Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Tucked away in the heart of the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, in southwestern Uganda, lies the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp—a luxurious yet eco-conscious safari lodge offering one of the most exclusive and immersive experiences for travelers seeking to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. More than just a lodge, this sanctuary embodies the intersection of luxury, conservation, and cultural authenticity.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is situated within the boundaries of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa.

Geographic Coordinates: Near Buhoma sector, northwestern Bwindi.

Altitude: Around 1,160 to 2,607 meters above sea level.

Ecosystem: Dense montane and lowland rainforest that has existed for over 25,000 years.

The camp is uniquely positioned within the park boundaries, allowing guests a rare chance to see gorillas even from the comfort of their private verandas when gorilla families occasionally wander through the camp.

Accommodation and Facilities

The camp offers eight luxurious safari-style tents, seamlessly blending into the forest landscape.

Tent Features

Spacious interiors with two queen-sized beds.

En-suite bathrooms with hot showers, flushing toilets, and free-standing bathtubs.

Private verandas offering panoramic forest views.

Common Amenities

Bar and dining area under canvas, serving gourmet meals.

Fire pit area for evening relaxation.

Small library and lounge.

Spa services, including massages using local ingredients.

Eco-conscious infrastructure with solar power, water harvesting, and waste reduction practices.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Though the gorillas are the stars, Bwindi is a biodiversity hotspot:

Mammals: Black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, forest elephants, bush pigs.

Birds: Over 350 species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics like the African green broadbill and Shelley’s crimsonwing.

Plants: Over 1,000 species, many of them endemic or medicinal.

Community and Cultural Experiences

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp works closely with local communities, including the Batwa people, the indigenous forest dwellers of the region.

Activities for Guests:

Community walks to visit local schools and health centers supported by the lodge.

Batwa cultural experiences showcasing traditional dance, storytelling, and forest survival skills.

Craft markets where guests can buy locally made souvenirs.