Gorilla Forest Lodge: A Luxurious Sanctuary Reopens After Major Revamp
The exclusive Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda has reopened, offering a unique blend of luxury and nature in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Gorilla Forest Lodge: A Luxurious Sanctuary Reopens After Major Revamp
The Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, has officially reopened following a complete rebuild and redesign that sets a new benchmark for sustainable luxury in one of Africa’s most precious wildernesses.
The transformation has elevated the property into an intimate ten-suite sanctuary where guests can wake to the symphony of the rainforest, trek alongside gorillas in their natural habitat, and return to exceptional comfort that exists in harmony with conservation and community.
The lodge exemplifies Abercrombie & Kent founder Geoffrey Kent’s founding principle of Adventure by Day, Luxury by Night, offering transformative wildlife encounters paired with accommodation that respects both the environment and the cultural heritage of Uganda.
Exquisite and Exclusive by Design
Perched high within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world’s remaining 1,000 mountain gorillas, the lodge occupies a position unlike any other as the only luxury accommodation inside the park gates. Accessible only through a winding ascent through ancient trees, the reimagined property represents a triumph of conscious design overseen by Luxury Frontiers.
The redesign celebrates Ugandan craftsmanship while honoring the forest itself. Every collaboration has strengthened the artisan economy, from banana-fibre stools crafted in village workshops to woven ceiling panels produced by NGO Ride 4 a Woman.
The design draws inspiration from Bwindi’s vibrant textures and Uganda’s rich heritage: papyrus thatch roofs blend seamlessly into the tree canopy while weathered Corten steel harmonizes with bark. Light filters through installations that echo rainforest vines, preserving techniques passed down through generations.
Each of the ten significantly enlarged suites features floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive decks, creating rhythm and harmony throughout. Comprehensive sustainability initiatives ensure minimal waste and environmental footprint.
A Property with a Rich Story at Its Foundations
The story of Gorilla Forest Lodge is deeply intertwined with Geoffrey Kent’s vision for Abercrombie & Kent. In 1985, Kent met with soon-to-be President Yoweri Museveni to discuss the protection of the country’s endangered mountain gorillas. Their collaboration resulted in the establishment of the first luxury property in the area, benefiting both the gorillas and the local Batwa people for forty years.
Today, as the only luxury lodge inside the gates of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Gorilla Forest Lodge continues this pioneering legacy. Expert rangers lead guests on unforgettable gorilla treks while the creatures have been known to wander onto the property, a testament to its harmonious integration with the forest.
As a pioneer of community-based conservation, A&K Philanthropy demonstrates that protecting wildlife and empowering local people are inseparable goals. Every stay directly funds initiatives that support the Bwindi community, wildlife, and the forest.
