Is this camp really inside the national park?

Yes, it is one of only two properties located within the boundaries of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in the Buhoma sector.

What does all-inclusive cover?

The rate includes accommodation, all meals, drinks, and guided activities such as forest walks and cultural experiences.

Has the camp changed management?

The property is now managed by Abercrombie & Kent and operates as Gorilla Forest Lodge following a 2025 rebuild with new luxury villas.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

An exclusive tented camp set within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, offering an intimate gorilla trekking experience surrounded by ancient rainforest.

Ultra Luxury$$$$$(Ultra Luxury)Information verified online

Summary

What it is: Ultra Luxury in Buhoma
Where it is: Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Best for: Luxury travelers, Gorilla trekking, Honeymooners, Wildlife photography, Travelers seeking immersive forest experience
Main activities: Gorilla trekking, Guided forest walks, Bird watching, Batwa cultural experience
Price level: $$$$$(Ultra Luxury)

Quick Facts

Region: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
National Park: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Subregion / Sector: Buhoma
Category: Ultra Luxury
Price Level: $$$$$(Ultra Luxury)
Best for: Luxury travelers, Gorilla trekking, Honeymooners, Wildlife photography, Travelers seeking immersive forest experience
Distance to park gate: Inside the park
Verified Visit: Information verified online

Activities

Gorilla trekkingGuided forest walksBird watchingBatwa cultural experienceNight sounds of the forest

About Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp — now managed by Abercrombie & Kent under the name Gorilla Forest Lodge — is one of only two accommodation properties located inside the boundaries of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in the Buhoma sector. This positioning means the surrounding forest is not a view but the actual habitat, and mountain gorillas have been known to wander through the camp grounds.

The property was rebuilt in 2025 with a new design featuring luxury villas that replace the original tented structures. Rates are all-inclusive, covering meals, drinks, and guided activities. The camp operates on a small, intimate scale, which keeps the atmosphere quiet and the guest-to-staff ratio high.

Being inside the park boundary gives guests an immersive forest experience that few other properties can match. The sounds of the forest are constant — birds, insects, and occasionally primates moving through the canopy. For travelers who prioritise proximity to the gorillas and are willing to pay a premium for an all-inclusive stay within the national park itself, this is one of the most notable options in the Bwindi area.

Location & Region

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is located in Buhoma, part of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park region in Uganda. It is situated within or near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

General area: Buhoma

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Drive Times

From Entebbe Airport8-9 hours
From Kihihi Airstrip1.5-2 hours
From Kampala9-10 hours

Accommodation & Rooms

Luxury Villa

Rebuilt in 2025, these villas sit within the forest canopy with en suite facilities, private deck space, and views into the surrounding rainforest.

Max guests: 2

Amenities

All-inclusive meals and drinksLuxury villasEn suite bathroomsHot waterGuided forest walksLaundry serviceButler service

Highlights

Located inside Bwindi National Park boundary
One of only two lodges within the park
Gorillas occasionally wander through camp
All-inclusive rates
Rebuilt in 2025 with new luxury villas
Managed by Abercrombie & Kent
Intimate scale with high staff-to-guest ratio

Who Is This Lodge For?

Luxury travelersGorilla trekkingHoneymoonersWildlife photographyTravelers seeking immersive forest experience

Advantages

Inside the national park — the closest you can stay to the gorillas
All-inclusive pricing simplifies budgeting
Newly rebuilt in 2025 with upgraded facilities
Gorillas sometimes visit the camp grounds
Small and intimate atmosphere
Managed by Abercrombie & Kent with established service standards

Things to Know

Rates are significantly higher than lodges outside the park boundary
The camp is small — book well in advance, especially for peak season
Access is via the Buhoma sector of Bwindi
The 2025 rebuild means the property now operates as Gorilla Forest Lodge under A&K
Gorilla sightings in camp are not guaranteed but do occur

Frequently Asked Questions

Dining

All meals and drinks are included in the rate. The kitchen prepares a mix of international and local dishes using fresh ingredients, served in the main dining area surrounded by forest.

Prices can change depending on season, availability and booking conditions. Please contact the lodge or a trusted tour operator for current rates.

Lodges of Uganda is an independent lodge information platform. We are not the official website of the listed lodges unless clearly stated. Information may change and should be confirmed directly with the lodge or travel provider before booking.