Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
LOCATION: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is situated in Kuringo, bordering the remote southwestern corner of Uganda's renowned Bwindi National Park. Convenient for gorilla treks (most start from directly outside the lodge), and also for visits to the local community and the unique Batwa community, who used to live deep in the Bwindi Forest before it became a protected area. Also convenient for treks and habituation experiences with gorilla communities in Rushaga area of southeastern Bwindi (45 min drive).
SETTING: Clouds is located at 6,800 feet, which affords guests sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the magnificent range of Virunga Volcanoes on the Rwandan border, and the Great Rift Valley. It truly is one of the most awe-inspiring settings in Africa. The main lodge feels like a ski chalet in the Alps, or a stone palace in the Rocky Mountains: soaring ceilings, abundant fireplaces, massive exposed wooden beams, and big picture windows with endless views of treetops, volcanoes, and mountains.
ACCOMMODATION: Seven spacious cottages (suites) that can accommodate up to 18 guests in total. Built of local volcanic stone, each cottage has a large sitting room with fireplace, ample overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets. Each cottage features unique, original artwork from a different well-regarded Ugandan artist. There are five double occupancy and two two-bedroom family cottages.
HIGHLIGHTS: Remote, beautiful, intimate, and with incredible views. Clouds was built in partnership with USAID, Africa Wildlife Foundation, and the local Nkuringo Community (NCCDF) as a pioneering eco-tourism project benefitting over 50,000 people in the area.
ACTIVITIES: Gorilla treks start from just outside the lodge (walking distance). Forest walks, birding, community tours, visiting a Batwa community, enjoying private dinners, and relaxing with a massage.
CHILD POLICY: Children aged 15 years and older can participate in gorilla treks, but children of all ages are welcome at the lodge. Children’s activities can be arranged whilst adults are trekking.
GETTING THERE: Daily scheduled flights from Entebbe take 1hr 15min and fly into Kisoro (20 miles / 2 hrs from the lodge). Charters can easily be arranged as well. By road, Clouds is approximately 11 hours from Kampala/Entebbe or 6 hours from Kigali, Rwanda.
OPEN: Year round.
Jan – May: Intermittent short showers during the day. Can get quite cold at times.
Jun – Aug: Dry season. Quite hot and generally dry. Can be a little windy, but mostly warm.
Sep – Dec: Typical rainy season filled with storms. Tends to be a little cold in the evening.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge Website