Travel
Gorilla Forest Lodge, An A&K Sanctuary, Reopens
If gorilla trekking has ever been on your bucket list – this is the place!
Gorilla Forest Lodge, An A&K Sanctuary, Reopens After Stunning Transformation
High in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a new chapter unfolds for one of Africa’s most extraordinary lodges. Following a complete transformation, Gorilla Forest Lodge, An A&K Sanctuary, has reopened, redefining sustainable luxury safari travel in the heart of one of the world’s most biodiverse wildernesses.
Where Luxury Meets Conservation
Perched deep within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Gorilla Forest Lodge holds a distinction like no other, it’s the only luxury lodge located inside the park gates. Guests wake to the symphony of the rainforest, trek alongside gorillas in their natural habitat, and return to a sanctuary that blends seamlessly with its surroundings.
The intimate, ten-suite lodge has been completely reimagined under the direction of Luxury Frontiers, combining art, culture, and sustainability. Every element celebrates Ugandan craftsmanship – banana-fiber stools, woven ceiling panels by local women’s cooperatives, and barkcloth textiles linking guests directly to their makers. Even the décor tells stories of community and conservation.
A Legacy Four Decades in the Making
The rebirth of Gorilla Forest Lodge continues a legacy that began with Geoffrey Kent, founder of Abercrombie & Kent. In 1985, Kent met with Uganda’s then-incoming president, General Museveni, to champion the protection of mountain gorillas. That partnership inspired a groundbreaking model of sustainable tourism, proving that luxury travel can protect wildlife and empower local communities.
Today, the lodge still stands as a symbol of that harmony, where gorillas often wander through the property, an extraordinary reminder that humans and wildlife can share this forest in peace.
Design That Speaks the Language of the Forest
The redesign pays tribute to Uganda’s natural beauty and artisanal heritage. Papyrus thatch roofs melt into the treetops. Weathered Corten steel mimics bark. Light filters through sisal and bead installations, creating an atmosphere of rainforest rhythm.
Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor soaking tubs, and private decks overlooking the canopy. Sustainable materials, from reclaimed rugs to rainwater systems underscore the lodge’s deep environmental commitment.
It’s a sensory experience that feels both contemporary and timeless, an architectural ode to the forest itself.
A&K Philanthropy: Conservation Rooted in Community
Every stay supports A&K Philanthropy initiatives that improve lives across Bwindi. Proceeds fund the Bwindi Community Hospital and Nursing School, the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise, and Safe Water for Schools Uganda, ensuring that conservation benefits everyone, from gorillas to the local families who protect them.
This is travel that gives back, where each guest becomes part of a story of hope, empowerment, and preservation.
The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience
Nothing compares to meeting mountain gorillas in the wild. With expert Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, guests trek through misty trails to encounter these gentle giants, an emotional, unforgettable moment in one of Africa’s most pristine sanctuaries.
Beyond gorilla trekking, guests can explore the Munyaga Waterfall Trail, spot over 350 bird species, or spend time with the Batwa people, learning about their ancient connection to the forest through storytelling, music, and tradition.
After adventurous days, the expanded spa and open-air dining experiences offer the perfect reward, where luxury feels natural and restorative.
Adventure by Day, Luxury by Night
As Geoffrey Kent says, “Adventure by day, luxury by night.” Gorilla Forest Lodge captures that spirit completely, an inspiring blend of design, conservation, and transformative travel.
So if gorilla trekking has ever been on your bucket list, this is the place.
Planning Your Journey
Gorilla Forest Lodge, An A&K Sanctuary, is now open and accepting reservations.
Explore tailor-made safaris to Uganda with Abercrombie & Kent here.
