Sanctuary Retreats

With its impressive location deep within Bwindi’s Impenetrable forest, Gorilla Forest Camp is ideal for those looking for an exclusive and immersive stay in one of Africa’s most beautiful and densely gorilla-inhabited parks. Come and feel nestled in nature at a wonderful, long-standing property.


Plan your journey

Awarded: Bronze

Location

Uniquely located within the grounds of Bwindi National Park in South West Uganda, the lodge offers one of the best spots for encountering endangered gorillas, both in their natural habitat and (if you’re lucky!) roaming the campgrounds. The lodge is remote, set on a steep hill deep in the rainforest so the remarkable atmosphere of the surroundings is palpable.

Rooms

The eight canvas guest tents have two queen size beds, private verandas, yoga kits and en-suite bathrooms. The most enticing part of the rooms are the enormous bathtubs which look straight out over the jungle canopy, perfect for a heavenly soak after a long day. Each cottage is cared for by a smiling and accommodating butler to give your stay that extra bit of luxury.

Communal Areas

Set in well-kept grounds, guests can enjoy stunning views of the forest in the camp’s open-sided communal areas. Contemporary yet warmly designed, the camp boasts a comfortable lounge area with wood-framed seating around chunky coffee tables, an inviting bar and elegant dining area. Guests can gather around the fire pit or find nooks for private dining. There is also a mini spa to enjoy some well-earned treatments after a long day of trekking and a gift shop stocked with local artefacts and essentials.

Activities

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the main activity in this uniquely located camp with a limit of eight people per guided group to ensure an exclusive and intimate experience with nature. For those unable to trek on foot, comfortable sedan chairs are on offer so nobody misses out on the experience. Guests also have the opportunity to meet and learn from the local Batwa tribe for those interested in a fun and deeper engagement with local culture.

All Inclusive

Accommodation
Breakfast, lunch and evening meal
All house drinks (except premium imported brands and champagne)
Laundry service

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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DRIER PERIOD

A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.

Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.

DRIER PERIOD

A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.

Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.

WET SEASON

The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.

Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.

WET SEASON

The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.

Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.

WET SEASON

The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.

Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.

DRIER PERIOD

A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.

Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.

DRIER PERIOD

A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.

Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.

DRIER PERIOD

A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.

Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.

WET SEASON

The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.

Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.

WET SEASON

The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.

Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.

WET SEASON

The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.

Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.

DRIER PERIOD

A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March.

Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Uganda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperature as well as rainfall. The majority of the regions in Uganda sit at fairly high altitudes, which moderates the temperatures, especially in the case of Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks where it can be really quite cool.

Although rainfall is possible through the year in most locations, there are main two wet seasons in Uganda. The first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November. There are some exceptions to this, such as Kidepo Valley National Park which has just one wet season.

The best time for a safari in Uganda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

Explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Properties

What People Say

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