Asilia Africa announces striking new lodge and sustainability initiatives

The new Erebero Hills lodge, slated to open in Uganda in early 2026, aims to combine sustainable luxury with the unique opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat

Safari camp and lodge operator Asilia Africa has announced the upcoming launch of its new lodge, Erebero Hills, nestled in the heart of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

The new Erebero Hills lodge, slated to open in early 2026, aims to combine sustainable luxury with the unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Erebero Hills, which translates to “a place where you can see far”, will be situated on 45 acres of reforested land on the northern fringe of the forest. The lodge will feature eight expertly designed forest-view suites, each offering 180-degree vistas of the lush surroundings and equipped with private viewing decks.

As the ancestral land of the Batwa People, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holds a rich heritage and deep connection to the area. Asilia Africa – who holds a long-standing commitment to conservation and community development in East Africa – will establish a reforested buffer zone around the national park, which aims to support wildlife preservation, honour Batwa cultural heritage, and create sustainable economic opportunities for local Bakiga communities. To this end, the company has already begun planting 25,000 indigenous trees.

“The unique nature of the lodge site allows our guests to experience the expanse of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and gorilla trekking,” stated Cai Tjeenk Willink, Head of Strategic Operations at Asilia Africa, “while also being a part of the cultural and community activities that are planned through our partner Change a Life Bwindi, who have been working with the local Batwa and Bakiga communities.”

Construction of the lodge is primarily using bamboo, a renewable resource sourced locally, which supports sustainable bamboo plantations in the region. The architectural design, in collaboration with Pablo Luna Studios in Bali, is inspired by the organic shapes of leaves and the contours of the surrounding hills, ensuring that the structure harmonises with its natural environment.

In addition to the new lodge, Asilia Africa will launch a full-service Destination Management Company (DMC) in Uganda and Rwanda towards the end of 2024. This expansion will allow the group to extend its impact-driven approach across more of East Africa, further enhancing its commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.

Bookings for Erebero Hills will open in December 2024, ahead of the lodge’s official opening.

asiliaafrica.com