Overlooking Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Silverback Lodge puts you within minutes of the trailhead for one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters: mountain gorilla trekking.

Completely rebuilt and relaunched in 2025, the intimate 12-room lodge combines contemporary African architecture, personalized luxury and sweeping rainforest views in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

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South African architecture firm HesseKleinloog designed the property in collaboration with STUDIO Jana + Koos, creating a striking contemporary structure that takes advantage of the hillside’s natural contours and panoramic rainforest vistas.

The departure from traditional safari-lodge aesthetics is immediately apparent, with a distinctive combination of stone, slate, plaster and steel in place of more conventional design elements, and classic safari greens and khakis giving way to striking black and silver tones. Look closer to appreciate the local craftsmanship throughout the property, including woven chairs from Buhoma’s Ride 4 a Woman collective, ceramics by Ugandan artisans and sculptures fashioned from reclaimed poaching snares. The project earned African Build of the Year honors in 2025.

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Each of the 12 accommodations, called Nests, measures just more than 500 square feet and includes a private outdoor terrace overlooking the forest. The highlight is your own sunken hot tub positioned at the forest’s edge, where you can soak in warm water while taking in panoramic views of Bwindi’s densely wooded hills, or enjoy spectacular stargazing after dark. Inside, natural materials and dark neutrals complement locally crafted furnishings, with comfortable seating areas and generous beds taking full

advantage of the view. Luxury linens, a pillow menu, complimentary minibar refreshments, and tea and coffee service are among the included amenities, as is butler service. Ask your butler to light the fireplace during evening turndown for a warm welcome after dinner.

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Gorilla trekking is almost surely the reason you make your way to this remote corner of southwestern Uganda, and Silverback’s proximity to Buhoma trailhead is ideal. Begin with an early briefing before heading into the rainforest with Uganda Wildlife Authority guides and experienced trackers, then set off to locate your assigned gorilla family. Treks last anywhere from two to seven hours across potentially steep slopes, muddy trails and dense vegetation. Once you reach the gorillas, you have an hour to observe their interactions, from juveniles playing to adults feeding, grooming and resting together.

The close encounter with these endangered primates is an extraordinary privilege, and strict regulations protect the animals throughout the visit.

Be sure to arrange your gorilla trekking permit well ahead of arrival, and ask Silverback to assist with the reservation process. The lodge can also organize porters, walking sticks and packed lunches for the excursion. You can explore more of Bwindi through guided nature walks, birdwatching and waterfall hikes. The national park supports more than 350 bird species and an exceptionally diverse collection of mammals, butterflies and other wildlife, all just outside Silverback.

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After several hours navigating the forest, head to Wellnest for some dedicated recovery time. The lodge’s 1,615-square-foot wellness building includes a spa and Fitnest gym, with open-sided treatment pavilions that keep the surrounding vegetation and forest sounds close throughout your session. Book a deep-tissue or hot-stone massage for tired muscles, or choose Swedish massage, reflexology or Indian scalp massage for a gentler approach. Treatments use plant-based products from African wellness brand Africology.

Executive Chef Eleonor Roux oversees the dining program, drawing on more than three decades of international culinary experience, including work with luxury cruise lines and safari hospitality groups. Her approach combines Ugandan ingredients with contemporary international techniques, exemplified by the signature, garden herb-infused tilapia with cassava and potato rösti, garlic-infused dodo greens, beurre blanc and red wine reduction. Take your meals in Engagi Restaurant or on open-air Forest-View Deck, where panoramic views of the rainforest provide a dramatic backdrop for the chef’s creations.

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After dinner, settle around the firepit at the edge of the deck with a Ugandan beer, wine or cocktail from the bar.

Set aside time for the surrounding communities, too. Silverback arranges cultural visits and a hands-on Ugandan coffee experience taking you through the traditional process of preparing locally grown Arabica coffee, from harvest to cup. Village visits and opportunities to meet regional artisans offer a closer look at daily life in Buhoma and the communities whose livelihoods depend on the surrounding forest.

Silverback Lodge
Bwindi Uganda
Buhoma, Uganda
tel 256 31 2260260