This is the oldest lodge in entire Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and it is located in Buhoma sector (Latitude. S 0° 59′ 19.166″ Longitude. E 29° 36′ 52.878″) which has evolved into a top luxury facility over the years. Buhoma Lodge started in 1993 as standard Banda and first group of tourist to do Gorilla tracking spent their nights in this lodge facility in 1993.
This is one of the two lodges located in the Park at Buhoma sector and it is a workable distance to Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing point in Buhoma sector. On a lucky day, you can get chance to see the Gorillas roaming around this lodge.
The lodge offers clear and uninterrupted views of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home to the rare Mountain Gorillas and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a home of ¾ of the Mountain Gorilla population in the whole world.
Buhoma Lodge is composed of 10 comfortable chalets built with locally sourced materials without compromising its quality. Each Veranda offers clear views of the Canopy of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
SERVICES OFFERED AT BUHOMA LODGE
- Chalets
This accommodation facility offers 10 chalets with comfortable luxury beds, the rooms are designed with local materials and the verandas offer clear views of the forests Canopy. If you wish to stay here, please make yours plans well in advance as this sector is very competitive.
- Bar and Restaurant
The lodge offers an open lounge and bar area with uninterrupted views of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park canopy. So Buhoma offers its own magic. After a hard day of tracking the Mountain Gorillas relax around the open fireside or the bar with a drink.
The restaurant has 3 course menu with many choices from the local fresh produce and you will walk away with memories filled of surprises of your time while on the African soil in Uganda.
These are exceptional services offered here with a series of experienced staff at this lodge.
The bar has a good selection of local and imported beverages which will make your day as you enjoy the drinks.
Also hot beverages are provided through out your stay at Buhoma Lodge on self-service. They are also delivered to your rooms.
- Spa treatment
The spa treatment massage is available to all in lodge guests as a complimentary service by the trained in-house masseuse. The lodge facility also offer free laundry services and cleaning of hiking boots after Gorilla trekking.
- Free Wifi
The WIFI is provided throughout your stay at this accommodation facility. It is accessible in all the areas including the bar, restaurant and your rooms.
- Airstrip transfer services
The nearest airstrip to this lodge is Kihihi airstrip which is about 1 hour drive from the lodge and transfers are provided on request with extra charges involved.
Guests can also be transferred from Kisoro airstrip to Buhoma lodge and it takes about 4 hours drives. It also applies with transfers from Kigali Rwanda, or from Mweya airstrip in Queen Elizabeth national Park.
ACTIVITIES WHICH CAN BE DONE WHILE AT BUHOMA LODGE
GORILLA TREKKING
This is the highlight of your stay at this facility and the Gorilla permit costs US$ 800 per person to be booked well in advance because of permit competition. Gorilla trekking takes 2-6 hours depending on where the Mountain Gorillas slept the previous day or how far they have moved from the time they woke up but always the ranger the guides know where they are. Upon meeting the Gorillas, you’re entitled to one hour interacting with them and afterwards you will be rewarded with the Mountain Gorilla tracking certificate by the Uganda wildlife Authority rangers for the successful completion of your trek.
FOREST WALK
There are different trails offered by Uganda wildlife Authority at Buhoma sector and it costs US$ 30 per person excluding the park entrance fees which costs US$ 40 per person.
AGARTHA’S TASTE OF UGANDA TOUR
This is award winning community experience based on the outskirts of ishasha sector just one hour drive to Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Agartha takes an opportunity to share with tourists on how the women of their culture and tribe, the Bakiga prepare their favorite food and they will also demonstrate how the ingredient are grown and harvested. You will also be shown how to grind, and cook the food and most importantly on how it is preserved and keeping it warm.
So this community experience is put together by a group of women who are determined to change their lives and benefit the community and nearest villages around them. Agartha is the leader of this group and they raise loans to support their business, also rare goats and chicken to support their development. They also take an opportunity under Wildlife Clubs of Uganda to support their children’s in schools like in Zendaire Primary School.
This community experience has supported conservation progress and biodiversity development as it is very beneficial for this community development.
The experience takes 30 minutes and if you do not have a tight program or rushing for the game drive at Ishasha sector. Please take your time and visit this community group as you will be supporting this community and gaining the local experience. They do have local crafts and you can support through purchasing your favorite.
The whole experience costs US$ 15 per person
BUHOMA COMMUNITY TOUR
This is one of the interesting activities around Buhoma sector and mostly done after your Gorilla trekking experience. The community guide will take you around the community surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and you get to interact with the community members. So you will visit the churches and schools. It is better to know that you can move with scholastic materials like books, pens, pencils among others to support the school children.
The experience costs US$ 30 per person.
BATWA TRAIL EXPERIENCE
The Batwa people, these are pygmies know to be short people who live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for over 100 years before they were invicted by Government so that the rare Mountain Gorillas can be protected.
The Batwa trail experience is where our visitors visit the Batwa settlement and the Batwa people will demonstrate how they used to live in the Forest. So they will show you how they used to hunt, gather fruits and food, sleep and take care of each other while in the forest. They will demonstrate the whole process including how they used medicinal plants for treatment, also with their way of dancing.
RATES / PRICES OF BUHOMA LODGE FOR FOREIGN NON RESIDENTS
High season (Jan/Feb/Jul/Aug/Sep/Dec): From US$ 400 per person on a twin or double room and US$ 500 Single room.
Shoulder season (March/June/ Oct): From US$ 350 per person sharing a room and US$ 410 staying on a single room
Low season (April/ May/ Nov); From 290 per person sharing a room and US$ 330 for persons staying on a single room.