Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge
Sophisticated solitude and luxury tracking in Bwindi’s ancient forest
Impeccably placed for tracking the wild gentle giants of the Bwindi and inconceivably sophisticated for its remote location, the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge combines a very special jungle atmosphere with one of the most magical wildlife experiences there is.
Sitting aloft one of the high flat ridges of this, the UNESCO-protected Bwindi Forest, this simple but explorer-chic lodge has eight tented, standalone rooms built on wooden decking and en suite bathrooms furnished with the likes of bathtubs from where you can look out into the forest as you soak.
The outdoor campfire area is where some of your meals to swapping stories take place, and there’s a communal cottage with a bar and restaurant for eating and relaxing in with the other guests on cooler nights.
However it’s the daily activities here at the camp that are the real star of the show, from community walks to meet local tea-pickers or the shaman of the Batwa pymgy tribe, to guided forest walks to spot the park’s captivating flora and fauna. But most come to track the magnificent gorillas of Bwindi with expert guides traversing the thick foliaged slopes happening upon family groups grazing. Gorilla tracking is all year round and is always with a group of no more than eight people at a time.
Highlights
Eight lkuxurious tents with en-suite bathrooms
Communal cottage with bar and dining area
Thrilling gorilla tracking excursions
Bird watching walks through the lush forest
Walks with community guides
Spend time with members of the Batwa tribe
Trip Inspiration
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Places to combine Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge with
Etosha National Park
Encounter by Ongava is an intimate safari camp set within Ongava Game Reserve, on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. You’ll be surrounded by Mopane woodland and wildlife moving freely through the landscape.
There are eight spacious walk-in tents: seven standard tents and one paired tent that works well for families or small groups. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower and a private deck.
You can head out on game drives across the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve. The area is known for its rhino population, as well as lion, zebra and antelope, including the endemic black-faced impala. We especially recommend private guided nature walks, where you can slow down, appreciate the small details and explore with minimal impact. There may be the chance to approach white rhino on foot, as well as spend time bird watching.
For a wider safari experience, take a guided excursion into nearby Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area. At the Ongava Visitor Centre, learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, plants and ecology.
Back at camp, slow down by the pool, settle into the library or gather at the bar as evening falls. The day softens into drinks, quiet conversation and the sounds of the reserve.
