Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, is a remotely located, beautiful and intimate safari lodge in Nkuringo section, in southwestern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The lodge stands at over 2,000 metres above sea level, making it one of Uganda’s highly pitched lodge. Since it opened, this small, remote lodge continues to win prizes, awards and accolades, both internationally and locally.
Set up on a ridge, above the clouds, looking across to the Virunga volcanoes, behind you is the primordial, mysterious and Bwindi impenetrable forest. You will enjoy the environment with a smile as you sit on the veranda, drinking chilled wine, freshly brewed coffee, freshly squeezed juice or amber coloured whisky.
You will enjoy your smile because you know that your personal butler is lighting the fire in your cottage and setting out your freshly laundered clothes. Meanwhile in the kitchen, a gorgeous meal is being prepared, while the following day after breakfast you will be able walk from the lodge to the Nkuringo trailhead to track mountains gorillas, because it’s close by.
Accommodation and Facilities at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Guests at Clouds stay in in their own large cottages built of local volcanic stone. Each cottage has a large sitting room with double-sided fireplace. There are vast overstuffed armchairs, hand-woven carpets, a private verandah and comfortable bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. There are five (5) double cottages and two (2) family cottages, each with two private bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms.
Each individual cottage features the work of of Uganda’s most respected artists, thus called, the ‘Clouds 9’. Their works have been so highly regarded by guests that they have commissioned their own pieces and now some pieces grace the walls of homes and offices in New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and London.
Clouds is one of the unique safari lodges in Uganda. It is a pioneer eco-tourism lodge that was built in partnership with USAID, African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the Nkuringo Community Conservation and Development Foundation (NCCDF). The lodge hosts 9 of Uganda’s top artists displaying their works, and it embraces community and indulgent service in perfect combination.
The main lodge feels like a ski chalet in the Alps or a stony palace in the Rocky Mountains. Soaring ceilings, massively exposed wooden beams, big picture windows with endless views of treetops, volcanoes and mountains, are all amazing. With a gentle and warm welcome, the quiet dedication of the personal butlers and the smiles on the faces of all staff, can only be here in Uganda.
Views
Open views abound of the valley and the majestic Virunga volcanoes. Often one can see the volcanoes glowing red in the night sky.
Activities Around the Lodge
Tracking mountain gorillas is high on the agenda for many tourists coming to Uganda. By all means, you will be able enjoy your gorilla trekking safari while at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
While you’re here, you can stay a little longer and immerse yourself in the relaxed vibe of the lodge. Partake in a guided community walk, massage and beauty treatments and just enjoy the rarity of being pampered in such a spectacular setting.
Don’t miss nature and forest walks. amazing birding tours, and the Batwa cultural experience.
Children
Children need to be aged 15 years and above to be allowed to track mountain gorillas, but children of all ages are welcome at the lodge. Children’s activities can be arranged whilst adults are tracking.
Location and Accessibility of Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is situated in Nkuringo section, bordering the southwestern corner of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The lodge is at 2,100m above sea level, with a sweeping panoramic view of the magnificent Virunga volcanoes and the Great Rift Valley.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is accessible at all times. By road, the lodge is approximately 11 hours from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda via Kampala – Mbarara – Kisoro highway.
By air, daily scheduled flights take 1 hour and 15 mins, flying to Kisoro airstrip. You will then take a 34 km drive to the lodge. That’s about 2 hours. Charters can also be arranged as well. Closest major airports include Kigali International Airport, Rwanda (KGL), which is about 6 hours away, and Entebbe International Airport, Uganda (EBB), that is 12.5 hours away.