Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Aptly named, this sturdy stone lodge sits in a commanding position, high up on the Nteko Ridge in the quieter Nkuringo region of Bwindi. Eight cottages with enormous beds and a separate sitting room are warmed by an open fire, carefully lit each night by a private butler.

The imposing main stone building, built from local volcanic rock, stands guard against the mists but has a soft centre – wood-burning stoves, timber beams, overstuffed armchairs make the lounge welcoming, and the walls are adorned with huge canvases from local Ugandan artists.

The food rivals the best of many lodges in Africa – zebu steaks and fresh salad from the lodge’s own garden are a speciality. A nightcap is best enjoyed soaking up the lodge’s main draw – uninterrupted views across the Virunga Mountains chain with the Nyiragongo volcano glowing under the stars.