Clouds Lodge; safari guide to the Clouds Lodge, Uganda

Clouds lodge has to have one of the most amazing settings of any of the lodges we work with in Uganda. It is located high up into the hills and the lodge commands views over the entire region, it really is a magical little place. A real favourite in the office here due to its unpretentious charm and links with the local community, people do need to know that the advantage of the location comes with a slight negative – it can be a hard walk back up to Clouds Lodge after a long day of gorilla trekking! The rewards of making the trek back however are one of the most charming hotels we work with.

Clouds Lodge - The Details

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is one of a kind in Uganda. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is situated in Nkuringo with a panoramic view of the Virunga mountain range and the Great Rift Valley and is the ideal place to be based for your gorilla treks.

It is the most luxurious lodge in the region. Guests stay in individual stone cottages that not only feel cosy and homely if the evenings are chilly, but they are also simply luxurious.

The main lodge area resembles a ski chalet with its open and spacious design, yet the views are certainly not of snow-capped mountains. Instead, it is the rolling hills of Bwindi that can be seen from every angle and it is within these forests that a potentially life-changing experience awaits guests.

With over twenty habituated gorilla families, Bwindi is the most popular destination in Uganda to trek these great apes. Clouds Lodge is situated by the Nkuringo sector which is home to three habituated gorilla families. Their antics are a joy to watch and trekking through this beautiful forest is an unforgettable experience. Your guide will talk you through gorilla behaviour and point out other interesting flora and fauna along the way which makes the trek an enthralling and educational experience. Trekking can be tricky at times due to the steep terrain and weather conditions, so ensure you are adequately prepared. Good hiking boots are a must, as is a light waterproof jacket and plenty of removable layers. Prepare to get muddy, sweaty and do not forget your camera! It is the experience of a lifetime.

When you return to the lodge, the services at Clouds allow guests to feel at home whilst indulging in a luxury environment. It is an important balance to really get right, and Clouds Lodge has done it very well. It is one of our favourite lodges in Uganda and has all the ingredients for a really special stay.

Staying at Clouds not only contributes to gorilla conservation, but towards the local Nkuringo community who have been, and continue to be, vital in the running and success of the lodge