PAID CONTENT FOR CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE PAID CONTENT FOR CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST, UGANDA
Perched high on a ridge overlooking the impressive Virunga Volcanoes, Clouds is an elegant and inviting mountain lodge. Built out of volcanic stone, the lodge has eight guest cottages, all with private sitting rooms with works by local artists, comfy furniture and wood-burning fireplaces. The main lodge — with its cathedral-like
ceilings, five fireplaces and giant timber beams — resembles a ski chalet more than a safari lodge, and when the chilly mountain evenings draw in, the cosiness here is unrivalled. Food is exceptional, celebrating staples grown
in the area while catering to discerning palates. An acre of organic gardens produces all the greens needed for the kitchen; guests are encouraged to explore, and pick their own. The grounds are landscaped with glorious tropical flowering plants — a haven for iridescent sunbirds and three-horned Johnston’s chameleons. Blue monkeys swing from the trees above, quietly watching life at the lodge. Gorilla tracking is the main attraction at Clouds,
and the lodge is at the trailhead to see the Nkuringo gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable National
Park. Uganda is home to more than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas, and throughout Bwindi there are 20 groups of habituated gorillas. There are other lodges in the area, but what
makes Clouds a winner is its unique ownership and community conservation story. Built in partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation, the Gorilla Conservation Programme and Wildplaces Africa, the lodge is wholly owned by the local community of Nkuringo. Mindful of the potential damage from human-wildlife conflict, Clouds was conceived to spearhead a local movement to protect the habitat of mountain gorillas. Directly involving the people who live on the southern edge of the primordial rainforest is key to a successful outcome. Guests at Clouds are a part of this bigger story: a portion of daily revenue goes into community projects like funding of scholarship programmes, building a clinic and supporting agricultural projects. The spectacular location of Clouds, the attention
to detail and the dedicated staff combine to create an incredible establishment. The community conservation story is the icing on the cake.
DON’T MISS The gorilla habituation experience: four immersive hours instead of one, only available this side of Bwindi
86 This content is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. Need to know
KEY FEATURES • 8 guest cottages (6 with 1 bedroom and 2 with 2 bedrooms)
• Organic gardens • Forest spa • Private butlers
KEY ACTIVITIES • Gorilla tracking • Birdwatching • Community visits • Hiking • On-site spa
GET IN TOUCH
wildplacesafrica.com T: +256 772 489 497 E:
reservations@wildplacesafrica.com
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