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Gorilla trekking doesn’t often come hand-in-hand with luxury, but Sanctuary’s Gorilla Forest Camp does a pretty good job of taking care of both. Located deep in the steamy jungle of world UNESCO site Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the camp is the most established in the region (it opened its doors in 1996), and it’s secluded, atmospheric and utterly magical. It’s also one of the only accommodations within the forest itself so exclusivity is a guarantee and only seven others will join you on your trek of a lifetime to see the gorillas. Back at camp, fragrant bubble baths, sumptuous three-course feasts and chilled gin and tonics await on your return. Yes, we definitely call that luxury…
From $430 person/night
One of the few lodges inside the forest, gorillas have been known to stroll into the gardens, so keep your eyes peeled! Rumour has it, they particularly like chocolate cake for tea…
For something not so gorilla-focused, take a stroll through the local tea and coffee farms, learn how to make banana beer, and meet members of the Batwa tribe.
Bwindi is notoriously tough to trek and it can take a few hours to find the gorilla families, so a booking a porter to help you along the way is vital.
Down a flight of stone steps and sheltered by an awning of thick, tropical ferns are the stylish main areas. Open-sided, airy and filled with sun-bleached, cushioned chairs, a cocktail in the lounge overlooking the magnificent landscape is a real treat. Breakfast, lunch and tea are served in the thatched dining-area and at night, dinner arrives on a white-clothed table under the crystal-clear Bwindi skies. Afterwards, retreat to the campfire for trekking tales over an aperitif or two…
Branching off from a pretty stone path are the 10 tented villas, complete with two queen size beds, private veranda and ensuite bathroom with indoor shower. The piece de resistance however, is the enormous bath tub, looking straight out over the jungle canopy – blissful, bubbly heaven at the end of a long day trekking! And to top it all off, each cottage is looked after by a smiling butler, for whom nothing is ever too much trouble.
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The main activity is, of course, gorilla trekking, and you will most likely visit one of the habituated families in northern Bwindi. Treks are all accompanied by skilled guides and porters, in exclusive groups of eight or less. Also available is a specially-designed sedan chair for guests who are unable to trek on foot. After your gorilla trek, choose from village walks, community experiences with the Batwa tribe, bird-watching and forest walks or head straight to the spa and rejuvenate tired limbs. We would call that essential…
Owned by Sanctuary Retreats, this property is committed to conservation and responsible tourism. Since 1999, they've aimed to positively impact the areas they operate in, nurturing relationships with rural communities. They sponsor sustainable projects, collaborating closely with communities to understand needs and deliver impactful initiatives. Their goal is to improve local wellbeing and create lasting solutions for future generations.