Bwindi impenetrable forest national park hosts half population of mountain gorillas, 351 species of birds recorded, 400 species of plants, 200 species of butterflies, 120 species of mammals and so much more. The park was established in 1991 and declared UNESCO heritage site in 1994.
Clouds mountain gorilla lodge
Clouds mountain gorilla lodge is one of the country’s lodges situated on a forested ridge of Bwindi forest with spectacular views overlooking the stunning Virunga volcanoes with a glow of mount Nyirangongo seen on a clear night. The lodge is one of wild places Africa lodges
The rooms at the lodge are built with local volcanic stone featuring a large seating room and a fire place, private lounge, en suite bathroom with walk in shower and chairs on the private verandas for you to unwind breath taking views in the evenings. The rooms are a work of art to give you a real Africa experience. The lodge is made up of eight spacious cottages.
The dining serves mouth watering meals made with fresh local ingredients to prepare local and international cuisine; you can have your meal at your private veranda at the stone cottage or at the dining, delicious homemade cakes are served at your private veranda each afternoon.
The lodge is located within a walking distance where your gorilla trekking journey starts from, they also offer activities to visitors like bird watching, forest walks and local community visits at additional charge. Clouds mountain gorilla lodge offers clients a relaxing foot massage after gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the main reason why people travel to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, the lodge is just a few meters from the starting point of gorilla trekking. The activity starts early morning and time taken will depend on the location of the gorilla family and phase of hikers but once the family is found your given an hour to observe.
Bird watching and waterfall hike
Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is a birders paradise endowed with over 351 species of birds 23 of which are endemic to the area, this normally takes 2-3 hours of exploring the worlds heritage site and spotting various species such as; black bee eater, African sooty fly catchers, White tailed ant thrush, African green broadbill, Blue headed sunbird and Short tailed warbler among the rest. The water falls are situated in a verdant terrain with whispers of the wild as it attracts various bird species and butterflies.
Cultural encounters
You can take time to visit the people of the forest the Batwa also known as pygmies who cohabited with mountain gorillas as hunter gatherers for over a thousand years until they were evicted when it was declared a national park. You can interact with the Batwa by visiting a local medicine man and learn how different plants from the forest are used medically, visit a homestead and see how a local meal is prepare, enjoy ancient forest stories and local traditional dances performed by the locals.
