Buhoma Community Haven Lodge

Gorilla tracking: The main attraction of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the mountain gorillas, which can be tracked in four different regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each region has its own gorilla families and tracking trails, and requires a permit that can be booked in advance or on arrival. Gorilla tracking is an exhilarating experience that involves hiking through the forest with a guide and a ranger, following the signs of the gorillas until you find them. You can then spend up to an hour observing them in their natural habitat, taking photos and videos (without flash), and marveling at their behavior and interactions. Gorilla tracking is limited to 8 people per group per day, and has strict rules to protect the gorillas and their environment.
Village walk: A village walk is a great way to learn about the local culture and history of Buhoma. You can visit the Bwindi Community Hospital, which provides quality medical care to over 100000 people in the region; the Bwindi Community School, which offers free education to over 300 children from poor families; the Bwindi Bar, which trains disadvantaged youth in hospitality skills and serves organic coffee and snacks; and the Rafiki Memorial Wildlife Conservation Initiative, which protects wildlife habitats and mitigates human-wildlife conflicts. You can also interact with the local people, see their homes and farms, watch their dances and music performances, taste their food and drinks, and buy their crafts.
Birdwatching: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 350 species of birds recorded in the park. Some of the birds you can see include hornbills, turacos, bee-eaters, kingfishers, sunbirds, weavers, flycatchers and greenbuls. Some of the rare and endemic birds include the African green broadbill, the Grauer’s swamp warbler, the Chapin’s flycatcher and the Shelley’s crimsonwing. You can join a guided birdwatching walk in the forest or around the lodge, and spot some of these feathered beauties.

Cycling: Cycling is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the surroundings of Buhoma. You can rent a bike from the lodge or from the Bwindi Community Hospital, and follow one of the trails that lead to scenic spots such as waterfalls, caves, swamps and villages. You can also join a guided cycling tour that will take you to different attractions and introduce you to the local culture and history.
Cultural performance: A cultural performance is a great way to experience the music and dance of the local people. You can watch a performance by the Batwa pygmies, the original inhabitants of Bwindi forest who were evicted when the park was established. The Batwa will entertain you with their songs, stories and dances that reflect their ancient traditions and beliefs. You can also watch a performance by the Bakiga people, the dominant ethnic group in Buhoma. The Bakiga will showcase their energetic dances, drumming and singing that express their joy and gratitude for life.