Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
Buhoma Community Haven Lodge is a budget-friendly, community-run lodge just a short walk from the Buhoma visitor centre, the northern gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Set among the forest canopy with elevated en-suite chalets, it’s one of the best-value lodges in Buhoma for travellers prioritising gorilla trekking, community tourism, and an authentic stay close to the trailhead.
Forest Canopy Views
En-suite Chalets
Free Wi-Fi
24-Hour Electricity
Laundry Service
Children's Activities & Babysitting
Buhoma Community Haven Lodge sits on the northern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, within walking distance of the Buhoma visitor centre. It’s owned and run by the Buhoma Mukono Community Development Association, with revenue reinvested into local community projects and clean energy initiatives.
The lodge suits travellers looking for an affordable, eco-friendly base for gorilla tours in Uganda without sacrificing comfort or location. The Buhoma sector is home to five habituated mountain gorilla families, making this one of the most convenient lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for trekking from the north.
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, families, and small groups planning gorilla trekking from the Buhoma sector.
Accommodation at Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
The lodge offers six en-suite chalets and one en-suite family cottage, all built with eco-friendly materials and elevated to provide forest canopy views.
Each room includes:
- A large bed with mosquito net
- Private en-suite bathroom
- Generous veranda with forest views
- Naturalistic design that blends into the surrounding jungle
A short walk from the chalets, the two-storey lounge has a fireplace, comfortable seating, books and games, and a restaurant serving meals prepared by the lodge’s chef. A small on-site shop sells African crafts and postcards.
Amenities at a glance:
- 24-hour electricity
- Free Wi-Fi
- En-suite bathrooms
- Laundry service
- Fitness centre / gym
- Private deck or veranda
- Forest canopy views
- Children’s activities and babysitting
Families and Children
The Uganda Wildlife Authority does not permit children under 15 to trek mountain gorillas. Haven Lodge solves this with a professional babysitter and supervised activities at the lodge, so parents can join a gorilla trekking experience while children stay safe and entertained on-site. This makes it one of the more genuinely family-friendly lodges in Bwindi.
Activities Around Buhoma
Buhoma is one of the richest bases in Bwindi for combining gorilla trekking with community and nature experiences.
Buhoma Community Village Walk A guided walk through the village, with the option to visit Bwindi Community Hospital and contribute to its work supporting the local population.
Ride 4 a Women A local women’s empowerment project offering sewing, weaving, and skills training for women facing HIV, domestic violence, and poverty. Visitors can drop in and support the centre directly.
Batwa Cultural Experience Run by the Batwa Development Program, this full-day experience explores the historical lifestyle of the Batwa community, including hunting and gathering traditions from their time as forest dwellers.
Nature Hikes and Waterfall Walks The Uganda Wildlife Authority runs guided nature hikes along forest trails. The 3–4 hour waterfall hike is the most popular. Wildlife along the way includes monkeys, forest hogs, elephants, and over 23 bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Longer Walking Safaris For deeper exploration of the forest, Nkuringo Walking Safaris leads multi-day treks across Bwindi via historic trails such as the Kasasha River and Ivy Trails.
How to Book Haven Lodge Bwindi
You can book the lodge directly via www.buhomacommunityug.com, but Nkuringo Safaris is a partner property and can usually secure better rates as part of a wider itinerary.
We can help you:
- Combine the lodge with a tailored Uganda safari itinerary
- Secure gorilla permits
- Arrange transfers from Entebbe, Kigali, or Kampala
- Coordinate dates, accommodation options, and the full trip
Email hello@nkuringosafaris.com or use our online enquiry form and a local expert will reply quickly.
Price Information
Price From: USD 181 pp per night (Bed & Breakfast, single) Price Range: 1 (Budget)
Sample rates (per night):
- Single: $181 B&B / $216 Full Board
- Double or Twin: $263 B&B / $330 Full Board
- Triple: $417 B&B / $537 Full Board
- Family Cottage: $510 B&B / $615 Full Board
Discover More About
Responsible Travel
You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make. Our responsible travel policy allows guests to depart emotionally rich, more informed, more ecologically aware, and more appreciative of the natural resources, people and cultures.
Some of Our
Frequently Asked Questions
The lodge is in the Buhoma sector on the northern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a short walk from the Buhoma visitor centre and gorilla trekking briefing point.
Rates start from USD 181 per person per night for a single room on bed and breakfast, rising to USD 615 for a family cottage on full board. It’s one of the most affordable lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Yes. While children under 15 cannot trek gorillas, the lodge offers a professional babysitter and supervised children’s activities, making it one of the more family-friendly options in the Buhoma sector.
You can book directly through the lodge, but booking via Nkuringo Safaris often secures better rates and bundles the stay with permits, transfers, and your wider Uganda itinerary. Email hello@nkuringosafaris.com or use the online enquiry form.
Guests can join the Buhoma village walk, visit Ride 4 a Women, take part in the Batwa cultural experience, hike to the Bwindi waterfall, or join longer walking safaris with Nkuringo Walking Safaris.
Yes. The chalets are built from eco-friendly materials, the lodge uses clean energy, and it’s run by the Buhoma Mukono Community Development Association, reinvesting income into local community projects.
Testimonials