Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Batwa Community Experience
(INCLUDED)
The Batwa are an indigenous community of Central African Hunter Gatherers (formerly known as Pygmies) who historically resided within these ancient rainforests living off the what the bush provided. Now, with the recognition that the habitat and its creatures must be protected, these peoples have been forced to leave behind their forested home and assimilate into society, as a result the Batwa culture is on the brink of existence. The Cultural Experience involves a walk through a small pocket rainforest, where you will visit a demonstration village and a reenactment of how the Batwa people used to live. You will realize that though the Batwa people no longer live in this way, their culture, their language and their traditions, are well and truly alive.
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Gorilla Habituation Experience
(EXTRA)
A more in-depth and more exclusive Gorilla experience is available to those staying at Clouds. The Gorilla Habituation experience involves a more experiential 4 hours spent with the Gorilla family (as opposed to the typical 1 hour Gorilla Trek) with a smaller group of travellers.
The Rushaga Sector of Bwindi, (30-45 minute drive from the lodge) hosts a family of gorillas dedicated to this unique experience. In many cases, the usual 1 hour is simply not enough time. This is an opportunity to truly immerse yourself into the ancient rainforests of Bwindi, and as is always the case on safari, More time means more opportunities to see an experience more things.
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Gorilla Tracking
(EXTRA)
One of the most sought after experiences on the continent of Africa, Gorilla tracking is the highlight of a trip to Clouds and for many it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
With a team of trackers, guides and porters, you will descend into the primeval rainforest of Bwindi. Bwindi is a sensitive ecosystem and among the most diverse habitats on the planet. While hiking, your guides will interpret the wilderness around you, pointing out everything from plant species, birds, Gorilla Nests and more. The tracking can take anywhere between 1-6 hours, depending on conditions and animal movements, and requires a degree of fitness and physical ability.
The trek culminates in an hour spent with a family of endangered mountain gorillas. For this hour, they will welcome you into their world where you watch them foraging on plants and insects, playing and tumbling around in the undergrowth and simply being a family. After your hour is up, your guides will lead you back out of the forest and return to the trailhead.
Weather is unpredictable, the terrain can be challenging and the memories will be long lasting!!
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