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Silverback Lodge
Why Stay at Silverback lodge
To see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, there are a few exclusive/ high-end luxury lodges that offer access to the park. But what makes Silverback Lodge different is the view. While it is not situated inside the national park (a couple of lodges are) the rooms look directly onto the Jurassic-like forest.
You could honestly sit here for hours, eyes peeled to binoculars, staring at the giant trees, hoping you might glimpse a mountain gorilla from afar. The lodge is also incredibly chic. It features high-design feel and spectacular energy. Unlike many traditional safari lodges, Silverback Lodge feels vibrant, stylish, and full of character There is a undeniably fresh take on the traditional safari scene happening here with cool music that plays from the speakers and bartenders mixing cocktails in the background. But, don’t worry, nature is still front and center; that park is an easy 5-minute drive from the lodge.
Highlights
- A sleek, high design hotel that offers access to nature and as well as an energetic vibe
- High-quality, personalised service with experienced butlers and strong safari expertise
- Only 12 rooms, creating an exclusive and private boutique lodge experience
- Strong focus on local cuisine with a mix of international and authentic Ugandan dishes
- Strong eco and community focus, with most furniture and décor made by Ugandan artisans
Silverback Lodge Gallery
Set the scene:
Silverback Lodge is the type of place that those looking for more than just a place to sleep. It is a perfect place for stylish couples, honeymooners, and nature lovers who appreciate both design and atmosphere.
The lodge feels modern, elegant, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Designed by the South African firm HK Studio, the interiors combine natural stone, dark finishes, glass, and locally crafted details in a way that feels both luxurious and authentic.
You notice the craftsmanship everywhere. From the striking raffia-backed chairs to the beautiful pottery made by Central Ceramic Kampala, nearly everything at the lodge is locally made in Uganda. The result is a space that feels sophisticated without losing its sense of place. It is the kind of lodge where good design, comfort, and rainforest views come together effortlessly.
The backstory
Silverback Lodge is owned by Tanya Madhvani, founder of Marasa Africa.
The lodge was recently completely rebuilt and redesigned from the ground up, giving it a fresh and modern feel while keeping a strong connection to its natural surroundings.
Marasa Africa is a family-led company with several properties across Uganda and Kenya. With decades of experience in safari hospitality, the team understands what it takes to deliver excellent service in remote wilderness areas. Their long history in Bwindi also makes a real difference.
The team knows the national park, gorilla trekking logistics, and the surrounding region extremely well. That experience shows in the smooth organization, knowledgeable staff, and overall guest experience.
The rooms
Silverback Lodge has 12 rooms, all carefully positioned along a narrow forest path with beautiful views over Bwindi’s dense jungle canopy. Every room feels private, peaceful, and closely connected to nature.
The design is modern and stylish, with dark tones, natural stone, and sleek finishes creating a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. Large windows frame the forest outside, making the view part of the room itself.
Each room features a comfortable bed, a work desk, and a neat bathroom with a shower. Outside, there is a private stone terrace with a heated sunken plunge pool, perfect for a morning coffee while the forest slowly comes to life or a quiet drink after gorilla trekking.
In the evening, soft curtains separate the sleeping area from the bathroom and wardrobe space, giving the room a cozy, tent-like feel that blends luxury with the atmosphere of the rainforest.
Food and drink
Dining at Silverback Lodge feels relaxed, fresh, and surprisingly refined for such a remote rainforest setting. Meals are served from a daily set menu with several options, usually combining international favorites with local Ugandan dishes.
The kitchen is flexible and happy to adapt to dietary preferences, allergies, or special requests. Guests are asked about these upon arrival, which gives the experience a personal touch. Local flavors are a real highlight here. Traditional dishes such as firinda soup, fragrant fish curry, and freshly prepared Ugandan specialties bring an authentic taste of the region to the table.
In the evenings, the atmosphere becomes especially cozy around the campfire. Small snacks are served as guests gather for drinks and conversation under the forest sky. For early gorilla treks and hikes, the lodge also prepares packed meals, including the famous Ugandan “Rolex”- a rolled chapati with omelette that has become one of the country’s favorite street foods.
Overall, the food experience feels thoughtful, comforting, and deeply connected to Uganda.
The spa
The spa at Silverback Lodge is small, intimate, and thoughtfully designed. While there is only one treatment room with two massage beds, it offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere after a day in the rainforest. A range of treatments is available, and the therapists are flexible in adjusting the experience to your needs. The hot stone massage is especially popular after gorilla trekking, helping to relax tired muscles after a long hike through Bwindi’s hills and forest trails. The lodge is also planning to add a gym in the future, further enhancing the wellness experience for active travelers.
The service
Silverback Lodge clearly benefits from years of experience in Bwindi. The service feels smooth, confident, and highly professional, yet still warm and personal.
Each room is assigned a dedicated butler, many of whom have been with the company for over a decade. They quickly learn your preferences, bring morning coffee, assist with small requests, and take care of details like laundry with quiet efficiency.
The lodge is also led by an experienced management team. Manager Adielah Misbach, who previously worked at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Rwanda, brings deep expertise in gorilla trekking hospitality. Her knowledge of both the lodge operations and the national park adds a strong layer of confidence and organization to the guest experience.
Everything feels well-coordinated, yet effortless, allowing guests to fully focus on the forest and the experience itself.
Eco effort
Sustainability is central to the design of Silverback Lodge. HK Studio worked closely with local artisans to ensure the entire space reflects Ugandan craftsmanship and culture. Many of the furnishings were made in Uganda. The woven chairs were created in collaboration with Ride for a Woman in Bwindi Village. The embroidered textiles come from the Milaya Project, which supports refugee women. The ceramics were produced by Ceramics Uganda. Even the stonework, leather furniture, and wooden desks were all crafted by regional artisans and stone masons. The result is a lodge that feels modern and refined, yet deeply rooted in its place and community.
Accessibility
On arrival, golf carts transport guests up the hill to the lodge, which is set in an elevated position overlooking the forest. It is important to consider accessibility before booking a gorilla trekking trip. The terrain around Bwindi is steep and uneven, and some areas can be physically demanding. Porters are available to assist during gorilla trekking. They can carry bags and also help guests on difficult sections of the trail. This service comes at an additional cost, but it can make the experience much easier and more comfortable for many travelers.
