Silverback Lodge Relaunches in Uganda, Setting a New Benchmark for Conservation-Led Luxury in Bwindi

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

March 3, 2026

On World Wildlife Day, 3 March 2026, Marasa Africa marks the official international launch of Silverback Lodge, unveiling a completely rebuilt and reimagined flagship property next to Uganda’s extraordinary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Perched on a mist-laced ridge above one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, Silverback sits in a landscape defined by breath, birdsong and the ancient canopy is home to around half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It is a place of stillness and heartbeat, where conservation is not a concept but a daily responsibility.

Following a soft opening in 2025, this year marks the lodge’s full global relaunch. The transformation is significant: Silverback has been entirely rebuilt with a light environmental footprint, contemporary African architectural language and a renewed long-term commitment to responsible tourism in one of the planet’s most important wildlife ecosystems.

Critically endangered, mountain gorillas have seen population recovery through responsible trekking permits, strict visitor limits and community-supported protection programmes. Silverback operates within this framework, ensuring tourism directly contributes to conservation outcomes.

“Conservation has to be lived, not just spoken about,” says Tanya Madhvani, Founder of Marasa Africa. “Silverback represents a generational commitment to East Africa. We rebuilt it with humility – respecting the forest, working with local artisans and ensuring that what we create here protects what has existed for centuries.”

Positioned just minutes from the Buhoma trailhead, the lodge offers seamless access to one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters. Gorilla trekking remains tightly controlled, with small groups led by trained rangers to safeguard both guests and gorilla families.

“Every guest appreciates that spending time with the mountain gorillas is a rare privilege that touches them deeply,” adds Mike Sanders, Director of Operations at Marasa Africa. “The professional etiquette and safeguards in place, all exist to protect this magnificent endangered species. Our role is to uphold those standards and ensure tourism remains a responsible and driving force for conservation for Uganda.”

With 12 spacious beautifully designed guest rooms overlooking the rainforest canopy, Silverback is intentionally intimate. Award-winning and contemporary design frames the forest as the focal point, while quiet spaces, thoughtful hospitality and nature-led wellbeing allow guests to restore after time in the forest.

As World Wildlife Day turns global attention to endangered species, Silverback’s relaunch signals more than the reopening of a lodge, it marks a confident new chapter for a flagship conservation property in one of Africa’s most significant landscapes.

RATES 
Silverback 2026 lead in rates start from USD 2,100 per room per night (based on two adults sharing) in low season and from USD 3,360 per room per night in high season, on a full board – Inclusive basis. Inclusions: Accommodation, all meals, house beverages (including beer, house wines and selected spirits), gym access, WiFi, in-room dining, and daily laundry and ironing.

Low season: 1 January – 31 May and 1 October – 15 December 2026
High season: 1 June – 30 September and 16 – 31 December 2026

*Excludes gorilla permits, park fees, activities and spa.

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

Andrea can be found either in the Travelling For Business office or around the globe enjoying a city break, visiting new locations or sampling some of the best restaurants all work related of course!