Abercrombie & Kent has officially reopened Gorilla Forest Lodge, An A&K Sanctuary in Uganda, following a complete rebuild and redesign that sets a new benchmark for sustainable luxury in one of Africa’s most precious wildernesses. LATTE readers were the first to learn more about the upgrade in April 2024, and A&K showcased the completed upgrade a few months ago.
The lodge’s location inside the national park gates means guests are never far from these magnificent creatures, with gorillas occasionally wandering onto the property itself.
Perched high within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world’s remaining 1,000 mountain gorillas, the lodge occupies a position unlike any other as the only luxury accommodation inside the park gates. The reimagined property represents a triumph of conscious design. The complete transformation has elevated the property into an intimate 10-suite sanctuary where guests can wake to the symphony of the rainforest, trek alongside gorillas in their natural habitat, and return to exceptional comfort that exists in harmony with conservation and community.
Gorilla Forest Lodge is the only luxury lodge located inside the gates of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The project dates back to 1985 when Geoffrey Kent, Founder of Abercrombie & Kent, met when with soon-to-be Ugandan President General Museveni to discuss protection of the country’s endangered mountain gorillas.
Expert rangers lead guests on unforgettable gorilla treks, whilst the creatures themselves have been known to wander onto the property.
Overseen by Luxury Frontiers the lodge’s redesign celebrates Ugandan craftsmanship whilst honouring the forest itself. Every collaboration has strengthened the artisan economy, from banana-fibre stools crafted in village workshops to woven ceiling panels produced by NGO Ride 4 a Woman, and textiles created by Florence Nakachwa’s Mekeka Designs, which empowers women through weaving.
The design draws inspiration from Bwindi’s vibrant textures and Uganda’s rich heritage. Papyrus thatch roofs blend seamlessly into the tree canopy. Weathered Corten steel harmonises with bark. Light filters through sisal basket installations and cascading beads that echo rainforest vines.
Each of the ten significantly enlarged suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive decks. Large baths invite guests to soak after exhilarating treks. Clay-textured plaster walls, woven banana leaf ceilings and elongated framed vistas create rhythm and harmony throughout. The rugs beneath guests’ feet tell a story, reclaimed from agricultural waste and transformed into beautiful, sustainable design elements. Barkcloth cushions feature QR codes linking directly to their makers, fostering genuine connection between guests and the community.
The lodge has implemented comprehensive sustainability initiatives including rainwater collection systems, composting, repurposed materials and carefully considered building choices to ensure minimal waste and environmental footprint.
Every stay directly funds A&K Philanthropy initiatives that support the Bwindi community, wildlife and the forest itself. These include the Bwindi Community Hospital and Nursing School, improving healthcare and education for local families. The Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise empowers women with sustainable transport and economic independence. The Safe Water for Schools Uganda project provides safe water access to schools, transforming children’s health and futures.
After days spent exploring, guests can unwind in the expanded spa, savour impeccable dining that celebrates local ingredients and culinary traditions and relax in communal areas designed to foster connection with fellow travellers and the landscape beyond.
See abercrombiekent.com/stays/safari-lodges/gorilla-forest-lodge
