Tag: bwindi

Gorilla Forest Lodge: Close Encounters

Posted on by James

Around 700 mountain gorillas exist in the wild. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is home to more than half of them.

Gorilla Forest Lodge, tucked away near the westernmost edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, is unrivalled as a base from which to set off in search of these magnificent creatures. It enjoys a prime location for this ultimate bucket list wildlife activity. Sometimes you don’t even have to go anywhere; one of the local gorilla families visits the lodge grounds around four to six times a month.

The camp boasts ten private luxury tents allowing guests to unwind in the heart of the forest itself.

Eco-friendly, contemporary yet classic at the same time, this unique camp blends effortlessly with the dramatic African mountain landscape. Perfectly situated in a national park, you are just a few minutes away from an epic gorilla trekking adventure. The only accommodation located within the park itself, the camp boasts an unrivalled location with exceptional wildlife and birdlife viewing opportunities.

For an idea of what type of incredible encounters might await you in the forest, have a look at this amazing video:

What was previously Gorilla Forest Camp is now being reinvented as Gorilla Forest Lodge, with canvas tents giving way to more permanent, upgraded rooms. Each of its 10 suites is being significantly enlarged and reimagined.

Floor-to-ceiling windows will complement expansive veranda-like decks. Design elements include clay-look, textured-plaster walls, woven banana leaf ceilings and elongated framed vistas. All you will hear is the sound of trees dancing, birds singing and nature taking its course. The camp retains an intimate, exclusive feel, enabling you to experience Africa’s magic with the lightest of footprints yet with practically every mod con.

The communal areas of Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge boast a cosy lounge featuring a well-stocked bar and a luxurious dining area.

From here you can enjoy magnificent views over the verdant rainforest. As the day settles and the stars come out, you will hear chatter coupled with the sounds of nature around a warm campfire. Exchange stories of the day’s adventures while enjoying a drink or two. Uganda is known for providing rich flavours and locally sourced ingredients enhance every meal. Expertly prepared dishes promise simple flavours and showcase fresh delights — try traditional smoked beef in peanut sauce served with Kalo (millet bread). Candlelit alfresco dining is also available on your suite’s private deck.

Though a gorilla trek is likely to be the centrepiece of your GFL experience (and you may wish to devote more than a single day to trekking, as coming face to face with the great apes can be a truly life-altering experience), don’t miss the opportunity to discover the flora and fauna of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on a guided walk, or to engage with the indigenous Batwa people during a Community and Philanthropy Tour.

An overnight visit to game-rich Queen Elizabeth National Park and the possibility to see the famous tree-climbing lions is easily arranged.

Or simply relax in camp, amid the splendour of the forest. Take a treatment at the spa. Swap stories by the campfire before dinner. Savour the rare privilege of being in this extraordinary place.

Gorilla trekking should be on everyone’s bucket list, and this newly reimagined lodge, should be one of the first to be looked at as an option. And with so much more to Uganda than only gorillas, the possibilities for a truly adventurous safari are endless.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com for more information…

Erebero Hills – The Best of Bwindi

Posted on by James

The considered design of Erebero Hills – meaning “a place where you can see far” – takes creative inspiration from the surrounding landscape of rolling hills. Sweeping views across the forest will be on offer from all guest suites, or from the hillside swimming pool on warm afternoons. Combining sustainable luxury with the thrill of observing one of the world’s most endangered species in their natural habitat, Erebero Hills will provide a unique and rewarding safari experience.

Located on the northern edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Erebero Hills holds an enviable position offering both privacy and convenient access to a preferred gorilla trekking location.

An AMAZING SPECIAL OFFER is currently on the go; due to high demand, Asilia are extending their exclusive opening special to offer ONE FREE GORILLA PERMIT PER PERSON for all new bookings confirmed by 28th February 2025.

Book now, and be one of the first to stay in what will likely prove to be a groundbreaking new lodge in this discreet corner of Uganda.

Driving an ambitious reforestation project, Asilia aims to create a forest buffer zone within the 45 acres surrounding the lodge. A long-term project, this will eventually deliver an accessible forest for the Batwa people who are no longer allowed in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and will create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities both now during the planting phase, and for many years to come.

Imagine yourself in a rare moment, crouched on the forest floor, respectfully avoiding eye contact while observing some of the last remaining eastern and mountain gorillas up close.

These majestic creatures are found only in three countries – Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – and live in four national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park. Asilia’s gorilla trekking tours offer an exclusive opportunity, a privilege, to witness them in their natural habitat.

Erebero Hills is set to provide the service and attention to detail that Asilia is well-renowned for, alongside a meaningful and empowering positive impact commitment.

Eight forest-view suites tucked into the hillside – each with a private viewing deck and uninterrupted views of the forest across the valley – have been designed for style and luxury. The spacious, glass fronted interiors are filled with natural light, with a king-sized bed and both indoor and outdoor seating options designed to maximise the expansive views. A boot-room at the entrance to each suite offers a thoughtful design element, while the en suite bathroom applies the finishing touches with a free-standing bathtub and both an indoor and outdoor shower, all with breathtaking views of the forest. The main lounge and swimming pool offer additional areas for relaxation, while spa treatments can be enjoyed in-room to ease tired muscles.

In addition to housing more than half the world’s remaining population of mountain gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest plays home to staggeringly rich array of biodiversity. Over 350 species of bird, more than 200 species of butterfly, and more than 100 mammal species, of which 10 are primates. With convenient flights from Kenya, Erebero Hills combines easily with Asilia’s Kenya portfolio, allowing for an incredible East Africa adventure.

Gorillas live in family groups led by a dominant silverback male and are majestic, highly intelligent, and social creatures. They communicate through a repertoire of up to 25 distinct sounds. They share strong family bonds and are known to create and use tools. It’s fascinating to see them building nests on the ground or in trees using branches and leaves, which they use both during the day and at night. Sadly, they are critically endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. 

If you would like to be one of the vanguard to stay in what may prove to be Asilia’s flagship lodge, we’d just like to remind you about the special offer, with a free gorilla trekking permit for every booking confirmed before 28th February. That amounts to a saving of $600 per person.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to enquire…