Location and Context
Buhoma is a small community on the northern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Kanungu District, southwestern Uganda. At roughly 1,400 m elevation, the village sits at the treeline where the impenetrable forest begins, making it the most visited entry point into Bwindi.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority maintains its Bwindi headquarters in Buhoma. The village has developed significantly since gorilla trekking opened in 1993, now hosting a range of lodges, community tourism enterprises, and support services for visitors.
Gorilla Trekking Access
Buhoma is the primary launch point for gorilla trekking in Bwindi's northern sector. The UWA briefing area and permit registration are located here. Trekkers depart each morning for habituation groups including the Mubare family — the first gorilla family habituated in Bwindi, in 1991.
Trek duration from Buhoma varies from 1 to 6 hours depending on where the gorilla families have moved overnight. The terrain ranges from gentle forest trails to steep, dense undergrowth. Porters are available at the trailhead and are highly recommended for those with heavy packs or limited fitness.
What to Do in Buhoma
Beyond gorilla trekking, Buhoma offers several complementary activities. The Buhoma Community Walk is a guided village tour organized by the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Trust, providing direct economic benefit to local communities. Forest walks with UWA rangers allow exploration without requiring a gorilla permit.
Birdwatching in the northern sector is excellent, with the forest edge habitat around Buhoma productive for Albertine Rift endemics including Grauer's rush warbler and African green broadbill. The Ivy River trail is a popular afternoon birdwatching route.
Accommodation
Buhoma has the broadest range of accommodation of any Bwindi sector. Options range from budget bandas inside the park boundary to high-end forest lodges. Most lodges are clustered within 2 km of the park gate. Mid-range and high-end properties typically include meals, guided walks, and local transport.
Getting There
Buhoma is approximately 530 km from Kampala, typically a 7–9 hour drive via Masaka and Kabale. Charter flights operate to Kihihi airstrip (about 25 km from Buhoma), reducing travel time significantly. Scheduled shuttle services run from Kampala and Kampala via Kabale, though these are less convenient for permit timing.