Set within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the iconic Gorilla Forest 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. 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.