Africa safaris takes pride in customizing tailor made safaris. It has a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 20minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences. some Gorilla safaris include; the 2-day Gorilla Fly in safari, the 3-day Gorilla safari, 4 Day Gorilla fly in safari, it all depends on your preference. Feel free to contact us.