Luxury Lodges · Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda
Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary
Overview
Set within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the iconic lodge has been beautifully reimagined for a new era.
The palm-thatched 10-suite retreat, nestled seamlessly in its lush cloud forest surroundings, takes sustainable luxury to another level.
The updated lodge uses natural, locally sourced materials, showcasing the best of Ugandan artisanship the lodge. A free flowing open-sided lounge, bar and dining space decorated in shades of pale terracotta, with high-quality furniture and artworks forms the beating heart of the lodge.
The Explorer’s Lounge has books, maps, even replica gorilla bones to give guests a deeper understanding of the creatures they have come to see; while the spa has an extensive menu of restorative treatments after days spent in the wild. At sunset, a campfire becomes the gathering place where guests can drink cocktails and exchange gorilla stories, to a soundtrack of live African folk music.
Each of the 10 standalone suites has a private viewing deck with swing chairs handmade in Uganda; and to enhance wildlife-watching, every guest has a pair of Leica binoculars to hand during their stay. Bathrooms have huge round hammam-like baths, above which hang chandeliers of beads handmade by women in the neighbouring village.
Originally opened in 1993 as a mobile tented camp, Gorilla Forest Lodge plays a vital role in protecting endangered mountain gorillas from extinction and is a key pillar of Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, the award-winning, community first philanthropic initiative. Every stay funds AKP projects which support the local community and in turn help protect the species which depends on the conservation of this precious ecosystem.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Offers
Current offers
2026 - Children Stay Free
For every full paying adult, one child stays for free in East & Southern Africa.
Conditions
• Valid for travel from 1 January to 31 May & 1 September to 31 December 2026 .
• Valid for a maximum of four children per booking.
• Valid for children aged 15 years and younger.
• Normal booking terms and standard child policy applies.
• Excludes Baines’ Lodge & Gorilla Forest Lodge.
• Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
2026 - Single Supplement
Single supplement is waived in specific seasons for all our camps and lodges across East & Southern Africa.
Conditions
• Valid for travel from 1 January to 31 May & 1 September to 31 December 2026 .
• Valid for a maximum of four rooms per booking.
• Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings.
• Cannot be combined with other offers.
• Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp, Olonana Lodge and Villa at Tambarare Camp.
• Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
2026 - Stay 5, Pay 4
Stay for five nights at our safari camps and lodges in East & Southern Africa and receive your fifth night free.
Conditions
• Valid for travel from 1 January to 31 May & 1 September to 31 December 2026.
• Fifth night is free should an itinerary be more than five nights.
• Excludes groups of five rooms or more.
• Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings.
• Cannot be combined with other offers.
• Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp, Olonana Lodge and Villa at Tambarare Camp.
• Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
2026 - Honeymoon Offer
Spend your honeymoon at our safari camps and lodges in East & Southern Africa and receive 50% off your stay for you or your partner.
Conditions
• Valid for travel from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.
• Minimum two-night stay required.
• Valid for two guests travelling only.
• Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings.
• Cannot be combined with other offers.
• Valid for travel within six months of date of marriage. (Marriage Certificate is required)
• Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp, Olonana Lodge and Villa at Tambarare Camp.
• Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
2026 - Long Stay Rates
Enjoy extra savings on your safari, when you stay at one or more of our properties in East & Southern Africa.
STAY 4-6 NIGHTS
• Save 20% in Low & Mid-Season.
• Save 10% in Peak Season.
STAY 7+ NIGHTS
• Save 25% in Low & Mid-Season.
• Save 15% in Peak Season.
Conditions
• Valid for travel from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.
• These do not have to be consecutive nights.
• Long stay savings are reflected in our published pricing.
2027 - Long Stay Rates
Enjoy extra savings on your safari, when you stay at one or more of our properties in East & Southern Africa.
STAY 4-6 NIGHTS
• Save between 10% and 20%
STAY 7+ NIGHTS
• Save 15% and 25%
Conditions
• Valid for travel from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028.
• These do not have to be consecutive nights.
• Long stay savings are reflected in our published pricing.
2027 - Honeymoon Offer
Spend your honeymoon at our safari camps and lodges in East & Southern Africa and receive 50% off your stay for you or your partner.
Conditions
• Valid for travel from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028.
• Minimum two-night stay required.
• Valid for two guests travelling only.
• Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings.
• Cannot be combined with other offers.
• Valid for travel within six months of date of marriage. (Marriage Certificate is required)
• Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp, Olonana Lodge and Villa at Tambarare Camp.
• Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
2027 - Stay 5, Pay 4
Stay for five nights at our safari camps and lodges in East & Southern Africa and receive your fifth night free.
Conditions
• Valid for travel from 1 January to 31 May & 1 September to 31 December 2027, and 1 January to 31 May & 1 September to 31 December 2028.
• Fifth night is free should an itinerary be more than five nights.
• Excludes groups of five rooms or more.
• Bed Levy at Tambarare Camp and concession fees at Kitirua Plains Lodge are required for the fifth night.
• Offer can be combined with the long stay discount for even greater savings.
• Cannot be combined with other offers.
• Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp, Geoffrey Kent Suite at Olonana Lodge, and Private Villa at Tambarare Camp.
• Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
2027 - Single Supplement
Single supplement is waived in specific seasons for all our camps and lodges across East & Southern Africa.
Conditions
• Valid for travel from 1 January to 31 May & 1 September to 31 December 2027, and 1 January to 31 May & 1 September to 31 December 2028.
• Valid for a maximum of four rooms per booking.
• Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings.
• Cannot be combined with other offers.
• Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp, Olonana Lodge and Villa at Tambarare Camp.
• Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
Details
Good to know
Languages spoken
English
Ideal for
Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Property facilities
Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Accommodation & amenities
Bath, Dressing Gowns, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah
Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Room Service
On-site activities
Bird Watching, Game Viewing, Gorilla Tracking, Massages, Walks (Guided)
Nearby activities
Animal Encounters, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Viewing, Gorilla Tracking, Walks (Guided)
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
Gorilla Forest Lodge
Activities
What you can do
Birding Walks
A bird-lover's paradise, Bwindi is aflutter with more than 350 species of birds, including some of the rarest avian species on the planet and 24 that are endemic to the region. Our local expert will guide you on a two-to-three-hour walk in search of these feathered forest-dwellers, including the vibrant and elusive African green broadbill, the African emerald cuckoo, and the brightly colored African pitta. Whether you are a seasoned twitcher or a curious beginner, this is an experience not to be missed.
Bwindi Community AKP Tours
Together with A&K Philanthropy, we have worked with Bwindi communities to launch health, enterprise and education initiatives which have helped us foster strong relationships with local residents. Our Bwindi Community Tour includes visits to the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise and beadmaking workshop, a school and hospital, and opportunities to meet members of the Batwa community – the indigenous inhabitants of the region and traditional guardians of the forest. The tour is led by Dennis Mugume, AKP’s Field Coordinator in Uganda, who shares insights and information about the local community, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about the “real” aspects of the country they are visiting, beyond the incredible scenery and wildlife encounters they experience. It usually takes around two hours but can be tailored to suit you.
Forest Walks
A guided walk from Gorilla Forest Lodge on the Munyaga Waterfall Trail is the ideal way to explore Bwindi’s diverse ecosystem. Its dense forest, bamboo groves and open glades are home to rare and unique species, including giant forest hogs, red-tailed, blue and colobus monkeys, baboons and chimpanzees. The walk is around 2.5 miles, takes about three hours and, in the company of an expert ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, makes a great warm-up or cool-down day before or after your gorilla-trekking adventure.
Gorilla Trekking
The gorillas are completely wild but have become used to seeing a few humans after years of habituation. Many of the expert guides have been involved in this process since the beginning and are able to explain the complicated etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback. This is an opportunity afforded only to a select few, as just eight visitors are allowed to view each group every day. Trekking through dense forest with steep slopes means that guests need to be physically fit to enjoy the trek. Once the gorillas are located, guests will spend a maximum of one hour with them before returning back to the lodge. Please note only children aged 15 and above can go gorilla trekking. A gorilla trekking permit must be bought in advance.
Meet the Batwa People
The Batwa People are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa and a significant minority group in the region. This full-day experience offers an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the Batwa’s unique and vibrant culture, and includes a three-hour walk through the dense forest, followed by an hour spent witnessing their way of life. Guests can expect a music performance, a visitation by the goddess, a demonstration of traditional hunting and gathering methods and a chance to listen to their captivating stories and understand how they live.
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
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