Top Mid-Range Lodges in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi – Buhoma is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is the most popular and frequently visited sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The Buhoma sector has five major habituated gorilla groups: Mubare Gorilla Group (the first to be opened for gorilla trekking in 1993), Rushegura Gorilla Group, Habinyanja Gorilla Group, Katwe Gorilla Family, and Muyambi Gorilla Family.
Buhoma was the first sector to be opened for gorilla trekking by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, attracting large numbers of tourists to the region. In this sector, tourists can explore trailheads like the Muyanja River Trail in the Buhoma Valley, which offers shorter walks for bird watching along the forest edge, and the Waterfall Trail, which passes through tree ferns leading to the sparkling falls.
In the Buhoma sector, tourists also have the opportunity to meet and interact with the Batwa people and engage in community walks and cultural experiences.
A drive to Buhoma takes about 8 to 10 hours, passing through Ntungamo, Rukungiri, to Butogota, and eventually reaching Buhoma sector. Gorilla trekking in Buhoma costs around USD 700, and a gorilla permit can be secured through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Top Mid-Range Lodges in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi
Below are some of the top mid-range lodges in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Silverback Lodge
The lodge is situated above the valley, offering a beautiful view of the natural environment in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi. It is a 5-minute walk from the lodge to the trekking starting point in Buhoma.
The lodge has 12 rooms (1 single room, 4 double rooms, and 7 twin rooms), constructed with local materials, giving the rooms a beautiful aesthetic.
Facilities include: bathrooms in each room, hot and cold showers, reading table and chair on the veranda, a restaurant and bar serving both local and international cuisines. Prices: Range from USD 100 to 750 per person/night sharing.
Engagi Lodge
This mid-range accommodation in Buhoma is a 5-minute walk from the Buhoma park headquarters. The lodge features 8 cottages, each with a private veranda for relaxing and enjoying meals. All rooms are self-contained with en-suite bathrooms, and they are well spaced for privacy. The lodge has a well-equipped restaurant, and the staff are self-motivated and ready to serve customers.
Buhoma Lodge
The lodge is designed with African architecture to be eco-friendly and to minimize its footprint on the surrounding area. It is unique for offering top-quality services and a fantastic relaxing environment for guests.
Buhoma Lodge has 8 well-furnished cottages, each with a private veranda and built with local materials. There is a bar, dining area, and solar panels for lighting in each cottage.
Buhoma Haven Lodge
Buhoma Haven Lodge is a mid-range accommodation situated just a 5-minute walk from Buhoma village, providing an affordable yet comfortable option for guests.
The lodge offers spectacular views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and features 6 double/twin cottages, self-contained tents, 3 self-contained cottages, 2 non-self-contained bandas, a self-contained family cottage, and a 6-bed dormitory.
The rooms are constructed using local materials, revealing an authentic African building style.
Room amenities: En-suite bathrooms, flush toilets, hot and cold showers, bathtubs, lamps, private balcony, chair and table, clothes rack, beds and bedding, carpeted floor, sink, and mosquito nets.
The Crested Crane Hotel Bwindi
The Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel is located in Kanungu District in southwestern Uganda, about 500 km from Kampala city.
The hotel is situated about 14 km from the Buhoma sector, making it a gateway to start gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
The Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel offers modern and unique facilities and services that provide tranquility and comfort to guests throughout their stay.
The rooms are built in an African setting, showcasing African architecture.
Best Time to Visit Buhoma
Gorilla trekking can be carried out year-round, but the best time is during the dry season, which falls between the months of June to September and December to February.
How to Get to Buhoma
- By Road: Buhoma can be accessed via the Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara – Kabale route, and the drive takes about 8 to 9 hours. It is also accessible from Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector. From Rwanda, you can fly into Kigali International Airport and connect to Buhoma via Cyanika, a route that takes about 3 to 4 hours by road.
- By Air: Buhoma can be accessed by air, with flights available from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi Airstrip, followed by a road transfer to Buhoma sector.
In conclusion, the mid-range lodges in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi offer some of the best services, ensuring tourists have a great experience during their stay in Bwindi.
