Buhoma Community Camp: Best Gorilla Trekking Budget Lodge

Buhoma Community Camp: Discover Buhoma Community Camp – a community-owned, budget-friendly lodge located just steps from the gorilla trekking briefing point in Buhoma sector, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Affordable rooms from $25 pp with hot showers, local food, and direct support to local schools and conservation.

Introduction – Why Choose Buhoma Community Camp for Your Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Nestled at the very entrance of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Buhoma sector, Buhoma Community Camp is one of the most popular budget lodges in Bwindi among backpackers, solo travelers, volunteers, and savvy safari-goers who want an authentic, affordable, and responsible stay.

This 100 % community-owned and operated lodge offers clean, comfortable accommodation without the luxury price tag, while every dollar you spend directly benefits local schools, health clinics, women’s groups, and gorilla conservation projects.

If you are searching for affordable accommodation near Bwindi that still puts you within walking distance of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) briefing point for gorilla trekking, look no further. Buhoma Community Camp consistently ranks as the top Bwindi gorilla trekking lodge for travelers on a budget.

Perfect Location in the Heart of Buhoma Sector

Buhoma Community Camp enjoys an unbeatable location right at the park gate in Buhoma – the most developed and most visited sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

• Literally 2–3 minutes’ walk to the UWA gorilla trekking briefing area
• 5 minutes’ walk to park headquarters and permit validation
• Surrounded by lush rainforest and the sound of birds and monkeys

You can roll out of bed at 6:45 am, have breakfast, and still be among the first trekkers at briefing – a huge advantage when you’re carrying a heavy daypack for a 4–8 hour gorilla trek.

Distance & Access

• Kampala/Entebbe to Buhoma: 8–10 hours by road (520 km) via Masaka–Mbarara–Kabale–Kisoro or via Queen Elizabeth NP (Ishasha route)
• Nearest airstrip: Kihihi or Kisoro (1–1.5 hour 4×4 transfer)
• A good 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially in the rainy seasons (March–May & Oct–Nov)

Accommodation Options – Something for Every Budget

Buhoma Community Camp offers several room types to suit solo travelers, couples, families, and groups:

1. Self-contained twin/double cottages
   En-suite bathroom with hot shower, flush toilet, mosquito nets, solar lighting, veranda with forest views.
   Price: $60–$80 per person full board
2. Standard bandas (non self-contained)
   Private hut with comfortable beds, shared modern bathroom block (hot showers). Very popular with budget travelers.
   Price: $40–$55 pp full board
3. Dormitory rooms
   6–8 bed mixed or female-only dorms – perfect for solo backpackers and volunteers.
   Price: $25–$35 pp full board
4. Camping
   Bring your own tent or rent one on site. Clean shared facilities and secure camping area.
   Price: $12–$18 pp including breakfast

All rates include delicious home-cooked meals, and the camp uses solar power and eco-friendly practices.

Facilities at Buhoma Community Camp

• Hot showers (evening solar-heated)
• Clean shared and private bathrooms
• Cozy restaurant & bar serving cold beer, sodas, and waragi
• Free Wi-Fi in the main dining area (speeds are slow but workable)
• Secure parking
• Laundry service (small fee)
• Gift shop with local crafts
• Evening campfire (weather permitting)

Gorilla Trekking Made Easy – The Closest Lodge to the Trailhead

One of the biggest advantages of staying at Buhoma Community Camp is proximity to gorilla trekking starting point.

The three gorilla families habituated in Buhoma sector (Rushegura, Mubare, and Habinyanja) all begin their treks from the same briefing point just 200–300 meters from the camp gate.

What this means for you:

• Early breakfast from 6:00 am (porridge, eggs, fruit, toast, tea/coffee)
• Packed lunch provided (sandwich, fruit, juice, boiled egg)
• No stressful early-morning drives in the dark
• Return to camp quickly after your trek to relax and celebrate with a cold drink

Many guests describe walking back from their gorilla trek still buzzing with excitement and being able to shower and rest within minutes – a luxury not all lodges offer.

Activities & Community Experiences Around the Camp

Staying at Buhoma Community Camp isn’t just about the gorillas. The camp organizes fantastic half-day and evening activities:

• Buhoma Village Walk (2–3 hours) – visit a traditional healer, local school, banana beer brewery, and blacksmith
• Batwa Cultural Experience – meet the original forest dwellers, learn hunting techniques, traditional dances, and hear their story (highly recommended)
• Evening traditional dance performances by local orphan groups (free, donations welcomed)
• Forest nature walks along the Munyaga River trail – great for birding and monkey spotting
• Birdwatching – over 350 species recorded, including African Green Broadbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, and many Albertine Rift endemics
• Visit women’s basket-weaving cooperative – buy beautiful handmade crafts directly from the makers

These activities are affordable ($10–$25 pp) and 100 % of the money stays in the community.

Community Ownership & Conservation Impact

Buhoma Community Camp is fully owned and managed by the local community through the Buhoma Mukono Community Development Association. Revenue generated is reinvested into:

• Building and maintaining local primary schools
• Supporting Buhoma Community Health Centre
• Scholarships for bright but needy students
• Women’s income-generating projects (basket weaving, beekeeping)
• Reforestation and anti-poaching initiatives

When you stay here, you are not just a tourist – you are directly supporting the people who live alongside the gorillas every day.

Dining Experience – Fresh, Local, and Delicious

The camp restaurant serves hearty, home-cooked meals using fresh produce from local gardens:

Typical menu

Breakfast: Eggs any style, pancakes, fruit platter, toast, tea/coffee

Lunch/Dinner: Matoke, groundnut sauce, beans, rice, chicken or beef stew, fresh vegetables, chapati

Vegetarian and vegan options always available

Packed lunches for trekking days

Bar: Nile Special, Bell, Club beer, waragi, sodas, and sometimes wine

Guests regularly say the food is some of the best they had in Uganda – generous portions and full of flavor.

Buhoma Community Camp Rates & How to Book (2025–2026)

Approximate rates per person per night (full board):

• Camping: $18–$25
• Dormitory: $30–$40
• Standard banda (shared bathroom): $45–$60
• Self-contained cottage: $70–$90

Children under 12 pay 50 %, under 3 stay free.

Gorilla permits ($800 pp) are NOT included and must be booked separately (we can assist).

Booking contact:

Email: buhomacommunitycamp@gmail.com

Phone/WhatsApp: +256 772 989 450

Many travelers book through reputable local tour operators such as Gorilla Nests Safaris.

Best Time to Stay at Buhoma Community Camp

• High season (June–September & December–February): Dry weather, easier trekking, book 6–12 months ahead
• Low/budget season (March–May & October–November): Greener scenery, fewer tourists, occasional lodge discounts, and easier permit availability

Gorilla trekking operates year-round – rain is possible any month in the rainforest.

Useful Tips for Your Stay at Buhoma Community Camp

• Nights are cold (10–15 °C) – bring a fleece or warm sleeping bag
• Gorilla permits sell out fast – book at least 6 months in advance
• Bring cash (Ugandan shillings) for crafts, tips, and extra activities
• Use strong insect repellent and wear long sleeves at dusk
• Power is solar – charge devices during the day
• Tipping the camp staff and community guides is highly appreciated

How to Get to Buhoma Community Camp

By road (most common):

• Private 4×4 transfer from Kampala/Entebbe: 8–10 hours
• Public transport: Kampala → Kabale → Kanungu → Buhoma (longer, cheaper)

By air:

• Fly Entebbe → Kihihi Airstrip (AerolinK or Bar Aviation) → 1–1.5 hour 4×4 transfer
• Fly Entebbe → Kisoro → 2.5 hour transfer

Other Accommodation Options in Buhoma (Alternatives)

While we believe Buhoma Community Camp offers the best value, other popular choices include:

• Buhoma Lodge (upmarket)
• Mahogany Springs Lodge (mid-range/luxury)
• Silverback Lodge (mid-range)
• Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse (budget/community)
• Bwindi Backpackers Lodge (budget/dorm)

For the ultimate budget and community-focused experience, however, Buhoma Community Camp remains the #1 choice for thousands of happy gorilla trekkers every year.

Ready to trek gorillas and make a real difference? Book your stay at Buhoma Community Camp today and experience authentic Ugandan hospitality at its finest.