Sanctuary Retreats’ reimagined Africa camps reopening in ’25

Sanctuary Retreats will unveil reimagined camps at two of its Africa properties, with hints of more builds to come in the future.

Sanctuary Retreats, part of the A&K Travel Group and celebrating 25 years, says there will be a complete “reimagining and rebuilding” of two of its flagship African properties: Gorilla Forest Camp in Uganda and the soon-to-be Gorilla Forest Lodge; and Baines’ Lodge in Botswana, located near the Okavango Delta. 

These projects will mark the first in a series of developments for the brand and will further solidify A&K Travel Group’s commitment to conservation efforts. 

The group says it is embarking on a significant development plan, which will see further evolution across its portfolio of camps, lodges, and riverboats, with more details to be unveiled soon.

Render of a guest unit at Gorilla Forest Camp.

Gorilla Forest Lodge will reopen in mid 2025. It is located in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Gorilla Forest Lodge allows guests the opportunity to experience encounters with the world’s remaining mountain gorillas as the only luxury lodge located inside the gates of this protected wilderness. 

The entire property will be completely transformed, with each of the 10 suites being significantly enlarged and redesigned, using natural materials, earthy tones, and organic textures to create a sense of harmony with the forest. Floor-to-ceiling windows will blend the indoors and outdoors, while expansive veranda-like decks will allow guests to take in the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

Render of the new wellness spa at Gorilla Forest Camp.

The story of Gorilla Forest Lodge is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Geoffrey Kent, the Founder of Abercrombie & Kent who met with the soon-to-be President of Uganda, General Museveni in 1985 to discuss the protection of the country’s endangered mountain gorillas. Their collaboration led to the establishment of the first luxury property in the area, providing a sustainable model for tourism that benefited both the gorillas and the local Batwa people. 

Guests at the Sanctuary Retreats lodge can actively participate in A&K Philanthropy efforts created to support the local community.

Render of main lounge at Baines’ Lodge.

Meanwhile, Baines’ Lodge in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, a UNESCO World Heritage site,  is also set to reopen in mid 2025. The Sanctuary Retreats property is named after the 19th-century explorer and painter Thomas Baines. 

The lodge will undergo a complete rebuild. Each of the six, newly designed suites will incorporate natural materials and a colour palette that reflects the soft hues of the landscape.  Private decks, extended to offer more space and privacy, feature star baths and daybeds. 

Render of a suite interior at Baines’ Lodge.

Guests can take game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, exploring the habitats of the Okavango Delta and encountering its wildlife. When water levels allow, guests can  glide through waterways in a traditional mokoro, or take a scenic helicopter flight above the floodplains. 

Conservation of the Okavango Delta is supported by the Sanctuary Retreats’ philanthropic initiatives that focus on wildlife conservation, community development, and education.

For more information, visit abercrombiekent.com.au

Images courtesy of A&K Travel Group.

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