Katwe gorilla group is one of the newest gorilla group families to open for gorilla tourism in Buhoma gorilla trekking region. Originally, Buhoma which is a Northern gorilla sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was composed of 3 groups; Mubare (the first ever to open for gorilla trekking in Uganda in 1993), Rushegura and Habinyanja group. Addition of Katwe makes Buhoma region a home to 4 gorilla trekking families.
Compared to other gorilla families, Katwe gorilla group took 3 years to successfully open for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park, Southwestern Uganda. It was opened for trekking in 2018 by Uganda Wildlife Authority officials. At the same time, Christmas gorilla family in Nkuringo region was also opened for tourism. Today, Buhoma has 32 gorilla permits available for eligible persons above 15 years to book while on Uganda gorilla safari.
Katwe group which is led by Katwe silverback is comprised of 9 mountain gorillas, these range from females, blackbacks, infants to a dominant silverback. Katwe gorilla family like other groups accommodates 8 trekkers per day.
Gorilla permits can be reserved on Uganda safari at US Dollars 700 for foreign non-residents, $600 foreign residents and shs. 250000 for eligible East Africa community citizens. These can easily be booked via our reservation team as your trusted ground tour operator in Uganda offering the best gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo.
Or you can reach out to reservation team at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and booking for gorilla permits should be done early at least 2-6 months before your actual date of trekking gorillas. This applies whether you are interested in trekking Katwe gorilla group or other gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda or in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in the Northwest.
Buhoma accommodation options
If you are to go gorilla trekking in any of Buhoma sector’s groups Katwe inclusive, better have your night in a nearby lodge. The lodging options here range from budget to luxury and they include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Haven Lodge or Buhoma Rest Camp.
Access to Bwindi to explore Katwe group
Buhoma region is in the Northern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and it is reachable by road from Kampala or Entebbe to Kabale, about 8-9 hours’ drive in a 4WD. Or fly in at Kihihi/Kisoro airstrip using flight services starting from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield Kampala then transfer to Buhoma area.