Buhoma Lodge

buhoma Lodge

Buhoma Lodge is one of only two lodges located inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the other being Gorilla Forest Lodge. This makes it one of the most convenient and easiest places to stay for gorilla trekking. The lodge has ten comfortable forest chalets, warm and friendly staff, and a calm, natural setting that helps guests feel at home. Because the lodge is inside the forest, guests enjoy quick access to the park’s walking trails and gorilla trekking starting points. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the lodge is surrounded by tall trees, birds, and many forest sounds. It is also common to see gorillas or other wildlife passing close to the lodge grounds, which makes the experience even more exciting and memorable.

Buhoma Lodge

Access & Location

Buhoma Lodge enjoys one of the best positions in all of Bwindi. It sits within the national park boundary in the Buhoma sector, surrounded by tall trees, birdsong, and beautiful forest scenery.

Reaching the lodge is simple. Travellers usually fly from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip (about 1 hour 45 minutes), then take a road transfer to the lodge. Road transfers are also possible from Kigali and Entebbe, as well as nearby safari destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Once you arrive, everything feels calm and natural. The lodge buildings blend into the forest, and fresh air, jungle views, and peaceful sounds create the perfect atmosphere for a nature-focused safari.

Buhoma Lodge

Accommodation & Facilities at Buhoma Lodge

Buhoma Lodge is built almost entirely from sustainable timber, stone, and thatch, giving it a warm and natural feeling. The design allows the lodge to sit gently within the forest, and the open sides of the main area make you feel like you are part of the trees and wildlife all around. The main lodge building is spread across two levels and includes the lounge features with:

  • Comfortable sofas and chairs arranged around coffee tables
  • A warm fireplace, perfect for evening stories after trekking
  • Forest views from the open sides of the building

The open design allows fresh forest air to flow through, and guests can enjoy listening to birds and spotting wildlife while relaxing.

The bar sits along the back wall of the lounge and offers a selection of drinks, free Wi-Fi (though limited due to the remote location) and charging points for electronics. Next to the lounge is the dining section, with sturdy wooden tables, comfortable chairs and a bright, airy feel with forest views,

Meals are freshly prepared and served by the friendly lodge team, who take great care of guests returning from long treks. A lovely extra at Buhoma Lodge is the small spa treatment room. All overnight guests receive a complimentary massage, which is especially welcome after hours of hiking in the forest.

The lodge has ten forest chalets, all built from natural, eco-friendly materials. Each chalet feels private, peaceful, and close to nature. There are two types of chalets: Nine standard chalets (for couples or two adults) and One larger chalet for families or honeymooners

Features in Every Chalet:

  • Comfortable double bed or twin beds
  • Space for an extra bed (for children under 5 in standard chalets)
  • Eco-friendly solar lighting
  • A personal safe
  • Insect-proof screens on windows
  • En-suite bathroom with flush toilet, large washbasin and a hot-water walk-in rain shower.
  • Some chalets also include a bathtub

The interiors use a lot of natural wood, which helps create a warm and rustic feeling. Guests often describe the chalets as peaceful and homely. Each chalet has a beautiful private veranda with chairs—a perfect place to relax between activities. From here, guests can watch the forest, listen to birds, and sometimes even spot monkeys or gorillas.

Activities at Buhoma Lodge

The lodge offers a wide range of activities, suitable for both adventurous travellers and those who want a gentler experience.

1. Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is the main reason most people visit Bwindi. Trekking begins early in the morning, usually around 8:00 a.m., after a briefing at the park headquarters. Groups of eight visitors, along with guides and trackers, walk through the forest to find a family of mountain gorillas.

The time it takes to find the gorillas varies. Sometimes it takes only two hours. Other days, it can take up to eight hours of walking through thick forest and steep hills. But most visitors agree that the effort is worth it.

Once you find the gorilla family, you are allowed to spend one full hour with them. You can watch them eat, play, rest, or care for their young. Seeing these amazing animals so close is a very special experience and often the highlight of a trip to Uganda.

2. Forest Walks

For guests who want something easier or who cannot trek for long hours, shorter forest walks are available. These guided walks help guests learn more about the plants and animals of Bwindi. The guides explain how the forest works, point out interesting trees, identify animal tracks, and describe how local people use certain plants.

3. Bird and Butterfly Watching

Bwindi is one of the best places in Africa for bird lovers. There are more than 350 bird species and over 200 types of butterflies. Many can be seen just by walking along the forest paths or even from your chalet veranda. Guests who enjoy nature and photography often love this activity.

4. Waterfall Walk

One of the most popular activities is the walk to the waterfall, which takes about 3–4 hours. The trail goes through beautiful forest areas, and along the way you may see monkeys, birds, and colourful butterflies. The waterfall itself is a lovely spot for photos and a peaceful rest.

5. Community & Cultural Visits

Guests can also visit nearby villages to learn about the local way of life. One main cultural activity is the Batwa experience. The Batwa people are the original forest inhabitants of this region. During the visit, you can learn about their traditions, hunting skills, stories, music, and dances.

Other community visits include:

  • Tours of a local banana brewery
  • Meeting a traditional healer
  • Visiting the hospital or school

These visits help support the local communities and give travellers a deeper understanding of daily life in Uganda.

Guides

All treks and walks are led by trained guides. For gorilla trekking, a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger leads the group. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and very good at explaining the forest and its wildlife. They also make sure guests are safe at all times.

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Buhoma Lodge | Inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest