Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is located in the southern part of Bwindi National Park which is situated in the Great Rift Valley. The lodge is just steps away from the trailhead for tracking the Nkuringo gorilla family.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, located at the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, offers guests a base for exploring one of the most critical habitats for mountain gorillas. Beyond its prime location for gorilla trekking, the lodge is a testament to environmentally conscious travel, combining luxury with sustainable practices and meaningful community engagement.

Set on a forested ridge near the entrance to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge boasts 10 spacious cottages built from volcanic stones located in the more quiet western section of the forest. It offers great room, service and food.

In the shadow of three volcanoes, looking down into the thick treetop canopy of Bwindi and beyond to the golden grasses of the Western Rift Valley sits the Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. The 10 cottages, built in the traditional colonial style using volcanic rock and other local materials feature verandas and fireplaces, large beds with crisp linens and sitting areas furnished with comfy armchairs. Each cottage has an en-suite bathroom with hot water, oversized towels and bathrobes. Most importantly, they all offer unforgettably stunning views across the Virunga Volcanoes, and are the perfect warm and cosy retreat at the end of a day’s exciting trek to the mountain gorillas.

This lodge was built with the ultimate goal of protecting the natural habitat of the mountain gorilla and benefitting the community of Nkuringo who also have a defined share in the entire project.

Massage and beauty treatments, are also available, along with bird watching, guided forest walks, and delicious local delicacies fresh from the kitchen, while a private butler will ensure you have everything you need throughout your stay.

Tourist Activities while at clouds lodge

• Guided forest walks and bird watching expeditions explore the surroundings, while local community visits give a glimpse of traditional life of the Bakiga people.
• You will identify more than 350 species of birds with the help of some of the best birding guides in Uganda
• Spend a late afternoon by the fire enjoying a drink while reminiscing about the gorilla adventure you had during the day.
• Have Spectacular views stretch all the way to the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda, as well as across the border into the Congo, where the glow of Nyiragongo Volcano can be seen on a clear night.

The Most Ecofriendly Lodge

Environmentally Conscious Construction and Design

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge uses sustainable materials such as volcanic stone and timber sourced locally. The design minimises intrusion into the natural surroundings, ensuring that the delicate balance of the Bwindi ecosystem remains undisturbed. Large windows and spacious verandas are strategically placed to reduce reliance on artificial lighting while providing guests expansive forest views.

The lodge operates on solar power, ensuring energy usage aligns with environmental sustainability goals. Solar water heaters provide hot showers, and low-energy appliances are used throughout the facility. The waste management system reduces non-biodegradable waste and composts organic materials to maintain an eco-friendly footprint.

Supporting Gorilla Conservation

As one of the few lodges close to Bwindi’s mountain gorilla habitats, Clouds Lodge plays a vital role in their conservation. It contributes financially to the protection of gorilla populations through partnerships with wildlife organisations and a portion of the park fees paid by guests. These funds support ranger patrols, research initiatives, and anti-poaching efforts critical to safeguarding gorilla habitats.

The lodge also educates guests about mountain gorillas’ challenges and the importance of conservation. Raising awareness encourages travellers to be active participants in the preservation of this endangered species.

Empowering Local Communities

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is deeply integrated with the surrounding communities, providing a model of tourism that directly benefits local people. Most of the lodge’s staff are hired from nearby villages, ensuring that residents share in the economic benefits of tourism. Training programs are offered to employees, enabling them to build valuable skills and enhance their career opportunities.

The lodge supports local artisans by showcasing and selling their crafts, such as handmade baskets, beaded jewellery, and carvings. This provides a reliable source of income for local families and helps preserve traditional skills and cultural practices.

Additionally, the lodge funds community development projects, including schools, healthcare facilities, and clean water initiatives. These contributions enhance the quality of life for residents and foster goodwill toward conservation efforts.