ON OFFER NOW FROM 2 PAX - 16 DAYS BEST OF UGANDA & RWANDA 2026/27

Volcanoes Safaris has launched a new guide training program at Kibale Lodge. Every quarter three young local youth are recruited to join the nature and guiding team, led by Volcanoes’ guide Saidi Kakuru, and begin their training on wildlife and conservation on the 150 acres of rejuvenating land surrounding Kibale Lodge.

Since May 2024 over 100 bird, mammal and primate species have been recorded by our trainees at the Kibale site.

Guests at Kibale Lodge can participate in a 2-hour guided birding walk around Lake Lugembe.

A donation of $1000 supports 3 trainees guides to join this program for 3 months.

A donation of $2500 will provide binoculars, guide books and a camera to a group of 3 trainees.

Sadhguru School, near Kibale Lodge, brings a world class international education to children in rural Uganda. The school focuses on arts and cultural education, nurturing children to become change-makers, dedicated to improving communities and the environment.

Volcanoes Safaris is supporting Sadhguru School by building a new vocational centre at the school in 2024. Guests staying at Kibale Lodge can visit Sadhguru School and learn about their unique philosophy.

To support Sadhguru School:
A donation of $2500 will cover school fees for a student for one year

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Sadhguru-Books Credit: Black Bean Production and Volcanoes Safaris

Sadhguru-School Credit: Black Bean Production and Volcanoes Safaris

Sadhguru-Wood-Crafts Credit: Black Bean Production and Volcanoes Safaris

The Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation comprises of an award-winning Sculpture Gallery and Bronze Foundry in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and between Kibale and Kyambura Gorge Lodge. The world-class sculptures are based on the traditional clan totems of Uganda.

As part of the opening of Kibale Lodge in 2024, Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust proudly announced a cultural partnership with the Foundation to support local contemporary artists in their incredible work.

See the bronze sculptures on display in the rooms at Kibale Lodge and visit the Foundation as part of your safari.

Enjoy a lecture from Emily Otaali a primatologist and the Field Director of the Kibale Chimpanzee Project. The lecture will provide valuable insights into the world of chimpanzees, their behavior, what to expect when tracking them, and the importance of protecting them. You will gain knowledge about chimpanzees that will enhance your tracking experience. The lecture will also include a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the information being shared.

USD 550 per group.

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Kibale-Lodge-Chimpanzee-TADEVS Credit: Black Bean Production and Volcanoes Safaris

The Bigodi wetland swamp is home to over 200 bird species and 8 primate species including the black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey and the L’Hoest monkey. You might also see other mammals including sitatungas, bushbucks and otters.

Trek for approximately 3-4 hours on forest pathways and boardwalks to capture the stunning vegetation and learn about the species from your knowledgeable, local guides.

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Bird-Image-2024-05-22-at-12.02.36-PM Credit: Black Bean Production and Volcanoes Safaris

At Kibale Lodge, guests can participate in the Tree Nursery and Reforestation Project during their stay.

Join Volcanoes Safaris head botanist Celine Ishimwe and her team of gardeners, to learn about the long term reforestation project run by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust.

Visit our tree nursery on the edge of Lake Lugembe and plant an indigenous tree seedling and contribute to the rewilding of the 150-acre Kibale site.

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volcanoes-safaris-kibale-lodge-uganda-celine-botanist Credit: Black Bean Production and Volcanoes Safaris

Enjoy guided walks led by our expert guide on birding trails around Kibale Lodge 150-acre site including lake Lugembe. The site attracts over 100 bird species including the Ross’s Turaco and Black Crowned Waxbill. New entries are added to the spotters’ lists almost daily!

The site is used to train members of the community in birding and guiding. Guests can participate in guided walks around the lodge.

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Birding Credit: Black Bean Production and Volcanoes Safaris

Experience the habitation of a chimpanzee troop in their natural habitat as they swing from the canopy branches, feed on the forests rich food source or develop relationships through grooming. This unique opportunity allows only 6 guests per day to spend up to 4 hours with a troop of up to 70 chimpanzees and learn directly from the chimpanzee scientists researching them. Trekking requires some agility and fitness and begins early from Bulaiga research centre and ends in the Kanyanchu sector.

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volcanoes-safaris-kibale-lodge-uganda-chimpanzee. Credit: Black Bean Production and Volcanoes Safaris

Spend the morning or afternoon trekking the exuberant chimp families in Kibale Forest, the Primate Capital of the World. Seeing the chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above is a thrilling experience. The forest quickly becomes alive with their noisy calls.

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volcanoes-safaris-kibale-lodge-uganda-chimpanzee-forest Credit: Black Bean Production and Volcanoes Safaris

Tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor is nothing short of exhilarating. The chimps effortlessly cross and scamper through the trees above the gorge, and visitors on the other hand must cross the river using natural bridges in order to keep up with the chimps. So although the walk usually lasts only 2–3 hours, descending the steep gorge and crossing the log bridges over the river requires some agility and fitness.

Chimpanzee tracking is also available in nearby Kalinzu, a forest reserve 30 minutes drive from Kyambura Gorge Lodge where there is a community of about 40 habituated chimpanzees.

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Queen Elizabeth National Park is considered to be one of Uganda’s most varied and most beautiful protected areas. Queen, as she is affectionately known, is home to two of Africa’s big cats, the majestic lion and the elusive leopard. Kyambura Gorge Lodge guests can explore the plains of Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda on a variety of game drives, usually at dawn and dusk. It is when daylight hours are coolest that wildlife is most active.

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Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust launched the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project in August 2023. The Kyambura wildlife monitoring team, led by Dr Alexander Braczkowski, will collect data for African lions, leopards and spotted hyenas in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area using a network of vehicles, and remote camera traps. This project aims to establish a science-based conservation program which supports the protection of Uganda’s carnivore populations and improves the livelihoods of local people living in and around the wildlife parks.

Guests at Kyambura Gorge Lodge can participate in this project during their stay at the lodge by collecting survey data during game drives in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and then submitting this to the lodge wildlife team. Data is collected by recording GPS of the safari car, taking specific identification photos of lions spotted during the drive, and checking and retrieving photos from camera traps.

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The Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometer long channel, rich in wildlife, that links Lakes Edward and George. Boat trips down the channel depart from Mweya Safari Lodge (about an hour’s drive through the park from Kyambura Gorge Lodge) and last 3-4 hours. The boat cruise provides a wonderful opportunity to photograph the many animals that come to cool off at the waters’ edge, including lion, buffalo, hippo, elephant, and leopard.

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See the transformation of coffee beans into delicious Ugandan coffee – all done by hand, by local community members – and even get to sample the finished product for yourself. At the end of the tour guests are given the opportunity to purchase some of the cooperative’s coffee, which makes a great souvenir and supports the local community.

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Set up by Damien Hirst, the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundry & Gallery are a short drive from Kyambura Gorge Lodge. Sculptures by rising Ugandan artists sit alongside works by leading European sculptors, the result of collaborations and artist residencies. All works are inspired by the people, culture, wildlife and landscape of Uganda, and make the perfect memento to mark an unforgettable journey.

In June 2014, in partnership with the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative and the local community, the VSPT opened a non-profit training café. The café will provide a practical training institution for local youths, both male and female, who are disadvantaged as a result of the loss of parents, HIV/AIDS, or physical or mental disabilities.

The training not only aims to provide practical experience to create more job opportunities in the region, but also to improve access to services, medication and healthcare thereby reducing the risk of transmitting HIV through education and providing training for a sustainable livelihood.

The VSPT plans to take ten interns on a quarterly basis for both theoretical and practical training. Volcanoes Safaris guests staying at Kyambura Gorge Lodge can enjoy a coffee tour followed by a hearty homemade brunch with freshly brewed coffee served at the café, or a delicious pizza from the wood-burning oven for tours in the afternoon.

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The VSPT secured 45-acres of wetland south of the Volcanoes Safaris Kyambura Gorge Lodge. The wetland, which previously had been used as an illegal brick works, is now regenerating rapidly back to its natural state. The rejuvenated wetlands now attract over 200 species of birds and the sight is used to train members of the community in birding and guiding. This project has been a key success for the VSPT, particularly regarding its ecosystem conservation efforts given the amount of species that have now repopulated the area: new entries are added to the spotters’ lists almost daily!
Over 500 indigenous trees have also been replanted along the banks of the Kyambura River. Due to human encroachment and habitat destruction over the past twenty years, hundreds of trees along the riverbank were cut down leading to soil erosion and water pollution.

Community outreach and guide training take place throughout the year with the objective of establishing a pool of qualified local guides who can lead tours of the wetland. A trail system is maintained throughout the wetland and guided walks are available to Volcanoes Safaris clients.

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Both Uganda and Rwanda offer some of the world’s best bird watching, with a vast diversity of bird species. Uganda has over 1,000 bird species with 150 found only in Uganda. Rwanda has over 700 bird species and is home to the second highest number of Albertine endemics in the Albertine region. Each of our lodges offers the chance to see a number of different birds, with the vast majority endemic to the Region.

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VSPT has worked on purchasing the 3km long buffer along the northern part of the Gorge since 2009. With the purchase completed at the end of 2018, a 3-hour guided walk has been developed and is offered to guests to showcase the buffer created by the project, the scenic views over the Gorge, the Park and Kyambura reserve, and the chance to experience the local homesteads. Approximately 3000 trees have been planted in the buffer area, with the help of the local community and VS guests.

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This short walk (45 mins) offer guests the opportunity to experience the unique landscape around the Lodge, between the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge and the community.

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VSPT has created a community playground to encourage and allow local school children to play games and sports, especially soccer.

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New walking safaris have been created around the lodge to experience the dramatic landscapes of Kyambura gorge and the Queen Elizabeth savannah, and visit a reclaimed wetland. Guests can walk along the Kyambura gorge buffer zone we have created to protect the fragile ecosystem from encroachment and contribute to its long-term conservation project by planting a seedling.

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The gorillas are completely wild but have become used to seeing a few humans after years of habituation. Many of the expert guides have been involved in this process since the beginning and are able to explain the complicated etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback. This is an opportunity afforded only to a select few, as just eight visitors are allowed to view each group every day. Trekking through dense forest with steep slopes means that guests need to be physically fit to enjoy the trek. Once the gorillas are located, guests will spend a maximum of one hour with them before returning back to the lodge. Please note only children aged 15 and above can go gorilla trekking. A gorilla trekking permit must be bought in advance.

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Credit: A&K Sanctuary

The Batwa People are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa and a significant minority group in the region. This full-day experience offers an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the Batwa’s unique and vibrant culture, and includes a three-hour walk through the dense forest, followed by an hour spent witnessing their way of life. Guests can expect a music performance, a visitation by the goddess, a demonstration of traditional hunting and gathering methods and a chance to listen to their captivating stories and understand how they live.

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Credit: A&K Sanctuary

Together with A&K Philanthropy, we have worked with Bwindi communities to launch health, enterprise and education initiatives which have helped us foster strong relationships with local residents. Our Bwindi Community Tour includes visits to the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise and beadmaking workshop, a school and hospital, and opportunities to meet members of the Batwa community – the indigenous inhabitants of the region and traditional guardians of the forest. The tour is led by Dennis Mugume, AKP’s Field Coordinator in Uganda, who shares insights and information about the local community, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about the “real” aspects of the country they are visiting, beyond the incredible scenery and wildlife encounters they experience. It usually takes around two hours but can be tailored to suit you.

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Credit: A&K Sanctuary

A bird-lover's paradise, Bwindi is aflutter with more than 350 species of birds, including some of the rarest avian species on the planet and 24 that are endemic to the region. Our local expert will guide you on a two-to-three-hour walk in search of these feathered forest-dwellers, including the vibrant and elusive African green broadbill, the African emerald cuckoo, and the brightly colored African pitta. Whether you are a seasoned twitcher or a curious beginner, this is an experience not to be missed.

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Credit: A&K Sanctuary

A guided walk from Gorilla Forest Lodge on the Munyaga Waterfall Trail is the ideal way to explore Bwindi’s diverse ecosystem. Its dense forest, bamboo groves and open glades are home to rare and unique species, including giant forest hogs, red-tailed, blue and colobus monkeys, baboons and chimpanzees. The walk is around 2.5 miles, takes about three hours and, in the company of an expert ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, makes a great warm-up or cool-down day before or after your gorilla-trekking adventure.

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Credit: A&K Sanctuary

Akagera comprises some of the most picturesque savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains – with Wilderness Magashi being the only private concession area in the park. Home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, reintroduced eastern black rhino and lion, as well as the secretive sitatunga. Guests can participate in conservation efforts, including tracking and identifying the lions and leopards of the area through the use of identikits.

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Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

After dark game viewing with filtered spotlights allow you to find intriguing nocturnal animals. Typically seen may include spotted hyaena, civet, genet, mongoose, owls and nightjars. Or even the enigmatic leopard. With day and night game drives on offer, exploring at Wilderness Magashi is truly extraordinary.

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Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Boating in swamp cruisers, with 'double decker' seating for higher elevation game viewing, is an excellent way to view the water birds and many other aquatic animals seen around beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga.

* Possible year round.

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Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Fishing on a catch and release basis only, year round, with the camp providing a small stock of basic rods and reels.

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Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

After an early breakfast in camp, gear up for a thrilling bird watching experience. Akagera National Park is renowned as one of the best birding areas in the world with more than 500 species recorded here. A bird count comparable with the larger Kruger National Park. Rarities include the papyrus gonolek (restricted to the papyrus swamps), the localised red-faced barbet, and the swamp flycatcher.

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Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Boasting a light footprint, Wilderness Magashi is 100% solar powered, and completely single-use plastic free. Besides our commitment to conservation and sustainable operations, we are delighted to have set up a Children in the Wilderness (CITW) Eco-Club at Akayange Primary School, near the North Gate of Akagera. Further community empowerment initiatives include hiring locally, with one-third of staff recruited from the surrounding communities, with ongoing training and development offered to ensure staff are able to grow into senior roles. In addition, the camp supports local community cooperatives that make lunch bags for guests, kitenge beeswax wraps, candles for the dining tables, and carved wooden shoebills.

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Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness

Wilderness Magashi Credit: Wilderness