Birding in Buhoma Sector

Birding in the Buhoma sector: Are you interested in Albertine endemic bird species and you aren’t sure of where to find them? Birding in the Buhoma sector, also a renowned gorilla trekking region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is amazingly one ideal spot worth visiting sight a range of Albertine endemic and forest bird species.

Birds of the Buhoma sector

Buhoma sector hosts a significant portion of 360 bird species in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With the diversity of birds to spot, gorilla trekking safaris in Buhoma can be incorporated with birding tours. The important birds to look out for while on the Buhoma birding tour include bar-tailed trogon, red-headed bluebill, white-headed saw-wing, African blue flycatchers.

Other birds of interest for birders on birding tours in Buhoma include pink-footed puff back, grey crowned cranes, Waller’s starling, Ameson’s ant pecker, great blue turacos, Africa cuckoos, white-throated greenbul, blue-headed sunbird, yellow fronted canary, yellow-rumped tinker bird, barred long-tailed cuckoo.

Hiking Trails in Buhoma

Buhoma sector is known for its rewarding hiking trails each ushering nature lovers to natural endowments of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. They include;

Waterfall trail- The waterfall is one of the best nature walking trails the Buhoma sector is known for. This trail lets you spot a range of colorful butterflies, tree species, birds, primate species.

Ivy River trail- This is one of the interesting trails within Buhoma and is also considered to be the longest taking nature lovers up to 8 hours to complete. It is a 14kms hiking trail extending up to the Southern boundary of Bwindi National Park. The River Ivi trail is known to offer the incredible sight of bird species, antelopes, beautiful butterflies, monkeys, etc.

Rushura hill trail- The Rushura trail is a 3-4 hours’ nature walking trail set on the highest elevation of Bwindi 1615m. The trail allows you to enjoy an excellent view of the border forest shared between D.R. Congo and Uganda, surrounding lakes like Lake Edward and George.

Also, expect the jaw-dropping views of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, Virunga Volcanoes in Rwanda, and D.R. Congo. Rushura trail takes 5 hours and while on a hike, expect to sight a range of small mammals, butterflies, birds, and mountain peaks.

Muzabajiro loop- This is a 6kms nature walk trail taking visitors up to 3-4 hours. The Muzubijiro loop allows you to enjoy the sight of primates, the lush Bwindi forest, rift valley, Virunga mountains and so much more.

Munyaga river trail- The Munyaga river walk starts from Buhoma taking you via the River Ivi-Nkuringo trail. It ends with a jaw-dropping view of the waterfalls known to fall 33m down. It is an ideal spot for birders to keep an eye on the diversity of bird species.

Habinyanja trail- 5 to 6 hours’ nature walk trail perfect for nature lovers to explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This trail takes you via R. Munyanga then down to the Riyoyi ridge, Habigorogoro overviewing River Buhoma. It is a special trail for gorilla trekkers on a trek to explore the Habinyanja gorilla family or for bird sighting with a high possibility to sight bee-eaters.

Other Activities to do in Buhoma besides birding include mountain gorilla trekking. It is in the Buhoma sector where the oldest family of mountain gorillas is found that is Mubare gorilla group. There are also additional 3 habituated gorilla families worth visiting on gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These include the Habinyanja gorilla group, Katwe, and Rushegura gorilla family groups.

Each of the Buhoma sector’s gorilla families is open for trekking by tourists with valid gorilla permits. Gorilla permits for Buhoma sector Bwindi all cost USD 700 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 600 for foreign residents, and 250,000 shillings for East Africa citizens.

A nature walk in the available trails, cycling, cultural encounter, and others are among the exciting Uganda safari activities to expect enjoying while in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi National Park.

Besides Buhoma, the other 3 trailheads/sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. These are often visited not only for gorilla trekking safaris but also for birding tours, nature walks, etc.

Where to stay

Buhoma sector has budget, midrange, and luxury accommodation facilities available for booking. The lodges to consider for an overnight stay while on birding safaris in Buhoma include Silverback Lodge Buhoma, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Haven Lodge Buhoma, Engagi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, and others.

Getting to the Buhoma sector for a birding tour

Buhoma sector is located in the Northern part of Bwindi, Southwestern Uganda, and from Kampala, it is an 8-9 hours’ drive. Driving from Kigali to Buhoma is also possible and takes 4-5 hours to get there. By air travel, tourists can also take a scheduled or chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport to the Kihihi airstrip.