- Info
- Images
- Video
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
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.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Luxury Rooms
Each of the 10 spacious, elegant villas at Gorilla Forest Lodge stands alone amid greenery. Each villa features kingsize four-poster beds hung with gauzy canopies, with seating areas inviting post-trek downtime. Ensuite bathroom featuring a large bathtub complete with jungle views, plus an indoor shower are in every villa. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outside in, while private verandas give the sense that you are not merely looking at the forest but immersed within it. Each villa also has a minibar, desk, telephone and safe, plus two sculptural hanging chairs made from ribs of varnished wood, suspended from the veranda porch and ideal for observing monkeys.
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Property Facilities
Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Bath, Dressing Gowns, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Viewing, Gorilla Tracking, Massages, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Viewing, Gorilla Tracking, Walks (Guided)
The gorillas are completely wild but have become used to seeing a few humans after years of habituation. Many of the expert guides have been involved in this process since the beginning and are able to explain the complicated etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback. This is an opportunity afforded only to a select few, as just eight visitors are allowed to view each group every day. Trekking through dense forest with steep slopes means that guests need to be physically fit to enjoy the trek. Once the gorillas are located, guests will spend a maximum of one hour with them before returning back to the lodge. Please note only children aged 15 and above can go gorilla trekking. A gorilla trekking permit must be bought in advance.
The Batwa People are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa and a significant minority group in the region. This full-day experience offers an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the Batwa’s unique and vibrant culture, and includes a three-hour walk through the dense forest, followed by an hour spent witnessing their way of life. Guests can expect a music performance, a visitation by the goddess, a demonstration of traditional hunting and gathering methods and a chance to listen to their captivating stories and understand how they live.
Together with A&K Philanthropy, we have worked with Bwindi communities to launch health, enterprise and education initiatives which have helped us foster strong relationships with local residents. Our Bwindi Community Tour includes visits to the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise and beadmaking workshop, a school and hospital, and opportunities to meet members of the Batwa community – the indigenous inhabitants of the region and traditional guardians of the forest. The tour is led by Dennis Mugume, AKP’s Field Coordinator in Uganda, who shares insights and information about the local community, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about the “real” aspects of the country they are visiting, beyond the incredible scenery and wildlife encounters they experience. It usually takes around two hours but can be tailored to suit you.
A bird-lover's paradise, Bwindi is aflutter with more than 350 species of birds, including some of the rarest avian species on the planet and 24 that are endemic to the region. Our local expert will guide you on a two-to-three-hour walk in search of these feathered forest-dwellers, including the vibrant and elusive African green broadbill, the African emerald cuckoo, and the brightly colored African pitta. Whether you are a seasoned twitcher or a curious beginner, this is an experience not to be missed.
A guided walk from Gorilla Forest Lodge on the Munyaga Waterfall Trail is the ideal way to explore Bwindi’s diverse ecosystem. Its dense forest, bamboo groves and open glades are home to rare and unique species, including giant forest hogs, red-tailed, blue and colobus monkeys, baboons and chimpanzees. The walk is around 2.5 miles, takes about three hours and, in the company of an expert ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, makes a great warm-up or cool-down day before or after your gorilla-trekking adventure.
