Buhoma Lodge
Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Situated on the edge of the National Park, just a short distance from the meeting point for gorilla tracking.
Buhoma Lodge is eco-friendly and has been constructed using sustainable local materials where possible and uses solar power. Each chalet has a private verandah and enormous windows, giving spectacular views of the forest canopy. Awaken to chattering forest birds, and the occasional screech of a monkey. Mountain Gorillas have even been spotted in our garden!
The open air lounge and bar areas offer uninterrupted views, and whether the eerie mists of the forest envelope you, or your views are crisp and bright, Buhoma offers its own special magic.
After a hard day tracking gorillas, relax around our open fireside, or enjoy a few drinks at the bar. Multi-course meals are freshly prepared from local produce, ensuring you take away warm homely memories of your time at Buhoma Lodge.
Ten comfortable chalets have been designed with the forest in mind, by using eco-friendly materials and applying eco-friendly building standards. The chalets may have been built with consideration for the forest, but comfort hasn't been compromised on.
Inside the spacious chalets you will find large, comfortable beds and everything you need to make yourself at home. The well-appointed and roomy en-suite bathroom with flush toilet contains a rain shower with a copious supply of hot water and equipped with locally produced natural ranges of complementary bathroom amenities. Some chalets also offer a bath-tub for relaxation and enjoyment after the day’s activities.
Mount Gorilla Trekking
Mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However viewing success rates are over 90%. Once sighted, visitors are allowed an hour with the gorillas. Overnighting in Bwindi is required the night before tracking due to your early morning start. As tracking can sometimes take a full day, a second nights accommodation is also highly recommended. Ideally 2 to 3 nights are suggested to enjoy this region.
Gorilla tracking timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rain forest. It is good to be prepared and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths.
It can be VERY strenuous – it may be just a couple of hours but it can also be for a full day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high altitude conditions – please be prepared for this by being as fit as possible!
Buhoma Community Village Walk
This walk provides guests with an opportunity to support the local community whilst enjoying visiting various interesting places as you follow a walking trail through the village. Highlights include the traditional healer, banana brewery and Mukono Primary school where you may interact with the children.
Bwindi Forest Walk
This can be undertaken with a Uganda Wildlife Authority guide to allow you to hike along the trails and enjoy the forest flora and fauna. A popular choice is the 3-4 hour hike to the waterfall. Get lost in the ancient forests of Bwindi with an experienced guide on hand. These forests also provide great bird watching opportunities.
At a glance
• Located next to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• 10 beautifully fitted spacious chalets with forest views and solar lighting
• En-suite bathrooms featuring hot showers and flush toilets; some chalets also have bathtubs
• Insect-proof chalets with safes in every room
• Cozy dining and bar area with elevated views of the forest and open fire in the evenings
• Free WiFi internet and recharging facilities available
• Activities include gorilla tracking, forest walks, birding and cultural interaction
• Family / honeymoon suite chalet with children and families welcome
When to go
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest may be visited throughout the year. High season runs from June—Aug and Dec—Feb, it is drier then and the trails less slippery, but Gorilla tracking permits are more expensive. Permits are cheaper in the green season Apr/May and November. Permits need to be booked in advance, due to limited numbers being available daily.
How to get there
• Daily scheduled flights from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip nearby
• Fly-in safari packages available
• 2 to 3 hours drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha sector)
• Full day drive from Entebbe and Kampala
• 6 to 7 hours drive from Lake Mburo National Park
Climate
Uganda has a temperate climate all year round, 25–30 oC during the day and 5–10 oC at night. Evenings at Bwindi can be chilly primarily due to the altitude, just over 1 160m asl at the lodge with the highest point in the park being 2 607m asl.
For more information about Buhoma Loge click HERE.
To view videos of Buhoma Lodge click HERE.
