2026 Uganda 7 Days Luxury

Horse Safaris in and around Lake Mburo National Park

Mihingo Lodge has been operating horse safaris inside Lake Mburo National Park since 2009. We carefully adjust the rides according to the riding skills of each group; for beginners and inexperienced riders we only walk the horses. In fact, a walk on a horse is the best way to view game. It is peaceful and relaxing, and you get very close to the animals. For advanced riders there are also lovely stretches for trotting and cantering. We have 1 thoroughbreds (16 hands, weight limit 90kg), 2 five-year-old thoroughbred/ warmblood crossbreds (17 hands, weight limit 100kg), 3 thoroughbred/ Ethiopian pony crossbreds (13 hands, weight limit 75kg) and 2 tough Ethiopian ponies (12 hands, weight limit 60kg), in total 8 horses.
Inside Lake Mburo National Park where we ride on some fantastic routes. One of the best rides in the park is a 3- to 4-hours ride into Acacia valley where we often find the Rothschild giraffe. It is a fantastic feeling being close to the giraffe on horseback.

Horse safaris are an exciting way to see the wildlife around Mihingo Lodge. Without any engine sound and fumes you feel part of nature and often get the chance to see the more timid animals. It is an exhilarating experience not to be missed. We sometimes see Rothschild’s giraffe, eland, and buffalo and nearly always warthog, topi, impala, bushbuck, waterbuck, and zebra on our horse safaris, although this depends very much on the time of year and the rain fall in the area. Experiencing game from horseback is very special; zebra come towards you to check out the strange relative without

stripes. Even the normally very shy elands curiously look at the horses without running away, just keeping their distance. Mini Trappe who is one of the leading horse safari operators in Tanzania was amazed how beautiful the rids in Lake Mburo are.

Short Rides (1 to 2 hours):
One-hour rides are always done outside the park as it is not possible to reach good game viewing areas inside the park in such a short time. Even most 2 hours rides are mostly done outside the park as you will see more game outside the park on a short ride. If you are a very good rider and we canter a lot, we can reach some of the good areas in the Park in 2 hours but it is advisable to have more time.

Long Rides (3 to 4 hours):
If guests want to see giraffes and they are experienced riders, they will have a good chance if they book a 3- or 4-hours ride. For not experienced riders they need to book at least a 4-hours ride to make it into the areas where we find giraffes and back as they will mostly just be walking and maybe testing a bit of trotting. My favorite ride is a 4-hours ride on to Warukiri Ridge in the middle of the Park with lovely views into different valleys in the park and long canters in Research valley. From Warukiri Ridge you can see 8 of the lakes surrounding Lake Mburo National Park and in the rainy season the waterhole at the end of the ridge attracts buffalo and eland and sometimes you can even find a hippo in this waterhole on top of a hill.

Our maximum weight limit for guests is 100 kg, but most of our horses cannot carry more than 80 kg or less. We provide fully adjustable helmets in all sizes and chaps, and ride with English style saddles. We recommend that you wear long trousers and strong shoes, if possible, with heels. We are not taking more than six guests out at a time, but this depends on the weight of the riders and the availability of the horses. All our rides are accompanied by at least one experienced horse guide, but in most cases, there are two guides accompanying each ride.

Nearly all our guests absolutely loved the horse safaris no matter if experienced or first-time riders! For further information please contact our managers and reservations team on reservations@mihingolodge.com, call them on +256 752 410 509 or have a look at our website www.mihingolodge.com.

Please note that guests staying at Mihingo Lodge always have priority when it comes to rides, and we can’t book rides for guests staying in other lodges in advance and can only confirm a booking for guests not staying with us the evening before a morning ride and at midday on the same day of an afternoon ride if we have availability.

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If you don’t feel like spending any more time in a car and you’re are not too comfortable on a horse then hire one of our good quality mountain bikes to explore the bush.

If you’re adventurous and like to keep fit, grab a bike and explore the sandy tracks outside the Park. You can hire one of our Mihingo guides to join you on your ride and make sure you don’t get lost! Tracks are suitable for a gentle family ride out taking in the wildlife all around but there is plenty for the more extreme riders to explore. Drive off the larger roads on to narrow animal paths and clamber over termite mounds while you put our bikes through their paces!

As we only have 2 bikes for kids please book early to avoid disappointment. Most of the year there is just as much wildlife beyond the borders of the Park as there is inside. You’re very likely to see zebra, impala, warthogs as well as a variety of other antelope.

Mountain Bike Safaris inside the Park can also be arranged.

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Walking Safaris are a magical way to experience the bush. They allow you to notice smaller details often overlooked when in a car or riding a horse.

Within the Park:
All walks in the park must be accompanied with an armed UWA guide. You can technically walk anywhere in the park once a guide is in attendance. The most popular walks are inside the park, walking with giraffes, which is an incredible experience walking along with the totally habituated giraffe. You can get as close as 10 meters to these gentle giants. Longer walks onto Warukir Ridge are also possible with fantastic views and lots of wildlife.

Outside the Park:
You may take a walk with a Mihingo guide outside the park where you will often see just as many animals as inside. A 2 hour walk down the hill and into the valleys around the lodge is a great way to explore the area.

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There are many beautiful drives to explore in the Park either heading out yourself with a map, with a guide or hiring the lodge open sided Land Rover or our stretch Land Cruiser. Research Track is one of our favourite drives where you are likely to see buffalo wallowing in the mud, zebra, impala, topi, bush buck and warthog.

For spectacular views, park at the bottom of Kazuma look-out and walk up to the top; from here the view is stunning and you can see 5 lakes including Lake Mburo. For some 4 x 4 driving during the rainy season Eland track is the most challenging.

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Feel like doing nothing and relaxing to the maximum? Full body massages are available, taking approximately 1 hour. It is possible for two people to enjoy massages at the same time in our dedicated massage rondavel which is situated in the forest with birds and butterflies fluttering past.

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Mihingo lodge has a hide about 40 metres to the south of the waterhole and saltlick visible from the dining room. One can easily spend several hours watching wildlife come and go and capture great pictures if you are quiet.

The 15 minute trail is signposted from below the dining room as ‘hide’.

If you travel a few further metres beyond the hide, you will find a second secret shelter known as the den. If you are feeling adventurous then quietly sneak along the path and crawl on your knees to reach inside this exciting new cavern, located even nearer to the watering hole.

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If you are feeling extra energetic our Mihingo guides would love to take you out on a run roaming across the community lands (outside the park).

From 5km – 15km we will tailor the experience to meet your needs.

Mihingo Lodge has a hard surface tennis court a short walk from the main area. We have tennis rackets and balls for any of the guests who would like to play.

Lake Mburo is one of the few parks where you can go on a night game drive! At night there is a whole variety of animals that you would not see in the day including bush pigs, genet cat and white tailed mongoose to mention but a few. Night drives also give you the best chance of finding leopards, spotted hyena. It is an interesting experience out at night with a spotlight, an unusual twist on your regular game drives.

Please inform us in time, so we can organize your night drive as it is mandatory to have a UWA guide for all night drives. Also, there are only a limited number of spotlights so get in touch as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Night drives can be done in your own vehicle or in the Mihingo safari vehicle.

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Hire a bike or take a short drive to one of the schools we support and see for yourself the work this school is doing for many of the children in the community. The parents in the community also contribute to the running of the school and often fees are waivered for orphans. Spend an hour interacting with the children, talking to the teachers or even running some of the games and activities you used to do at school. There is no charge for the school visit, but any donation or kind hearted gesture is appreciated, be it a few pens & books to sponsoring a student’s schooling.

A boat trip on Lake Mburo is the best way to see the lake and its inhabitants. It is particularly good for water birds (especially Finfoot, White-backed Heron and Fish Eagles) but you will also come across hippos, crocodiles and other animals coming down for a drink.

The boat trip takes approximately 1½ hours. Lifejackets are available at the landing site also in children’s sizes. The boat is small, holding a maximum of fourteen and has a covered roof.

Boat trips leave at 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 5.30pm

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To get children interacting more with the environment and leave them enthused about the bush and its animals, Mihingo Lodge offers a bush experience for kids. On a two hours excursion, we can get them out interacting and learning about the bush and its animals. If you are interested in this for your children (or just want a few hours’ peace & quiet!) please speak to us to organise a bush experience.

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We can combine a walking safari, a mountain bike safari or a horse ride starting at Mihingo Lodge with a bush breakfast.

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Mihingo Lodge is one of the few places in Africa where you can watch thick-tailed Gallagos in their natural environment. These are a nocturnal primate species that have become very used to our guests and come to the platform below the bar most evenings.

We are very strict and only give them 2 small pieces of banana to ensure that they still have to forage for their own food which includes fruit, lizards, moths and other insects.

We never allow anyone to touch the Gallagos or take photos with a flash as this can easily damage their eyes. You will be able to see the thick-tailed Gallagos interacting with each other.

Bush babies hide during the day in order to avoid contact with predators such as eagles and large snakes and to avoid competing with Vervet monkeys for resources. Since they are easily captured on the ground they mostly stay in trees and rely on their extraordinary jumping abilities.

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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