This aptly named, intimate lodge sits in the clouds above Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest with views that stretch out to the Virunga Volcanoes. Clouds is perfectly located for the National Forest’s gorilla tracking adventures and offers a cosy and peaceful atmosphere amid nature.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
At 7,000 feet, the property is Uganda’s highest lodge and is situated in Nkuringo Village on the Southwestern side of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Rooms
On the hillside are seven, spacious cottages, built from volcanic stone and elegantly designed. Each includes a separate lounge area with big armchairs, locally created oil paintings and a double-sided fireplace for a cosy feel. The bedrooms are warm and neutral with spots of bright Ugandan fabrics and wooden furniture and each open out to private decks which look out towards the Virungas.
Communal Areas
The main lodge, with its tall ceilings and vast picture windows, compromises a lounge full of squashy cream sofas and chairs, chunky wooden coffee tables and several sizzling fireplaces. The dining area, sitting adjacent to the lounge, uses a similar aesthetic with dark wooden tables and local artwork adorning the walls. Meals can be taken here in front of the fire or in the comfort of your cottage. An outdoor lounge provides the ideal vantage point to gaze upon the vistas of the forest below and volcanoes beyond. Guests can also indulge in an African massage at the Okuruhuuka spa.
Activities
Guests only have to take a short walk from their cottage to the trailhead for a day of gorilla tracking, the main activity at Clouds. Go birding with guides deep in the forest or take a walk through Buniga Forest. Guests also have the opportunity to meet members of the Batwa community, visit local schools, attend a local church service and even play football against a community team.
Although guests must be 15 or older to participate in Gorilla treks, there is plenty to do for young explorers including treasure hunts with local children, dancing, drumming and art.
All Inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Uganda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperature as well as rainfall. The majority of the regions in Uganda sit at fairly high altitudes, which moderates the temperatures, especially in the case of Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks where it can be really quite cool.
Although rainfall is possible through the year in most locations, there are main two wet seasons in Uganda. The first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November. There are some exceptions to this, such as Kidepo Valley National Park which has just one wet season.
The best time for a safari in Uganda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
