The Iconic Chimp Sites of Africa: Kibale and Kyambura
Volcanoes Safaris, the pioneer of Great Ape ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda, is delighted to launch a new chimpanzee safari combining two exceptional wildlife ecosystems: Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge.
Stay three nights each at the newly-opened Kibale Lodge and the award-winning Kyambura Gorge Lodge on this expertly-curated specialist chimpanzee safari.
Participate in unique conservation and community projects run by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT).
Enjoy a fireside chat or dinner at the lodge with chimpanzee experts from our conservation partners including the Jane Goodall Institute and the Kibale Chimpanzee Project. Learn about our new cultural partnership with the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation.
Kyambura Gorge is a magical sunken rainforest with an isolated community of 33 chimps led by Mweya, the alpha male.
Kibale Forest, the 'Primate Capital of the World', is one of the best parks to view chimpanzees in Africa, with a community of over 1,500 chimps.
Feel the essence of our special hospitality at Kibale Lodge, in our new reel created with Blackbean Productions.
Book this safari before 31 May 2025 and receive a complimentary night at Kyambura Gorge Lodge worth up to $1,570 and a free chimpanzee permit worth $250 at Kibale Lodge.
What to Expect on a Chimpanzee Trek
Praveen Moman, Founder Volcanoes Safaris and Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor, talks about the differences between gorilla and chimp trekking, connecting Volcanoes lodges to Great Ape conservation and communities and joining the chimpanzee habituation program, in Travel + Leisure.
The Kyambura Discovery Centre
Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, the Jane Goodall Institute, and Uganda Wildlife Authority officially opened the new Kyambura Discovery Centre on 1 March 2025.
The centre displays the work of the Kyambura Gorge Ecotourism Project, which has undertaken a series of activities since 2009 to safeguard the Kyambura Gorge ecosystem. The project is the first of its kind in the area and is an example of VSPT’s pioneering work.
The Discovery Centre is a fascinating place for lodge guests, community members, local schoolchildren and tourists visiting the country.
Visitors can learn about the Albertine Rift landscape, community and conservation activities and the Kyambura chimps and ecosystem in the centre’s three galleries.
Write to us on [email protected] or send us a message via the form on our contact page.
Rwanda: +250 (0) 252 502 452
Uganda: +256 (0) 414 346 464
© Volcanoes Safaris 1997 – 2024. All Rights Reserved
Write to us on [email protected] or send us a message via the form on our contact page.
Rwanda: +250 (0) 252 502 452
Uganda: +256 (0) 414 346 464
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.
