Sanctuary Retreats, part of the A&K Travel Group, has announced the complete rebuilding of two of its flagship African properties: Gorilla Forest Camp in Uganda, soon to be Gorilla Forest Lodge; and Baines’ Lodge in Botswana.
A&K Travel Group 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 shared soon. A&K Philanthropy will also feature prominently in these efforts, which aim to improve the well-being of local communities while promoting conservation awareness.
Gorilla Forest Lodge is situated within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers an intimate encounter with the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. As the only luxury lodge located inside the gates of this wilderness, the entire property is undergoing a complete transformation, with a planned reopening in mid-2025. Each of its 10 suites will undergo a comprehensive redesign and expansion.
The lodge features a range of initiatives to minimize environmental impact, including the use of repurposed materials, rainwater collection systems, composting, and careful consideration of building materials to ensure minimal waste and a reduced footprint.
Guests can actively participate in the positive impact of Gorilla Forest Lodge by contributing to philanthropic projects that support the local community through initiatives from A&K Philanthropy. These initiatives include the Bwindi Community Hospital and Nursing School, empowering women through the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise, and providing safe water access to schools through the Safe Water for Schools project in Uganda.
In the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Baines’ Lodge offers an exclusive retreat for those seeking an authentic safari experience on a private concession. Named after the 19th-century explorer and painter Thomas Baines, the lodge with six newly designed suites is undergoing a complete rebuild, with a planned reopening in mid-2025. Ideal for honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic escape, Baines’ Lodge provides an intimate setting with only four guests per vehicle and a minimum age requirement of 16. Private decks, extended to offer more space and privacy, feature star baths and daybeds, perfect for relaxing under the African sky.
Sustainability remains at the core of Baines’ Lodge philosophy, with solar power, water-efficient systems, and minimal waste practices woven into every aspect of its operation.
At Baines’ Lodge, guests can embark on game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, exploring the diverse habitats of the Okavango Delta and encountering its abundant wildlife. When water levels allow, they can explore the waterways in a traditional mokoro to observe the intricate ecosystem up close or opt for a scenic helicopter ride.
Guests can contribute to the conservation of the Okavango Delta by supporting the lodge’s philanthropic initiatives. Baines’ Lodge is located on a community-owned concession, and the lodge employs staff from the local community to support their development. The lodge also hosts children from local schools for educational visits, offering them a unique opportunity to learn about the delta’s ecosystem and the importance of conservation. These projects focus on wildlife conservation, community development and education, ensuring that the biodiversity of the delta is preserved for future generations.
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