Why Buhoma is a popular sector in Bwindi
Why Buhoma is a popular sector in Bwindi: Buhoma is one of the gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi located on the northern side of the park. The region is one of the popular sectors that travelers would love to visit while on their gorilla safari for reasons we are to look at in this article. Other gorilla trekking regions in Bwindi are Ruhija in the east, Nkuringo, and Rushaga in the south of the park.
Buhoma is one of the regions where mountain gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi gorilla park. The region is home to 5 mountain gorilla families among which include the oldest in the park called Mubare gorilla family. The other four gorilla families living in Buhoma region include Katwe, Habinyanja, Rushengura, and Muyambi. We will look at why Buhoma is a popular sector in Bwindi compared to other regions.
Reasons why Buhoma is a popular sector in Bwindi
Buhoma is the oldest gorilla trekking sector
One of the reasons why Buhoma is a popular sector in Bwindi is that it’s the oldest gorilla sector. The region is the oldest gorilla sector in Bwindi where gorilla habituation started. It was the first region in Bwindi where tourists were first allowed to visit mountain gorillas in 1993. Travelers always want to visit the old gorilla sector hence making Buhoma popular.
Buhoma has the oldest gorilla family
The oldest mountain gorilla family in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is found in the Buhoma sector. The region is a home to the oldest gorilla family called Mubare which started its process of habituation in 1991 and then in 1993 it was ready for gorilla trekking activities. Mubare was led by Ruhondeza at the time of habituation who later died and then another silverback Malaya took over the leadership of the group. The family is now led by Kanyonyi who has managed to increase the family members to 13.
Buhoma is easily accessed
Buhoma is a popular sector in Bwindi because it is easily accessed especially by air transport. Buhoma region can be accessed by air transport from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport to Kihihi airstrip right in Buhoma region. From Kihihi airstrip, it’s always easy to access the sector and lodges in a short time using road transport. Buhoma is also easily accessed from Queen Elizabeth national park through the Ishasha sector and the journey takes 3-4 hours.
Lodge Sanctuary Gorilla Forest lodge
Buhoma has the best lodges
Lodges around the Buhoma region have also made the are to be popular to the outside world. Buhoma has the best lodges in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park ranging from budget to mid-range to luxury options and these include Buhoma Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Ride 4 women Guest House, Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Rest Camp, Haven Lodge, and Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.
The Batwa pygmies
The best region to have gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi and visit the Batwa communities is Buhoma region and this has made Buhoma a popular region in Bwindi. Most travelers especially those that love culture would like to take a visit to the Batwa communities to meet the short people that were said to be living in the park. Travelers do want to visit these communities to know how they used to survive in the jungle, listen to stories of long ago, and also help the needy.
When to visit Buhoma region
Travelers interested in visiting Buhoma region can do so at any time of the year however there are months that are better than the rest. The dry months are the best to visit the famous Buhoma region and this occurs from June to September and December to February. The dry season is characterized by little or no rainfall that keeps the trekking trails dry, vegetation is short and thin with good views of the mountain gorillas, and the roads leading to the park are in good condition.
Travelers can also visit the popular Buhoma region in the rainy season to enjoy huge discounts on accommodation facilities because the prices are lowered to attract the few travelers in the region. The rainy season occurs from March to May and October to November and travelers should know that this season is characterized by too much rainfall that makes the trekking trails muddy and slippery, the vegetation is tall and thick with unclear views of the mountain gorillas and the road leading to the region are in poor condition.
