Staying at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge sits high above the clouds in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This luxury lodge provides breathtaking views, warm hospitality, and an excellent base for gorilla trekking.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is in the southern Nkuringo sector of Bwindi, offering forest and mountain views. It is a luxury lodge, with prices starting from $490 per person.
Design and Atmosphere
The lodge features a chalet-style main building and seven private guesthouses. Builders used local volcanic stone to construct the buildings, while local artisans decorated them with handwoven rugs and artwork.
At nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, the lodge offers a unique vantage point. Guests can enjoy the sight of the Virunga volcanoes glowing orange across the Bwindi Forest during sunset.
Accommodation Features
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge has ten stone cottages with spacious interiors and African-themed decorations. The high-beamed ceilings and loft-like design create an airy and relaxing space. Each cottage includes:
- A large bedroom
- A lounge with comfortable chairs
- A fireplace connecting the lounge and bedroom
- An en suite bathroom with a shower
A private butler and housekeeper assist with keeping the fireplace warm during the chilly mountain nights. They also provide hot-water bottles for extra comfort.
Outdoor verandas offer comfortable seating and panoramic views of the forest. Guests can relax while enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.
Lodge Amenities
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge ensures a comfortable and memorable stay by offering:
- 24-hour electricity
- Laundry services
- En suite bathrooms
- Local airstrip transfers
- Private decks or verandas
- Cozy fireplaces
- Non-premium drinks included
- Sundowners (excluding premium drinks)
- An in-room safe deposit box
Dining and Lounge Areas
The main lodge offers a spacious dining area and a comfortable lounge with high ceilings and pale wooden beams. The interiors create a sense of elegance and openness. Fireplaces add warmth, especially during the evenings. Guests can enjoy delicious meals while soaking in the serene environment.
Family Options
Children under 15 cannot participate in gorilla trekking, as per Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rules. However, the lodge provides activities for children. A dedicated babysitter ensures that younger guests remain engaged while adults take part in trekking adventures.
Room Rates
Room rates vary depending on the season and occupancy type. Below is the pricing breakdown:
| Room Type | Low Season (Mar-May, Oct-Nov) | High Season (Dec 1-14, Jan 11-31, Feb, Jun, Sep) | Peak Season (Jul-Aug, Dec 15-Jan 10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Sharing | $538 | $831 | $915 |
| Adult Single | $699 | $1,082 | $1,192 |
Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Located in southwestern Uganda, this park is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Visitors hike through thick forests to meet these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
The trek starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Trained guides lead visitors through forest trails, explaining gorilla behaviors along the way. The hike may last from 2 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are. Once you find a gorilla family, you spend one magical hour observing their interactions, feeding habits, and play.
A gorilla trekking permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. This fee includes the guide, park entry, and one hour with the gorillas. Booking permits early ensures availability, as only eight visitors per group trek daily.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi requires moderate fitness and proper preparation. Pack essentials like sturdy boots, rain gear, water, and snacks. The experience supports conservation efforts and benefits local communities, making it a meaningful way to connect with nature and help protect endangered gorillas.
The Best Time to Visit Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking
The best time to visit depends on the weather and your comfort during the trek.
The dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, are the best times for gorilla trekking. During these months, the trails are less muddy, making trekking easier. The chances of rain are lower, so you can enjoy the experience without much discomfort. The clear skies also allow you to enjoy beautiful views of the forest.
The rainy seasons, from March to May and September to November, make trekking more challenging. Heavy rains often make the trails slippery and harder to walk on. However, fewer people visit during these months, so permits are more available, and lodges may offer discounts. The forest looks lush and vibrant, and photographers enjoy capturing its beauty during this time.
How to Get to Bwindi
By Road
From Kampala or Entebbe, you can drive to Bwindi. The journey takes about 8–10 hours. The main routes pass through Mbarara and Kabale towns. The roads are well-maintained, but some sections near the park can be rough. You can use a 4×4 vehicle for comfort. If you are traveling from Kigali, Rwanda, it is faster. The drive takes about 4–5 hours to Bwindi through the Katuna or Cyanika border posts.
By Air
You can fly to Bwindi from Entebbe or Kampala. Domestic flights operate to airstrips near the park. The main airstrips are Kihihi and Kisoro. The flights take about 1–1.5 hours. From the airstrip, you can hire a car to take you to your lodge or the park entrance. The drive from Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips to the park takes about 1–2 hours.
