Gorilla Forest Lodge
Around 700 mountain gorillas exist in the wild. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to more than half of them. Gorilla Forest Lodge, located near the westernmost edge of the national park, is unrivalled as a base from which to set off in search of these magnificent creatures. In addition to its prime location in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, its convenience as a base for gorilla-spotting and its stealthily spoiling design (all new in 2024), Gorilla Forest Lodge has yet another ace up its sleeve. Through its various philanthropic projects, Sanctuary has cultivated strong relationships with the local community, including the indigenous Batwa people. Guests who wish to do so are strongly encouraged to take the opportunity during their visit to engage with the traditional guardians of the forest.
The best of Gorilla Forest Camp
Located within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas
The perfect base from which to trek for mountain gorillas
Excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities more generally, including rare forest elephants
Intimate camp with 10 newly renovated villas
Opportunities to engage with the indigenous Batwa and local communities
Setting
Enhance your stay with these extraordinary experiences
Seeing gorillas is likely to be your top priority during your time in camp, and a trek into the mountains – day-long, physically demanding, potentially life-changing – will be central to your itinerary. But there is much else to do besides. More moderate guided walks to discover the flora and fauna of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Interactive community visits, including with the Batwa, the traditional guardians of the forest, and Sanctuary philanthropic projects. Or simply rest up in camp, take a treatment at the spa, swap stories by the campfire, savour the privilege of being in this amazing spot. Maybe the gorillas will come and visit you.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Trekking
The main event, day-long, physically taxing and potentially life-changing. Gorilla trekking begins early, as the mist clears and the forest awakens. Sanctuary’s expert guides will lead the way deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and explain the complicated etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Forest Walks
A guided walk from Gorilla Forest Camp on the Munyaga Waterfall Trail is the ideal way to explore Bwindi’s diverse ecosystem of dense forest, bamboo groves and open glades. The walk takes about three hours and makes a great warm-up or cool-down day before or after your gorilla-trekking adventure.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Birding Walks
Bwindi is aflutter with some of the rarest avian species on the planet, including 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. Whether you are a seasoned twitcher or a curious beginner, this is an experience not to be missed.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Community and Philanthrophy Tour
Sanctuary’s various philanthropic projects have helped us foster strong relationships with local residents. Our Community and Philanthropy Tour includes visits to the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise, a nursery school and hospital, as well as a meeting with members of the Batwa community – the indigenous inhabitants of the region and traditional guardians of the forest.
A&K PHILANTHOPY
Committed to conservation and responsible tourism since 1999, we support sustainable projects to improve local wellbeing and build lasting community relationships
Safe Water for Schools
We believe everyone deserves the right to clean water, and as part of this commitment we have partnered with LifeStraw to provide water filters in schools across two continents.
Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise
A lifeline for the women who work there and a boon for local cyclists. Shipping-container loads of old bikes are repaired and returned to service by newly trained mechanics, with part of all profits going back into other community projects.
School-Meals Program and Infrastructure Support
Sanctuary has supported the construction of kitchens at 12 of the schools around the edge of the forest (a third of the schools that lie on the edge of the forest), helping 4,500 children to benefit from a balanced and nutritious breakfast and lunch. We have provided further support to improve access to education through the renovation of existing buildings and construction of new classrooms, computer rooms and libraries.
