Gorilla Forest Lodge Reopens in Bwindi With a New Vision for Conservation-Led Luxury
A&K reintroduces its flagship Ugandan lodge after a full rebuild, blending artisan design, sustainability, and nearly 40 years of conservation legacy in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Photos: Courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent
Abercrombie & Kent has reopened Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, following a complete rebuild that redefines luxury lodging in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Long regarded as the premier base for gorilla trekking, the 10-suite property has undergone a total redesign by Luxury Frontiers that elevates both comfort and conservation in one of Africa’s most ecologically sensitive settings.
As the only luxury lodge located inside the gates of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, the property occupies a rare perch. Guests can trek alongside gorillas in the morning and, on occasion, see them wander through the grounds later that day. The redesign reinforces the idea of proximity to nature, with floor-to-ceiling glass, open decks, and organic materials that blur the line between forest and lodge.
Each suite is hand-finished with regional craftwork and natural textures like banana-fiber ceilings, barkcloth textiles, papyrus panels, produced by Ugandan artisans and women’s cooperatives such as Ride 4 a Woman and Mekeka Designs.
Sustainability measures extend beyond aesthetics through the use of reclaimed materials, rainwater harvesting, composting, and low-impact construction all underpin the lodge’s carbon-light approach. Even the décor tells a story—woven rugs are made from agricultural waste and cushions are tagged with QR codes that connect guests directly to their makers.
Nearly four decades ago, founder Geoffrey Kent worked with the newly formed Ugandan government to protect the country’s endangered gorillas, creating a model for high-end tourism that funds conservation and community development. That philosophy remains visible here. Each stay supports A&K Philanthropy programs in Bwindi, including a community hospital and nursing school, safe-water initiatives, and micro-enterprises like the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise.
Beyond gorilla trekking, guests can explore forest trails alive with endemic birdlife, visit local schools and craft workshops, or engage with the Batwa community, the forest’s original inhabitants.
