Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary

The heart of the lodge beats in an indoor-outdoor space that hovers above the rainforest canopy like a bird's nest for humans. Here, the sounds of the primeval forest provide the soundtrack whilst you swap gorilla tales around the crackling campfire. When darkness falls, a resident musician strums traditional folk songs on his harp – because apparently even the entertainment here comes with authentic African credentials. The Explorer's Lounge doubles as your expedition headquarters, complete with maps and nature guides, whilst the spa beckons for post-trek muscle revival. Even the boutique gets the local treatment, stocked with community-made treasures that actually mean something.

Each of the 10 standalone villas feels like your own private treehouse, albeit one with four-poster beds and jungle-view bathtubs. The thoughtful redesign takes its cues from local building traditions – banana-leaf ceilings, recycled paper bead chandeliers crafted by local women, and an earthy palette that mirrors the forest floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows blur the boundaries between inside and out, whilst private verandas make you feel less like a visitor and more like a temporary forest dweller. Your personal attendant ensures every need is met, and those state-of-the-art Leica binoculars aren't just fancy kit – they're essential gear for the wildlife theatre unfolding outside your door.

The main activity is, of course, gorilla trekking, and you will most likely visit one of the habituated families in northern Bwindi. Treks are all accompanied by skilled guides and porters, in exclusive groups of eight or less. Also available is a specially-designed sedan chair for guests who are unable to trek on foot. After your gorilla trek, choose from village walks, community experiences with the Batwa tribe, bird-watching and forest walks or head straight to the spa and rejuvenate tired limbs. We would call that essential…