Western Region · Uganda
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Stone cottages at 2,300 metres on the ridge above Bwindi's southern sector
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Clouds occupies a ridge above the Nkuringo sector on Bwindi's southwestern side, at around 2,300 metres. The eight cottages are built from local volcanic stone with heavy timber and open fires, which the altitude makes genuinely necessary rather than decorative. On a clear morning the view runs over the forest canopy to the Virunga volcanoes.
The Nkuringo sector is the quietest of Bwindi's four trekking areas and, because the terrain drops steeply from the ridge into the forest, one of the more demanding. Gorilla permits are bought from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the lodge arranges porters, which are worth taking.
The lodge was developed with a community partnership that gives the Nkuringo people a direct stake in it, and the surrounding farmland and craft cooperatives are part of most itineraries. Forest walks, birding and village visits fill the non-trekking days.
At a glance
What to expect
- Gorilla trekking logistics
- Open fireplaces in every cottage
- Community and craft visits
- Guided forest and village walks
- Birdwatching
- Massage treatments
- Panoramic Virunga views
- All meals and select drinks
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