Luxury Lodge
Uganda

Sanctuary Gorillas Forest Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Highlights

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Located inside Bwindi itself, the lodge offers rare, direct access to one of Africa’s oldest rainforests that is home to almost half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

  • Gorilla trekking : Early starts place you on the forest trails quickly, tracking habituated families through dense canopy and misty hillsides.

  • More than gorillas: Guided forest walks, birding and community visits reveal Bwindi’s rich ecosystem, from rare Albertine Rift species to colourful butterflies.

  • Wildlife on your doorstep: Gorilla families have been known to wander through the grounds, alongside monkeys and abundant birdlife.

  • Spacious suites: Each of the ten elegant suites at Gorilla Forest Lodge stands alone amid greenery and state-of-the-art Leica binoculars are provided for every guest on arrival so you can watch the wildlife from your veranda.

  • Community connection: Visits to local projects and village walks offer insight into Batwa heritage and everyday life beyond the forest.

Good to know

How to get there

The main international airport in Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (EBB). From here you can fly domestically to to Kihihi airstrip, which is the closest airstrip to the lodge.

The domestic flight to to Kihihi airstrip takes one hour and 45 minutes, and once you land, the drive to Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge takes one hour and 15 minutes.

The small domestic flights often have a strict luggage allowance and soft suitcases are usually required.

Are children welcome?

Children of all ages are welcome at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge; however, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.

Giving back

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp supports the communities that surround Bwindi. Most staff are recruited locally from Bakiga and Batwa families, creating stable employment close to home. Skills training in hospitality and guiding ensures tourism brings long-term benefit, not just short-term income.

The lodge also contributes to healthcare and education projects in the region. It supports Bwindi Community Hospital and local schools through funding, infrastructure and resources. Guests can visit some of these initiatives, offering a clear link between their stay and tangible impact.

Women’s enterprise is another focus. Partnerships with local cooperatives, including bead-making groups and small business initiatives, help generate independent income. Craft purchases and community visits allow travellers to contribute directly.

Environmental responsibility underpins daily operations. Through Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, part of each stay supports conservation and community projects. The lodge’s design uses local materials and blends into the forest, helping protect the fragile ecosystem that makes Bwindi so special

What wildlife can you expect to see?

Mountain Gorillas: Bwindi is world-famous for its mountain gorillas, offering visitors the chance to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Primates: The forest is home to eleven species of primates, including red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and baboons.

Rare Mammals: Shy forest elephants and elusive giant forest hogs roam the dense forest, while forest duiker and bushbuck antelopes can also be spotted.

Birds and Butterflies: Bwindi boasts a rich diversity of over 200 butterfly species and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

Other Wildlife: Visitors may also encounter warthogs, civets, and other fascinating forest creatures.

Why we love Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge

We love how close Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge is to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorillas have even been known to visit the lodge! With the binoculars provided you can sit on your private terrace and spot all kinds of wildlife.

Aisha Gross

Destination Expert

Africa and the Indian Ocean
One&Only Gorillas Nest, Rwanda

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Aisha Gross
Melissa Kirby