Uganda
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Bwindi

Uganda, often called the secret pearl of Africa, wins the hearts of those who visit with its breathtaking scenery: crystal clear lakes, majestic mountain ranges and dense rainforests. This fascinating country boasts the highest concentration of primates in the world, providing an unparalleled wilderness experience.

In the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-western Uganda, is the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, an exclusive retreat that combines comfort and sustainability. This region is famous for its iconic mascot: the mountain gorilla. About half the world's population of this rare and endangered species lives here, making Bwindi a must-visit destination for those seeking the thrill of a close encounter with these extraordinary primates.

The Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, completely renovated in 2024 and designed with respect for the environment, offers an intimate and luxurious experience. Its ten suites, renovated with attention to detail, blend harmoniously with the surrounding mountain landscape. The lodge's amenities include a cosy bar, a lounge perfect for relaxation and a refined dining area with panoramic views of the rainforest, where guests can rejuvenate after a day's trekking. A raised platform allows guests to dine al fresco, surrounded by the enveloping sounds of nature.

The lodge's strategic location, a stone's throw from the starting point of gorilla-watching treks, makes it a unique place. Not infrequently, gorilla families come to the lodge, offering guests the chance to experience unforgettable moments in close contact with these magnificent animals, in their natural habitat.

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Restaurant

The Lodge's cuisine, as in the other retreats in the Sanctuary chain, offers a u ... nique gastronomic experience that combines international dishes with local influences, emphasising the seasonality and freshness of the ingredients. In addition to an extensive à la carte menu and excellent pizza, the weekly barbecue night, ‘Boma Braai’, is a convivial occasion to enjoy authentic grilled specialities. For those who venture out on the gorilla trek, lunch can be packed, while romantic private dinners can be organised on the terraces of the rooms on request.

Bar

The Lodge bar offers a fine selection of beverages, from non-alcoholic drinks to ... the finest spirits, perfect for a relaxing aperitif at the end of an afternoon safari.

COMMUNITYTOUR

Community Tour

The approximately two-hour tour includes a number of characteristic stops that offer participants th ... e opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. Highlights include a tea plantation, a brewery that uses bananas instead of hops, and the local hospital, located nearby and actively supported by the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. The tour is also an extraordinary opportunity to meet members of the Batwa community, the indigenous inhabitants of this region of Uganda. Considered to be the true guardians of the forest, the Batwa share with visitors their traditions, their history and their deep connection to their natural surroundings.

TREKKING

Gorilla Trekking

The main activity at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is gorilla tracking, a unique and exciting experi ... ence. Experienced guides accompany groups of up to eight participants along mountain trails in the northern part of Bwindi, leading them to an encounter with one of the gorilla families that are used to human presence. The treks begin at 8.30am and, once you have spotted the gorillas, you will have the opportunity to spend about an hour observing them in their natural habitat. For guests who have difficulty walking, a rainforest transport service offered by the camp porters is available, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy this extraordinary experience. Due to the challenging nature of the trail, Gorilla Trekking is reserved for participants aged 15 years and older.

LOCALEXPERIENCES

Batwa Tribe Experience

A full-day excursion to discover and interact with the Batwa community, the oldest inhabitants of th ... e Great Lakes region of central Africa. Traditionally nomads, the Batwa have travelled through different areas of Africa and now reside in Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and parts of Congo, where they represent a significant ethnic minority with a rich history. The experience includes a walking trek of about five hours: three hours to reach the village and two to return. Once there, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in their unique culture. It will be possible to watch their traditional dances, discover their music, learn about their religious beliefs and observe their ancestral hunting and gathering techniques, an authentic cultural heritage passed down through generations.

GUIDEDWALKS

Birdwatching

Bwindi is home to over 350 species of birds, 24 of which are endemic to these highlands stretching b ... etween Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, known as the Albertine Rift Endemics. For birdwatchers, it is possible to take part in a fascinating 2-3 hour guided walking tour through the park, accompanied by an expert guide who will help identify and recognise the rarest species. Another not-to-be-missed experience is the guided walk along the Munyaga Waterfall Trail, immersed in the picturesque tropical forest. This approximately three-hour walk not only offers the chance to explore the area's unique ecosystem, but is also an excellent workout in preparation for the next day's gorilla trek.