Overview

Buhoma Community Rest Camp is a community-based safari lodge located in Buhoma, a gateway village to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda. Operated by the Buhoma Mukono Community Development Association (BMCDA), the camp generates direct revenue for local community members and conservation initiatives. The lodge caters primarily to visitors undertaking mountain gorilla trekking expeditions, which require advance permits obtained before arrival. Known for: supporting local conservation efforts, providing authentic community-based hospitality, and serving as a convenient base for Bwindi activities. Best for: independent travelers on a budget, groups seeking community-oriented experiences, and gorilla trekking visitors requiring simple, affordable accommodation.

Accommodation & Rooms

Specific room configurations and capacities are not detailed in available sources, though the camp operates as a rest camp with multiple accommodation units. The lodge offers basic safari-standard rooms with essential amenities. Room rates include 18% government VAT but exclude park entry fees and gorilla permits. The camp's flexible check-in/check-out policy (10:00 a.m. standard, adjustable by demand) accommodates varying visitor schedules. Accommodation pricing does not include soft drinks, alcohol, or items outside the daily menu offerings.

Dining & Cuisine

Meals are provided on a daily menu basis. The camp's meal service excludes premium beverages—soft drinks and alcohol are not included in room rates and must be purchased separately. Standard meal arrangements are included with accommodation, though specific cuisine details and dietary accommodation options are not documented in available sources. Guests should confirm menu flexibility and special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Wildlife & Activities

The primary activity at Buhoma Community Rest Camp is mountain gorilla trekking within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Gorilla permits (mandatory for all trekking) must be secured in advance before arrival and are not included in room rates. The forest habitat supports approximately 459 of the world's remaining 880 mountain gorillas, making Bwindi one of only two locations where this species can be tracked. Additional activities typical for Buhoma-area lodges include guided forest walks, bird watching (Bwindi hosts over 350 bird species), and visits to local community projects. Night activities and specialized game drives are not standard at this community-focused property.

Location & How to Get There

Buhoma Community Rest Camp is located in Buhoma village, the primary gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Kanungu District, southwestern Uganda. The camp is situated approximately 8-9 hours by road from Entebbe International Airport (Uganda's main international gateway). The nearest town is Kisoro Town, approximately 30-40 kilometers away. Road transfers from Kampala or Entebbe typically require full-day travel. Charter flights to nearby airstrips reduce travel time significantly but at premium cost. Most visitors arrange transfers through their booking operators or contact the camp directly for ground transportation coordination.

Best Time to Visit

Mountain gorilla trekking at Bwindi is possible year-round, though conditions vary seasonally. The dry seasons (June-August and December-February) offer better hiking conditions with firmer ground and clearer visibility. The wet seasons (March-May and September-November) present challenging terrain with muddy trails and reduced visibility, though gorilla sightings remain reliable and vegetation is lush. Gorilla permit availability should be confirmed well in advance, as demand peaks during dry season months. Malaria is present in the Buhoma area; visitors should consult health advisories and take appropriate prophylaxis.

Conservation & Community

Buhoma Community Rest Camp operates as a community-based enterprise, with all profits directed to the Buhoma Mukono Community Development Association (BMCDA) for local conservation and development projects. This model ensures tourism revenue directly benefits families living adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, creating economic incentives for wildlife protection. The camp explicitly states its mission to support community members around Bwindi and participates in conservation awareness. By choosing this lodge, guests directly contribute to grassroots conservation efforts in one of Africa's most biodiverse and threatened forest ecosystems.

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