Buhoma Community Haven Lodge vs Mount Gahinga Lodge

Both in bwindi region · Updated 2026

Quick Answer

Buhoma Community Haven Lodge is a mid-range ($$) in Buhoma Town Council, often chosen by gorilla trekking visitors and families with children. Mount Gahinga Lodge is a luxury ($$$$) in Mgahinga Nationalpark, well suited for gorilla trekking visitors and families with children. Buhoma Community Haven Lodge is the more affordable option ($$), while Mount Gahinga Lodge positions itself at the luxury level. They are in different areas: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge in Buhoma Town Council and Mount Gahinga Lodge in Mgahinga Nationalpark.

Option A

Buhoma Community Haven Lodge

Buhoma Town Council · Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Haven Lodge Buhoma Community is a mid-range lodge in Buhoma Town Council, Uganda, which opened in December 2014 and is run by the Buhoma Mukono Community Development Association (BMCDA). The lodge offers 8 beautifully designed single/double cottages plus 1 family cottage, all built with local materials in simple elegance and featuring en-suite bathrooms. Thanks to its strategic location right at the starting point for gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the rainforest as well as excellent service with delicious meals at affordable prices — all proceeds go back into the local community.

$$·Mid-range

Option B

Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mgahinga Nationalpark · Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Mount Gahinga Lodge is an exclusive luxury lodge in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, opened in 2002 as Praveen Moman's first lodge. The charming property, inspired by traditional Bafumbira design techniques, consists of eight handcrafted bandas with views of the magical Virunga Volcanoes, each equipped with a luxury en-suite shower, fireplace and private veranda. Besides gorilla trekking to the Nyakagezi family group, the lodge offers unique cultural experiences with the Batwa, the oldest inhabitants of the central African rainforest, as well as personal butler service, all-inclusive premium drinks and complimentary spa treatments.

$$$$·Luxury

Side-by-Side Comparison

Buhoma Community Haven LodgeMount Gahinga Lodge
CategoryMid-rangeLuxury
Price Level$$ Mid-range$$$$ Luxury
Sector / AreaBuhoma Town CouncilMgahinga Nationalpark
National ParkBwindi Impenetrable National ParkBwindi Impenetrable National Park
Distance to Park
Rooms
Dining
Highlights
Breathtaking views of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park rainforestLocated right at the gorilla trekking starting pointCommunity-based lodge concept — proceeds fund local development projectsExcellent cuisine with customisable menu options
Views of the Virunga VolcanoesThe only gorilla group in Mgahinga National Park (the Nyakagezi family, with several silverbacks)Direct private path to gorilla trekkingCultural experiences with the Batwa
Best For
Gorilla trekking visitorsFamilies with childrenBirdwatchers
Gorilla trekking visitorsFamilies with childrenLuxury travellers
Activities
Gorilla TrekkingCommunity WalkBird WatchingVisit to the Batwa Pygmies
Gorilla TrekkingGolden Monkey TrekkingVolcano ClimbingBatwa Cultural Visit
WebsiteVisit websiteVisit website

Choose Buhoma Community Haven Lodge if you...

  • are looking for gorilla trekking visitors
  • are looking for families with children
  • are looking for birdwatchers
  • value breathtaking views of the bwindi impenetrable national park rainforest
  • value located right at the gorilla trekking starting point

Choose Mount Gahinga Lodge if you...

  • are looking for gorilla trekking visitors
  • are looking for families with children
  • are looking for luxury travellers
  • value views of the virunga volcanoes
  • value the only gorilla group in mgahinga national park (the nyakagezi family, with several silverbacks)

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