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Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary

Bwindi, Uganda · National park

Lodge describes itself as: Luxury. Self-declared by the lodge, not an official grade.Lodge
Luxury · How we rate: Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.
How we rate

Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.

Contact Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary directly ↗ (opens the lodge's website in a new tab)

Photo: A&K Sanctuary · Source ↗

Full board+ (FB+)

All meals, Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including premium brands and 4 more

10 rooms

Suite · Sleeps up to 20 guests

Children 6 and over

By air

2 hrs from Kihihi Airstrip

Wi-Fi in rooms

Solar power

From about A$1,150

per person / night, sharing

Overview

About Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary

Gorilla Forest Lodge sits inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with ten standalone suites spaced among the trees. Rebuilt in 2025, it pairs forest-facing private decks and large baths with a shared lounge, bar and restaurant. Days revolve around mountain-gorilla trekking, while the spa and campfire seating provide places to unwind afterwards. Meals, drinks, laundry and a community walk are included; gorilla permits and airstrip transfers cost extra. Children aged six and over are welcome, but gorilla trekking is restricted to guests aged 15 and over.

“A forest retreat for keen trekkers who want a private deck and a long bath after meeting mountain gorillas, with shared meals and a campfire to round out the day.”
Why we love it · Explore Africa

Best for

Luxury seekersBirders

Known for

What you can expect to see

GorillaBirdlife

Mountain-gorilla trekking and birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are the focus here.

Your stay

What's included

Board: Full board+ (FB+)

Special offer: Stay five nights and pay for four for travel from 1 September to 31 December 2026, 1 January to 31 May 2027, or 1 September to 31 December 2027. Nights need not be consecutive. Bookings of five rooms or more are excluded. The offer can be withdrawn.

Included

  • All meals
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including premium brands
  • Community walk
  • Concession fees
  • Laundry
  • Emergency medical evacuation

Not included

  • Park fees
  • Transfers
  • Flights

Park fees, flights, landing fees, travel insurance and transfers, including the Kihihi Airstrip transfer, are excluded.

Optional extras (at a cost)

  • Gratuities

Gorilla trekking permits, spa treatments, additional activities and boutique purchases cost extra. Gratuities are discretionary.

Facilities

Comforts and facilities

At the property

  • Spa
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Lounge

In your room

  • Wi-Fi in your room
  • Private deck
  • Mini bar
  • Safe

Rooms

Where you sleep

Sleeps up to 20 guests

  • Suite10 at the property · Private viewing deck, Bath, Mini bar, Safe

Activities

Things to do

At extra cost

Gorilla trekking · 15+

Getting there

How you'll arrive

  1. Kihihi Airstrip
  2. 2 hrs transfer
  3. Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary
How you arrive
By air · 2 hrs from Kihihi Airstrip
Transfers
The drive from Kihihi Airstrip to the lodge takes two hours.
Luggage
15 kg per person in soft bags

Good to know

Before you book

Children
Ages 6 and over
Accepted currencies
USD, GBP, EUR, UGX
Power
Solar power
Malaria
Low malaria risk

Before you travel

Australian Government travel advice

Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 4.0. Summarised and shortened by Explore Africa; read the full advice on Smartraveller.

When to go

Best time to visit

  1. January: Dry season, best game viewing
  2. February: Dry season, best game viewing
  3. March: Green season
  4. April: Green season
  5. May: Green season
  6. June: Dry season, best game viewing
  7. July: Dry season, best game viewing
  8. August: Dry season, best game viewing
  9. September: Green season
  10. October: Green season
  11. November: Green season
  12. December: Dry season, best game viewing
  • Dry season, best game viewing
  • Green season
Month-by-month notes

Jan

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

Feb

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

Mar

Green season

Wildlife: Rainier months bring lush forest, muddy trails and fewer visitors.

Rainier months bring lush forest, muddy trails and fewer visitors.

Apr

Green season

Wildlife: Rainier months bring lush forest, muddy trails and fewer visitors.

Rainier months bring lush forest, muddy trails and fewer visitors.

May

Green season

Wildlife: Rainier months bring lush forest, muddy trails and fewer visitors.

Rainier months bring lush forest, muddy trails and fewer visitors.

Jun

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

Jul

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

Aug

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

Sep

Green season

Wildlife: September falls within the September to November rainy season.

September falls within the September to November rainy season.

Oct

Green season

Wildlife: Short rains refresh the forest; fewer visitors and active birdlife reward visits.

Short rains refresh the forest; fewer visitors and active birdlife reward visits.

Nov

Green season

Wildlife: Short rains refresh the forest; fewer visitors and active birdlife reward visits.

Short rains refresh the forest; fewer visitors and active birdlife reward visits.

Dec

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

Drier conditions make gorilla trekking more comfortable.

How we judge each month
  • Dry season, best game viewingAmong this property's strongest months for conditions, access and key experiences.
  • GoodVery favourable conditions for this property and its key experiences.A generally good time to stay, with some normal seasonal compromises.
  • Green seasonWorkable for specific priorities, with notable seasonal compromises.The property operates, but seasonal conditions bring substantial trade-offs.
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Rates and availability are confirmed by the lodge when you contact them.