Bwindi property reopens, showcasing new luxury upgrades

At a Glance

• Marasa Africa reopens Silverback Lodge with eco-luxury upgrades in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest. 
• Redesign blends modern architecture, Ugandan culture, and sustainability for eco-tourism travelers. 
• Bwindi property relaunch boosts Uganda’s luxury safari and gorilla trekking tourism market.

Marasa Africa has reopened Silverback Lodge, a reimagined eco-luxury property in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, following a top-to-bottom redesign by Johannesburg-based HesseKleinloog Studio.

The studio, known for work on Singita Kataza House and Kwitonda Lodge, introduced sleek, glass-fronted guest rooms, a modern restaurant, and a dining deck with sweeping views of the UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The redesign blends minimalist architecture with Ugandan cultural heritage, using polished concrete, eucalyptus timber beams, handwoven crafts, and natural finishes to create a seamless connection with the rainforest.

A showcase of conservation and community 

Part of the Madhvani Group’s Marasa Africa portfolio, Silverback Lodge’s renovation emphasized sustainability and local empowerment. More than 90% of the construction workforce came from surrounding communities, while artisans and small suppliers were trained to deliver furniture, ceramics, and woodwork. 

The lodge also partnered with social-impact organizations including Conservation Through Public Health, the refugee-led Milaya Project, Snare to Wares, and women’s cooperative Ride 4 a Woman, embedding conservation and community development into its operations.

Gorilla trekking meets elevated design 

Located in Bwindi’s Buhoma sector, Silverback Lodge is a five-minute walk from the park entrance.

The property overlooks the valley and dense forests that shelter nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, alongside 100 other mammal species, more than 340 bird species, and over 160 tree varieties. 

The relaunch comes as Uganda continues to position itself as a top luxury safari destination, rivaling Kenya and Tanzania in the region’s high-end travel market.

With global demand for eco-tourism and gorilla trekking experiences rising, the redesigned Silverback Lodge aims to capture discerning travelers seeking both adventure and comfort.

Marasa Africa’s expanding footprint 

Marasa Africa, which has operated safari lodges across Uganda and Kenya for over four generations, continues to expand its portfolio with properties that balance heritage, sustainability, and luxury.

The company says its hallmark remains the East African warmth and professionalism that drives repeat visits from international travelers.