Abercrombie & Kent has reopened its safari-style Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda, a property situated within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and previously known as Gorilla Forest Camp.
The relaunch brings back a 10-room Sanctuary property located minutes from the Uganda Wildlife Authority Centre, giving visitors close access to one of the world’s most significant mountain gorilla habitats.
Bwindi Forest is home to roughly half of the global mountain gorilla population, making the lodge’s reopening relevant for both conservation-focused tourism and Uganda’s broader hospitality market.
The redesign of the lodge was led by Luxury Frontiers, a firm specializing in luxury tented camps. In its approach, the company integrated locally sourced design features and craftsmanship.
Roofs were completed using papyrus reed thatch, while banana fiber cladding was handwoven by artisans from the NGO Ride 4 a Woman. Historical elements were retained as well, including reception doors carved decades ago by craftspeople from Bwindi.
Inside, the lodge follows an open layout, with high ceilings and expansive windows intended to connect guests with the forest surroundings.
Design details include custom light fixtures made from more than 120,000 recycled beads, according to TravelWeekly. Interiors reflect natural, earth-toned palettes, aligning with the goal of blending the lodge into its environment.
“Designing in Bwindi meant working with, not against, the forest. We drew inspiration from its rhythms and textures to create spaces that dissolve the boundary between lodge and landscape, so every guest feels immersed in the spirit of Uganda,” said Juan Cloete, Associate, Architecture & Visualization at Luxury Frontiers.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry, the reopening illustrates a growing trend toward blending luxury accommodations with authentic local design and sustainable construction practices.
Incorporating community craftsmanship not only supports local economies but also provides a model for destination differentiation in competitive markets.
Operators in glamping, caravan, and RV sectors can draw lessons from how Gorilla Forest Lodge connects its brand identity with both environmental integration and community partnerships, demonstrating that immersive guest experiences can align with local benefit and conservation priorities.