Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

At 2,100 metres on the Nkuringo ridge, Clouds is the highest lodge in Uganda: a cluster of volcanic-stone cottages where, on a clear morning, you can count the Virunga volcanoes from your bed and watch clouds form in the valleys below.

Why We Love It

The southern Nkuringo sector of Bwindi is the wildest corner of gorilla country, and Clouds is its only luxury address. Each cottage has a log fireplace, a personal butler and original art by Ugandan artists; the partnership with the local community means your stay directly funds the village that protects these forests.

The Experience

Gorilla trekking from the Nkuringo trailhead is the headline, but give yourself a day for the Batwa cultural walk, a guided hike down to the Kashasha river, or simply an afternoon by the fire with the world’s most extravagant view.

Need to Know

Treks here are steeper than Buhoma’s: rewarding for the reasonably fit. Two nights minimum, three ideal. Clouds anchors our Gorilla Trekking Safari, and we arrange permits ($800) the moment you confirm. Explore more of Uganda here.