Asilia Africa has been a pioneer in nature-positive travel in East Africa for the past 20-plus years, being at the forefront of protecting and restoring vital natural landscapes while improving the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them. In our efforts to continuously expand upon our Positive Impact, we are incredibly proud to share news of our latest endeavour with you. Our new 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, we are ambitiously 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
As part of our commitment, we are building a new lodge and reforesting the 45 acres of land around it. This is just our starting point. In conjunction with our implementation partner, Change a Life Bwindi, we have 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, we can support these sustainable plantations. Collaborating with one of the world’s leading bamboo designers, Pablo Luna Studios, the lodge design takes inspiration from the organic shapes of nature, following the margin of leaves and acclivity of the hills it rests within.
Erebero Hills, meaning “a place where you can see far”, will be set on the northern fringe of the forest. It will be the ideal location for venturing into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, as well as a haven from which guests can enjoy magnificent sweeping views of the surroundings while relaxing to the sounds of the environment. 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 advantageous location – a 90-minute drive from Kihihi, the closest airstrip – our guests will have ease of 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.
Erebero Hills combines sustainable luxury with the thrill of observing one of the world’s most endangered species in their natural habitat. Offering 8 well-appointed suites, each with its own spacious balcony, an indoor/outdoor shower, in-room Wi-Fi and in-room spa treatments, guests can enjoy sweeping forest views beside a roaring fire in the lounge, or from the hillside swimming pool.
Destination Management Services
The building of Erebero Hills has given us all the more reason to expand on our existing East Africa offering, and as such, we are launching a full-service DMC in Uganda and Rwanda.
Our Destination Management Services offering will allow you to offer your guests a continuous level of excellent service as they travel throughout East Africa. Whether you choose to sell Uganda and Rwanda as stand-alone destinations, or combine them with a safari in Kenya and Tanzania, Asilia Africa is here to offer you the support necessary to deliver truly exceptional client experiences.
