Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary

Set within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the iconic lodge has been beautifully reimagined for a new era. The palm-thatched 10-villa retreat, nestled seamlessly in its lush cloud forest surroundings, takes sustainable luxury to another level.

The updated lodge uses natural, locally sourced materials, showcasing the best of Ugandan artisanship the lodge. A free flowing open-sided lounge, bar and dining space decorated in shades of pale terracotta, with high-quality furniture and artworks forms the beating heart of the lodge.

The Explorer’s Lounge has books, maps, even replica gorilla bones to give guests a deeper understanding of the creatures they have come to see; while the spa has an extensive menu of restorative treatments after days spent in the wild. At sunset, a campfire becomes the gathering place where guests can drink cocktails and exchange gorilla stories, to a soundtrack of live African folk music.

Each of the 10 standalone villas has a private viewing deck with swing chairs handmade in Uganda; and to enhance wildlife-watching, every guest has a pair of Leica binoculars to hand during their stay. Bathrooms have huge round hammam-like baths, above which hang chandeliers of beads handmade by women in the neighbouring village.

Originally opened in 1993 as a mobile tented camp, Gorilla Forest Lodge plays a vital role in protecting endangered mountain gorillas from extinction and is a key pillar of Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, the award-winning, community first philanthropic initiative. Every stay funds AKP projects which support the local community and in turn help protect the species which depends on the conservation of this precious ecosystem.