A first look at Sanctuary Retreat’s reimagined lodges in Uganda & Botswana

The announcement of the rebuild of Uganda’s Gorilla Forest Camp and Botswana’s Baines’ Lodge comes as Sanctuary Retreats celebrates its 25th anniversary

Abercrombie & Kent‘s Sanctuary Retreats has announced the extensive rebuild of two flagship African properties as it celebrates 25 years in the luxury travel sector. This milestone project includes a complete transformation of Uganda’s Gorilla Forest Camp, which will reopen as Gorilla Forest Lodge, and a major renovation of Baines’ Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. This development is part of a broader strategy by A&K Travel Group to expand and elevate its offerings, and follows recent announcements by the company, which include the launch of the Pure Amazon riverboat in Peru, anticipated to float out in 2025.

Gorilla Forest Lodge

Gorilla Forest Lodge provides unique proximity to Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas, thanks to its location within the UNESCO-listed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. When the lodge opens in mid-2025, it will feature ten enlarged suites, each with design elements that reflect the surrounding forest through natural materials and earthy tones. Floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive decks will immerse guests in the rainforest experience, while facilities such as an expanded spa and elegantly designed lounge will elevate the luxury experience.

Sustainability initiatives at Gorilla Forest Lodge include rainwater collection, composting and the use of repurposed materials, reflecting Abercrombie & Kent’s long-standing commitment to minimising environmental impact. A central aspect of the lodge’s mission is its role in community conservation, rooted in a legacy established by Abercrombie & Kent’s founder Geoffrey Kent, who, in 1985, collaborated with Ugandan leaders to protect the mountain gorilla population.

Today, guests can support local initiatives through A&K Philanthropy, which funds projects like the Bwindi Community Hospital, the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise, and the Safe Water for Schools Uganda project, each designed to uplift the Bwindi community while fostering conservation awareness.

Baines Lodge

In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Baines’ Lodge is similarly undergoing a complete transformation. Expected to reopen in mid-2025, this intimate property is set to offer a high level of comfort, with each suite inspired by the delta’s natural hues and equipped with private decks that provide stargazing opportunities. Catering primarily to couples and honeymooners, the refreshed Baines’ Lodge will maintain a low-impact philosophy, integrating solar power and water-efficient systems. Exclusive game drives and seasonal mokoro trips through the delta’s waterways will allow guests to explore the region’s rich biodiversity, with optional helicopter flights providing sweeping views of the floodplains.

Baines’ Lodge’s conservation efforts extend to community engagement, with employment and educational initiatives for local residents. The lodge regularly hosts local students, introducing them to the delta’s unique ecosystem and the importance of preserving it. These initiatives reflect Sanctuary Retreats’ focus on responsible tourism that supports both the environment and nearby communities.

These ambitious projects are the first in a series of developments for Abercrombie & Kent, who has long been known for delivering authentic experiences, luxurious lodgings and unwavering conservation efforts.

The brand has hinted at further evolution across its portfolio of camps, lodges, and riverboats, with more details to be unveiled soon.

abercrombiekent.com.au