Staying at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest camp during Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The camp sits in the middle of the forest, and sometimes gorillas wander out of the trees and come close to the camp. This accommodation is perfect for nature lovers. The camp has ten luxury tents, each built in a modern style and raised on wooden platforms. The camp also has a cozy lounge, a bar, and a campfire where guests can enjoy the natural surroundings. The Sanctuary is just five minutes away from the Buhoma trailhead.
The camp’s lounge is a highlight, offering a beautiful view of the rainforest. The lounge has a raised natural platform where guests can enjoy open-air dining. Every morning, guests can enjoy a full English or continental breakfast. They also prepare a packed lunch with fresh fruit and sweet and savory treats, perfect for guests to take with them during their morning trek. After a day of adventure, guests can sit by the campfire and enjoy drinks under the stars while sharing stories of their gorilla encounters. The camp serves à la carte meals in the bar and dining area, both overlooking the rainforest. Chef Medard prepares a silver service three-course dinner each evening, giving guests a delightful way to end their adventurous day.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers more than just a place to stay. It provides exceptional experiences that combine adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. This makes the camp perfect for people who want to get away from the busy world. Whether you want to explore or relax and enjoy the beauty around you, the camp offers something for everyone.
Rooms and Amenities
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp has eight private tented cottages, with two more cottages planned to open in 2020. Each cottage is raised on a wooden platform. The cottages have a viewing deck, two queen-size beds, and an en-suite bathroom. The main lodge has a lounge area with a bar and dining space.
The camp also offers spa treatments, including massages. The service at the camp is excellent, and guests can enjoy daily laundry service. The food at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp never disappoints.
Experiences Around Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers many exciting activities to enjoy during your stay. One of the highlights is the Buhoma Community Village Walk. This walk lets you explore the local village while learning about its culture. It is also a great way to support the community as you walk through the village’s trails.
Another meaningful activity is a visit to the Bwindi Community Hospital. Here, you can learn how the hospital helps improve the lives of local people. Visitors can also choose to support the hospital’s efforts to provide better healthcare to the community.
For a truly enriching experience, you can visit Ride 4 a Woman, a local organization that supports women who face challenges like HIV, domestic violence, and poverty. At the center, you can watch the women as they sew, weave, and learn new skills to earn a living. The organization also helps provide education for their children.
The Batwa Cultural Experience is another popular activity. The Batwa are an indigenous community that once lived in the forest. The Batwa Development Program offers a full-day experience where you can learn about their historical lifestyle, including their hunting and gathering skills. This activity provides a unique and unforgettable way to connect with their culture.
For nature lovers, there are guided nature hikes led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These hikes take you along marked forest trails where you can enjoy the beautiful forest scenery and see wildlife. You may spot monkeys, primates, forest hogs, elephants, and over 23 unique bird species found only in this region. The most popular hike is the Waterfall Hike, which lasts 3 to 4 hours and takes you to a beautiful waterfall. There are also longer walking safaris along Bwindi Impenetrable Forest’s oldest trails, including the Kasashari River and Ivy Trails.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a one-of-a-kind adventure. It gives you the rare chance to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural home. This experience is life-changing and requires some planning. Tour companies like Nkuringo Safari make it easier for first-time trekkers by taking care of all the details.
Bwindi National Park has 20 habituated gorilla groups. Eighteen of these groups are available for trekking by tourists. The gorilla groups are spread across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers a different trekking experience and suits various fitness levels and preferences.
To keep the experience safe and respectful for the gorillas, each group is limited to eight people. The trek begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters at 7 a.m. The actual trek starts at 8 a.m. Expert guides and armed rangers accompany each group to ensure safety and share valuable information about the forest and its wildlife.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can last from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group and the terrain. The trails can be steep and slippery, especially during the rainy season, so trekkers should be prepared for challenging conditions.
Once trekkers find a gorilla group, they can spend one hour with the gorillas on a regular trek or 4 hours if they choose the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This time allows trekkers to watch the gorillas closely, take photos (without flash), and enjoy the amazing experience of being near these incredible creatures.
