Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is one of Uganda’s most celebrated lodges, set high on Nteko Ridge at the southern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and the vast Albertine Rift Valley, the lodge combines luxury, exclusivity and unforgettable access to one of the world’s great wildlife encounters – trekking to see the mountain gorillas.

Accommodation

The lodge features just seven stone cottages, each with a large sitting room, private veranda and en-suite bathroom complete with a fireplace to keep guests cosy in the cool mountain air. Hand-built by the local community using volcanic stone and timber, the cottages offer comfort and seclusion while maintaining a strong sense of place. With space for only around fourteen guests, the atmosphere is intimate and highly personalised.

The Experience

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge offers direct access to the Nkuringo trailhead for gorilla trekking, making it one of the most convenient bases for tracking gorilla families in the southern sector of Bwindi. Trekking through the ancient rainforest to spend an hour with a family of mountain gorillas is an unforgettable highlight for travellers from around the world. In addition to gorilla encounters, guests can enjoy guided forest walks, birdwatching, cultural visits to nearby villages, and hikes along the ridge with spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Back at the lodge, guests can relax beside the fire, admire original Ugandan artworks displayed throughout the property, or simply soak in the sweeping panoramas from the terrace.

Location

Perched on a ridge at 2,000 metres above sea level, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge commands some of the most dramatic views in Uganda. From here, guests look out over the primeval Bwindi Forest and across to the volcanoes of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lodge’s location not only provides a breathtaking setting but also ensures excellent access to the Nkuringo gorilla tracking point.

Conservation and Community

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is a pioneering community partnership. The lodge was built and is owned by the local community, with Wildplaces Africa managing operations. A significant share of revenue goes directly to community projects, including schools, healthcare and infrastructure. By staying at Clouds, guests directly contribute to the livelihoods of the Nkuringo community and the protection of Bwindi’s gorillas.

Good to Know

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge can be reached by scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip followed by a scenic drive, or by road transfer through Uganda’s highland landscapes. The lodge is open year-round and is especially appealing for those seeking a luxurious yet authentic base for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.