The magnificent Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp nestles in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the south-west region of Uganda.
Set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this wilderness camp is one of the most atmospheric and remote in Africa. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is characterised by jagged valleys, volcanoes, dramatic mountain ranges and lakes.
Tucked away, on a beautiful flat ridge up high in the natural forest, the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers travellers a most suitable base for unforgettable encounters with the rare mountain gorillas.
Gorilla families frequently visit this gorilla viewing camp based on its location. Featuring only eight tents, a very personal and close to nature gorilla trekking experience can be enjoyed here.
Being the only concessionaire tented camp in Uganda's Bwindi Forest, the Gorilla Forest Trekking Camp offers the most suitable accommodation option for visiting the mountain gorilla.
The bar and dining venue provide magnificent vistas over the rainforest. The raised platform serves for open-air dining by the campfire under the stars. The full continental and English breakfast are offered before the morning activity. For guests who participate in gorilla trekking, delicious packed lunches are prepared which include sweet and savoury snacks and treats as well as fresh fruit. Upon return, refreshing beverages and light meals are served. The meals are a la carte and are served in the dining and bar area overlooking the rainforest.
Silver service dinner with four or five courses each evening is served making for an unforgettable dining experience in Africa's remote wilderness. Personalised service in the heart of the forest experience at this intimate camp. Special requests and dietary requirements can correspond to the lodge when bookings are made. Romantic private dinners can be arranged upon request.
The mini-spa provides the ideal way to end a thrilling and action-packed day of gorilla trekking. As a natural enhancement in a combination of the gorilla experience, guests may choose soothing health and beauty treatments such as a full herbal massage, a hydrating facial, a rejuvenating foot massage, as well as pedicures and manicures. Locally sourced products are used for scrubs and masks. These natural ingredients include bananas and avocados.
The eight tents are spacious, and stylish offering two queens sized beds. A large bath which overlooks the jungle adds to the luxury. The tents feature convenient amenities and facilities which include a private viewing deck outdoors.
The main lodges area offers a welcoming lounge and bar area where guests are welcome to enjoy beverages and snacks while socialising. At the dining venue, delicious meals are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A wide variety of different spa treatments is on offer at the camp's mini spa. The outdoor boma offers a great dining venue where guests dine under the stars in the heart of nature around a crackling fireplace.
When it comes to events, the highlight of a stay at this magnificent rainforest location are the memorable encounters with the gorillas. Guests set off for a hike trekking these beautiful animals. Once the gorillas are found, an hour is spent observing them in their natural habitat. The professional guides share their in-depth knowledge of the sophisticated habits and lifestyle of these giant apes. With Bwindi being home to over 350 bird species, including 24 that are endemic to this region of Uganda, birding walks are a dream come true for enthusiastic bird watchers.
After years of habituation, the gorillas in this region have become used to seeing humans. The expert guides explain the great etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback gorilla in its natural habitat. This rare opportunity to encounter these animals in the wild is restricted to only eight visitors every day.
Participants should be physically fit and energetic as one hike through the dense forest on steep slopes. When the gorillas are found in their habitat, one hour is spent observing them before returning to camp. Children aged 15, and above may participate in this excellent wildlife activity. A gorilla tracking permit has to be purchased in advance in Bwindi, either in person or via the camp.
The Bwindi region of Uganda is home to half of the world's population of the mountain gorilla. In the last census, only 350 individual gorillas had been counted. Together with many other animals, these critically endangered primates are home in the lush and dense Bwindi Forest.
About 75 minutes away from this forest camp is an airstrip which makes access to this remote wilderness lodge comfortable and convenient. A road transfer from Kampala is also possible which takes about ten hours. The private charter flights depart from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip; this is about a 2-hour trip. The journey than from the Kihihi Airstrip to the camp is about 1 hour 15 mins. There is also the option of a scenic, eight-hour road transfer from the Kigali Airport in Rwanda.
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The contact numbers to make a reservation at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp are:
• Cape Town Reservations +27 (0) 21 794 9050
• Durban Reservations: +27 (0) 31 941 5945
• Johannesburg Reservations: +27 (0) 10 446 8045.
Alternatively, you can check availability and book online by clicking here.