The Bike Enterprise programme supports local communities in the Bwindi area by improving mobility and creating economic opportunities. In Uganda, AKP has opened two bicycle shops on either side of the forest, including the Bwindi Women's Bicycle Shop, which opened in 2017 near the Gorilla Forest Lodge. Each shop is owned by five women, who are employed as workers, providing them with a stable income to support their families.
Thanks to the use of bicycles, healthcare workers can reach more patients, students can get to school more easily, workers can travel economically, and families can transport more goods home in less time. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy has facilitated the shipment of over 21,000 bicycles to various bicycle shops over time, supporting a sustainable business model that involves regular shipments of supplies, provided that each shop saves a portion of its revenue to cover shipping costs.
Uganda, often called the secret pearl of Africa, wins the hearts of those who visit with its breathtaking scenery: crystal clear lakes, majestic mountain ranges and dense rainforests. This fascinating country boasts the highest concentration of primates in the world, providing an unparalleled wilderness experience.
In the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-western Uganda, is the Gorilla Forest Lodge, an exclusive retreat that combines comfort and sustainability. This region is famous for its iconic mascot: the mountain gorilla. About half the world's population of this rare and endangered species lives here, making Bwindi a must-visit destination for those seeking the thrill of a close encounter with these extraordinary primates.
The Gorilla Forest Lodge, completely renovated in 2024 and designed with respect for the environment, offers an intimate and luxurious experience. Its ten suites, renovated with attention to detail, blend harmoniously with the surrounding mountain landscape. The lodge's amenities include a cosy bar, a lounge perfect for relaxation and a refined dining area with panoramic views of the rainforest, where guests can rejuvenate after a day's trekking. A raised platform allows guests to dine al fresco, surrounded by the enveloping sounds of nature.
The lodge's strategic location, a stone's throw from the starting point of gorilla-watching treks, makes it a unique place. Not infrequently, gorilla families come to the lodge, offering guests the chance to experience unforgettable moments in close contact with these magnificent animals, in their natural habitat.
