Are you disenchanted with ubiquitous luxury resorts that everyone in your social circle has holidayed at multiple times? We may have just found an ultra-luxe property in the jungles of Africa, which is slated to open in June this year.
Silverback Lodge is the latest high-end venture from Uganda’s most prominent industrialist family: The Madhvanis. If the call of the jungle beckons you and the thought of being immersed in the dense beauty of Bwindi’s forests excites you, this is your cue to plan the trip.
Tanya Madhvani, CEO of Marasa Africa, wanted to create a luxurious haven, which was a mix of architectural and design excellence. “Silverback Lodge is part of a journey for travellers stepping into the world of the mountain gorillas, deep in nature, away from the reality of cities and everyday life. Every part of this lodge needed to have a meaning, a story, and a purpose of leading to that eventual experience of finding the gorillas,” she explains.
The Madhvanis, being seasoned hoteliers, scouted out a diamond in the rough when they zeroed in on an existing hotel in Bwindi. “When we entered the hotel, we were enthralled by the landscape around us. As soon as we saw the views, we knew it was a diamond in the rough with immense potential. Under the umbrella of our hotel brand Marasa, we are refurbishing and launching seven properties and, Silverback Lodge is the first of the pack,” informs Madhvani.
If you’re intrigued by the name Silverback, there’s an interesting story behind this nomenclature. The male gorilla is known as the Silverback because of the silver coat that covers his shoulders and back, and he leads his troop. “We wanted a name that was simple and classy,” she says.
Driven by the desire to create a world-class hotel in the forests of Uganda, the Madhvanis hired award-winning architects Hesse Kleinloog, leaders in sustainable design, to curate and recreate all the Marasa hotels.
The site had to be utilised to its fullest to create nests for each guest—slender structures directed towards the view. Despite many site limitations, the architects transformed these challenges into standout design features through thoughtful architecture.
Silverback Lodge's distinctiveness lies in its quest to offer the extraordinary experience of gorilla tracking and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat, just a few feet away. “Silverback brings a different dimension to safari that can't be found elsewhere, while also being proudly Ugandan and supporting our community through the design process and the use of locally sourced products,” adds Madhvani.
The hotel is perched right on the edge of the forest, offering uninterrupted views. The villas are meticulously designed to provide both privacy and luxury, featuring private hot tubs and a dedicated butler to cater to your every need. “Luxury clients are often particular about the quality of service, and at Silverback, every minute detail has been carefully curated to ensure they have an unforgettable experience—surrounded by luxury yet deeply immersed in wild nature. I believe some traveller's may also wish to visit the lodge simply to relax and enjoy the peace and beauty of this unique forest setting.”
Silverback Lodge will open with 12 luxurious nests for a sensory encounter of a lifetime, seamlessly blending comfort with the surrounding wilderness.
