Fodor's Expert Review Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Regarded by many as Bwindi's most exclusive lodge, Clouds also has one of the greatest views in Uganda: high on a ridge in Nkuringo, verdant hills tumble away to a valley below, under distant volcanic peaks. At dawn, when mist sits low in the valleys, they really do look like islands in the clouds. Each cottage is crafted, grotto-like, from lumps of igneous rock. Inside, the effect is light and airy by day and cozy by night: vast picture windows frame the landscape; contemporary Ugandan art adorns the walls; and plump cream couches face onto a two-way hearth, its flames stoked by your personal butler. With a spa, library, and gift shop—and traditional dance performance, on request—there are plenty of reasons to stay another day. What's more, the lodge is a shining example of community conservation—10% of the nightly rate goes to a Nkuringo Community Conservation Development Foundation in a partnership among local people, the lodge operator, International Gorilla Conservation Project, and African Wildlife Foundation. So you can feel pampered and worthy.