Tucked deep within the misty canopy of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is more than just a safari lodge it is an experience. Set in a prime location inside the park itself, the camp offers unmatched proximity to the Buhoma gorilla trekking trailhead, while surrounding guests in luxurious comfort and tranquility. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is renowned for being one of the most exclusive properties in the region, and it is often described as the only “luxury camp in the heart of Bwindi.”
Whether you are here for the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of mountain gorilla trekking, intimate cultural encounters, or simply to immerse yourself in Uganda’s oldest rainforest, this lodge combines wilderness charm with world-class hospitality.
Accommodation – Exclusive Luxury Tents in the Forest
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp features only eight luxurious tents, ensuring exclusivity and intimacy for every guest. Each tent is carefully designed to blend into the surrounding forest while offering the comforts expected of a five-star lodge.
- Spacious Layout: Large canvas tents on raised wooden platforms with stylish furnishings.
- Private Verandas: Forest-facing decks where guests can sip coffee while listening to the morning calls of primates and birds.
- En-suite Facilities: Each tent includes a bathtub with a view, a private shower, and premium bathroom amenities.
- Elegant Décor: The interiors are a mix of safari-chic design and local craft, with soft linens and subtle African touches.
What makes the camp particularly unique is that gorillas occasionally wander through the property itself, offering guests rare close-up encounters without even leaving their veranda.
Dining & Camp Experience
Food and hospitality are at the heart of Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp’s experience.
- Cuisine: Expect a fusion of international flavors and locally inspired dishes, served à la carte with fresh produce from surrounding communities.
- Dining Settings: Guests can enjoy bush breakfasts, alfresco lunches on the terrace, or candlelit dinners under the stars.
- Bar & Lounge: The central campfire and bar area provide a warm atmosphere for evening relaxation, storytelling, and enjoying a glass of wine after a trek.
Special dietary requests are easily catered for, making every meal tailored and memorable.
Activities at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
- Gorilla Trekking
Being inside the park gives the camp an incredible advantage guests can reach the Buhoma sector’s starting point within minutes. Guided treks, led by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, take guests through dense forest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas, one of the world’s rarest wildlife encounters.
- Birding & Nature Walks
Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to over 350 bird species and more than 200 butterfly species. Expert-guided forest walks offer opportunities to spot turacos, sunbirds, hornbills, and a variety of primates.
- Cultural Encounters
Guests may visit local communities, including the Batwa pygmies, who share their ancient forest traditions, crafts, and music. Village walks often include stops at schools, traditional healers, or women’s cooperatives.
- Wellness & Relaxation
After trekking, guests can indulge in spa treatments in the forest, designed to soothe muscles and rejuvenate the body. The peaceful setting ensures a deep sense of rest and renewal.
Conservation & Community Involvement
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is deeply invested in both conservation and community development:
- Community Support: A portion of the camp’s revenue goes to local schools, healthcare initiatives, and community training programs.
- Employment: Most of the staff are recruited from neighboring communities, offering both income and skills development.
- Conservation Projects: By supporting gorilla tourism, the camp contributes directly to funding anti-poaching patrols and gorilla veterinary programs.
This means that every guest’s stay not only supports local livelihoods but also ensures the survival of Uganda’s mountain gorillas for generations to come.
Practical Information
- Location: Inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Buhoma sector.
- Accessibility: Reachable by road from Kampala/Entebbe (8–9 hours), or via domestic flights into Kihihi Airstrip (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from the lodge by road).
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; June–August and December–February are drier and preferred for trekking.
- Gorilla Permits: Issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority — must be booked in advance. The camp and tour operators assist in securing them.
- Packing Essentials: Hiking boots, waterproof clothing, garden gloves, long trousers, insect repellent, and a good camera with extra batteries.
Why Choose Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp?
- Unparalleled Location: One of the only luxury camps inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Exclusivity: Just 8 tents for maximum privacy and personalized service.
- Unique Encounters: Occasional gorilla visits within the camp itself.
- Luxury Meets Wilderness: Fine dining, spa treatments, and premium service in the heart of the rainforest.
- Conservation Legacy: A stay that benefits both gorilla protection and local communities.
Final Word
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is not just accommodation; it is an experience woven into the very fabric of Bwindi’s wilderness. From luxury tents with forest views to the life-changing thrill of gorilla trekking, every aspect of a stay here is unforgettable. For travelers seeking a blend of exclusivity, comfort, and direct access to gorilla adventures, this camp remains one of Uganda’s finest safari retreats.