Safari and lodge operator, Asilia Africa ‘s latest initiative is aimed at contributing to the preservation of one of the world’s most critical and biodiverse ecosystems - the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda – adding an incredible guest experience while benefitting local communities.

Part of the Greater Virunga Landscape, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to over half of the world's mountain gorilla population and a critical habitat for over 1 000 species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic.

The forest also holds deep cultural significance as the ancestral land of the Batwa People, who have a rich heritage and connection to Bwindi. Asilia Africa is committed to supporting the Batwa people in preserving their cultural heritage, and developing new sustainable and economic livelihoods for local Batwa and Bakiga communities.

In Uganda, the conservation conscious company is committing to support a new forest buffer zone adjacent to the national park. This will create an area for wildlife to expand into, a forest the Batwa people can access to retain their cultural heritage, and new sources of income for the surrounding Bakiga community.

Introducing Erebero Hills

The company is building a new lodge and reforesting the over 18 hectares of land surrounding it. In conjunction with implementation partner, Change a Life Bwindi, Asilia Africa has already planted 25 000 native trees in consultation with the Batwa, incorporating a biocultural approach that merges science with indigenous knowledge.

The lodge itself is being built primarily from bamboo, a material that grows naturally in the area. By sourcing the construction material from local bamboo farms, the company can support these sustainable plantations. Collaborating with bamboo designers, Pablo Luna Studios, the lodge design takes inspiration from shapes of nature, following the margin of leaves and acclivity of the hills.

Erebero Hills, meaning “a place where you can see far”, will be set on the northern fringe of the forest. The new lodge aims to elevate the guest experience to a new standard befitting the best of Asilia’s offerings in Kenya and Tanzania.

In the lodge’s location - a 90-minute drive from Kihihi, the closest airstrip - guests will have access to a range of activities, including, of course, gorilla trekking, Batwa community visits, nature walks, garden tours and tea tastings, a reforestation walk and talk, as well as community activities such as bead working and weaving.

Offering 8 suites, each with its own spacious balcony, an indoor/outdoor shower, in-room Wi-Fi and in-room spa treatments, guests can enjoy forest views beside a fire in the lounge, or from the hillside swimming pool.

DMC offering

The building of the lodge has given Asilia Africa more reason to expand on their existing East Africa offering, as a result, the company is launching a Destination Management Company (DMC) n Uganda and Rwanda.

The DMC offering will allow accommodations to offer guests a continuous service as they travel throughout East Africa. Whether accommodations choose to sell Uganda and Rwanda as stand-alone destinations, or combine them with a safari in Kenya and Tanzania, Asilia Africa offers the support necessary to deliver truly exceptional client experiences.