All Activities

Guided Photography and game drives with Dr Alexander Braczkowski

Join Dr Alexander Braczkowski or one of the Lion Monitoring project team coordinators for a specialised photography game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.

Game drives in Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest protected area in Uganda. The park is home to more than 76 mammal species and 450 bird species, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos.

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Nile River Delta and go on game drives and boat cruises in the park.

Nile Perch Fishing

Sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park provides a unique opportunity to enrich your travel experience in the African wilderness. You can fish for Nile Perch in the stunning River Nile, guided by experts who will take you to the best spots, giving you a chance to catch these iconic fish. With their impressive size and fighting spirit, Nile Perch are a prized catch for anglers of all skill levels, from seasoned fishermen to beginners.

Specialised Photography Tutorials

Dr. Braczkowski will teach landscape and wildlife photography techniques, including:

off-camera flash and Lightroom workshop
composition
editing
Astrophotography session, capturing nocturnal landscapes and wildlife

Presentation with Kyambura Lion Monitoring Team

Join the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Team for an exclusive presentation on their groundbreaking research and conservation efforts in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Discover the significance of this project and gain insights into the team's work, which includes tracking and recording lion sightings. Learn how the Kyambura field staff work alongside the Uganda Wildlife Authority and other conservation partners to monitor, protect and conserve the remaining population of the carnivores.

River Nile Cruise to the Falls

Enjoy a private boat cruise along the Nile, observing wildlife and breathtaking scenery. You will spot Nile crocodiles, elephants, and diverse bird species in their natural habitat. Visit the delta, home to a variety of bird species and wildlife, and keep an eye out for the rare Shoebill Stork.

Botanist Celine from Volcanoes Safaris actively participating in reforestation efforts, planting young trees in the fertile grounds surrounding Kibale Lodge, against the backdrop of Uganda's verdant hills.

Tree Nursery and Reforestation Project

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.

Fireside chat with primatologist from Kibale Chimpanzee Project

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.

Chimpanzee calmly perched in the tree branches within the tranquil Kibale National Park, part of the Volcanoes Safaris' conservation experience.

Chimpanzee Habituation

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.

A thoughtful chimpanzee peers through the lush foliage of Uganda's Kibale Forest, home to Volcanoes Safaris' eco-conscious Kibale Lodge.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

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.

Birding

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.

Bigodi Wetland walk

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.

Ngamba Island

Visit the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and interact with one of our closest animal relatives: the chimpanzee. The tour includes several activities such as feeding chimpanzees, learning about their history and the challenges they face, and exploring the beautiful forest through guided treks. Additionally, you may also have the opportunity to spot lizards and a wide variety of bird species. To get to the sanctuary, you can take a tranquil boat ride from Entebbe that lasts 45 minutes. You can choose from the morning or afternoon viewing sessions.

Fireside Chat with Gorilla Doctors

Join a veterinary from the Gorilla Doctors, one of Volcanoes Safaris' conservation partners, for an educational briefing on gorilla health and conservation. During the talk, you will gain an understanding of the organisation's conservation methods through life-saving veterinary medicine and the One Health approach. Gorilla Doctors is the only organization dedicated to the conservation of the endangered mountain and eastern lowland gorillas.

Lion Monitoring in Queen Elizabeth

This activity provides a unique opportunity to take part in the lion monitoring project. You can collect survey data while on game drives in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and then submit it to the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Team. During the activity, you will record the GPS of the safari car and take specific identification photos of the lions you spot on your game drive. The data collected will support the protection of Uganda's carnivore populations and will be used to build on the research and previous surveys conducted by the lion monitoring team. Learn more here

Traditional Cooking Class

Spend the afternoon learning how to cook traditional East Africa dishes with the lodge chefs, as well as learn about local traditions and customs of cooking and family life in Uganda. Learn how to prepare matoke (steamed bananas), chicken luwombo (slow-cooked chicken wrapped in banana leaves) and the famous Uganda “Rolex” wrap!

Rwenzori Sculpture Gallery

Set up by Damien Hirst, the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundry & Gallery are a short drive from Kasese Airport. 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.

volcanoes safaris conservation through public health community project

Visit Conservation Through Public Health Headquarters

Visit the Gorilla Health and Community Conservation Center in Buhoma, Bwindi for a behind the scenes tour of gorilla conservation and to gain an understanding of CTPH’s programs including gorilla health monitoring, community health and livelihoods.

volcanoes safaris mount gahinga hike kisozi caldera community project

Hike the Kisozi Caldera

Located less than a kilometer from Mount Gahinga Lodge, the Kisozi Caldera is an easy to moderate hike to the top of a small hill where the caldera sweeps from corner to corner. A caldera is formed by volcanic eruptions, and many dot the stunning landscape of this volcanic region.

Lion Research Safari

Join a local scientific researcher on his daily game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park to locate and record the behavior of a lion pride he is studying. This activity is best done in the mornings when there is ample time to track the pride and chances of finding them are high.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Trekking 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 trekking 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.

A stunning view of one of the Virunga volcanoes in Rwanda, showcasing the lush green landscape and unique cloud formations, perfect for adventurous hikes from Virunga Lodge or Mount Gahinga Lodge.

Climb a Volcano

Guests staying at Virunga Lodge or Mount Gahinga Lodge have easy access to the Virunga chain of volcanoes, which offer challenging hikes and stunning panoramas. The three most popular volcanoes to climb are Mt. Gahinga, Mt. Sabyinyo, and Mt. Muhavura. These hikes are of varying difficulty and typically take a full day. The treks starts at 7:00am from the park headquarters, from where visitors drive to the base of the volcano.

Waterfall Walk

This walk takes you through a beautiful part of the rainforest, passing between ferns and orchids before emerging to see three pristine waterfalls.

Boat Cruise

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.

Visit Dian Fossey’s Grave

Located in a beautiful meadow nestled between the Karisimbi and Bisoke volcanoes are the graves of Dian Fossey and some of her beloved research gorillas. For anyone interested in gorilla conservation in Rwanda, or interested in Fossey’s personal story, the trek to her grave is highly recommended. This trek starts early in the morning, can take 6-8 hours and is operated by the National Park.

Community Coffee Tour

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.

Kyambura Wetland Walk

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, different mammals and primates 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! 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. Guests can participate in a 2-hour guided walk in the wetland.

volcanoes safaris community kyambura buffer zone

Kyambura Gorge Buffer Walk

The 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 and following the Kyambura Eco-Tourism Project launch event in February 2019, 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. With the help of the community and of Volcanoes guests, approximately 3000 indigenous trees have been planted in the Kyambura Buffer area. A guided 3 hour walk through the buffer area is available to lodge guests.

Hike the Kisozi Caldera

volcanoes safaris community project intore dance group

Intore Dancers

In the late afternoon we invite you to enjoy a performance by the local community’s traditional dance troupe, which is supported by the Volcanoes Safari Partnership Trust (VSPT). The VSPT has been working with the dance troupe at the Volcanoes Safaris’ Virunga Lodge in Rwanda, since 2004. Today, the group is made up of 18 dancers. The dance troupe performs the traditional Rwandan ballet called The Intore, which is based on the courtly victory dance of the Rwandan mwami (kings).

6 day virunga gahinga gorilla golden monkey safari

Golden Monkey Tracking

With only a small number remaining in the world, the Golden Monkey can be found in the foothills of the volcanic mountains of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Characterized by its bright golden body, cheeks and tail, with contrasting black limbs, crown and tail end, these playful primates are a pleasure to watch. Whether you choose to do this on the Rwandan or Ugandan side, the walk will take you from the bamboo stands and forested gorge on the lower levels of the volcanoes, to the elevated heath and moorland higher up.

Gorilla Trekking

Trekking mountain gorillas through the dense African forests is a magical experience. Only eight visitors are allowed per gorilla group each day, and to minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 10m from the gorillas. Typically, tracking can take from 3 to 8 hours and requires some agility and fitness; however, all fitness levels can be accommodated and no one should feel deterred from missing this once in a lifetime experience.

Munyanga River Trail

This short trail provides a short walk to view birds and monkeys along the forest edge.

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