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Virunga and Bwindi in the 10 Best Africa Safari Lodges in Travel + Leisure 2026 Awards

28 August 2026

Volcanoes Safaris is delighted to announce that Virunga Lodge in Rwanda and Bwindi Lodge in Uganda have been voted among Travel + Leisure’s 10 Best Africa Safari Lodges in the 2026 World’s Best Awards!

Virunga Lodge ranked sixth, while Bwindi Lodge ranked tenth among Africa’s Best Safari Lodges.

Thank you to all our partners, staff, guests and friends for your support!

These awards are a testament to our long journey since we pitched a single tent in 1997 at Mgahinga which became the beginning of Volcanoes Safaris and the revival of gorilla ecotourism in the region.

Today the simple camps have evolved into five handmade luxury award-winning lodges led by an in-house design and build team led by Praveen, Cyprien and Nsabimana. The team draw inspiration from the cultures and aesthetics of the Great Lakes region.

Emmanuel Ahishakiye, born in the valley below Virunga Lodge, after working as a teacher joined as head of community projects, before becoming the manager in 2019.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Virunga Lodge team, who excel in gushimisha, the art of delighting guests.”

We look forward to welcoming you on our Virunga Safari, tracking gorillas and golden monkeys and hiking to Dian Fossey’s grave and finally visiting the newly built Karisoke Center.

10-night Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari Rates

High Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
10 Night Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari	$18,680	$5,170

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
10 Night Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari	$13,895	$2,655

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

High Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
10-night Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari	$19,390	$5,285

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
10-night Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari	$14,500	$2,655

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

4-night Virunga Gorilla Safari Rates

High Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
4-night Virunga Gorilla Safari	$10,325	$2,685

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
4-night Virunga Gorilla Safari	$7,240	$1,240

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

High Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
4-night Virunga Gorilla Safari	$11,060	$2,870

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
4-night Virunga Gorilla Safari	$7,670	$1,285

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

7-night Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda Rates

High Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Chimpanzee Safari	$12,975	$3,675

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Chimpanzee Safari	$9,565	$1,930

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

High Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda	$13,445	$3,755

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda	$9,880	$1,930

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

7-night Dian Fossey Gorilla Safari Rates

High Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Volcanoes Safaris and Dian Fossey Gorilla Safari	$14,300	$3,745

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Volcanoes Safaris and Dian Fossey Gorilla Safari	$10,145	$1,740

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

High Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Volcanoes Safaris and Dian Fossey Gorilla Safari	$15,120	$3,920

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Volcanoes Safaris and Dian Fossey Gorilla Safari	$10,605	$1,760

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

7-night Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Rates

High Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari	$12,770	$3,635

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari	$9,630	$2,040

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

High Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari	$13,565	$3,740

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari	$10,215	$2,040

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

7-night Great Ape Conservation Safari in Uganda Rates

High Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Community and Conservation Safari in Uganda	$16,180	$3,460

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people. *An optional $3000 tax-deductible donation per person is included in the safari rate to support the Gahinga Batwa Village and the Kyambura Ecotourism Project.

Low Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Community and Conservation Safari in Uganda	$13,115	$1,910

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people. *An optional $3000 tax-deductible donation per person is included in the safari rate to support the Gahinga Batwa Village and the Kyambura Ecotourism Project.

High Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Great Ape Conservation Safari in Uganda	$16,665	$3,530

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people. *An optional $3000 tax-deductible donation per person is included in the safari rate to support the Gahinga Batwa Village and the Kyambura Ecotourism Project.

Low Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Great Ape Conservation Safari in Uganda	$13,455	$1,905

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people. *An optional $3000 tax-deductible donation per person is included in the safari rate to support the Gahinga Batwa Village and the Kyambura Ecotourism Project.

7-night Iconic Great Apes Safari Rates

High Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Iconic Great Apes Safari	$15,675	$4,235

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Iconic Great Apes Safari	$11,400	$2,170

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

High Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Iconic Great Apes Safari	$16,535	$4,405

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7-night Iconic Great Apes Safari	$11,955	$2,190

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

7-night Kibale Bwindi Safari Rates

High Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7 Night Kibale Bwindi Safari	$11,702	$3,497

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
7 Night Kibale Bwindi Safari	$8,647	$1,593

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

9-night Classic Uganda Safari Rates

High Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
9-night Classic Uganda Safari	$16,495	$4,875

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
9-night Classic Uganda Safari	$12,070	$2,615

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

High Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
9-night Classic Uganda Safari	$17,335	$5,040

High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Low Season 2027	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
9-night Classic Uganda Safari	$12,610	$2,630

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

Big Cat Photography Safari with Dr Alexander Braczkowski Rates

Low Season 2026	Per Person Sharing	Single Traveler Supplement
Big Cat Photography Safari with Dr Alexander Braczkowski	$12,000	$

Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.

International Guest Terms

Special Offers

Complimentary gorilla permit at Mgahinga and a night at Kibale Lodge on the 10-night ‘Primates of the Great Rift Valley’ Safari in Uganda
Complimentary chimpanzee permit at Kyambura and night at Bwindi Lodge on the 7-night Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda
Complimentary golden monkey permit and night at Mount Gahinga Lodge on the 7-night Gorilla, Golden Monkey and Batwa culture Safari in Rwanda and Uganda.
Complimentary night at Virunga Lodge on the 7 night Primate Safari
Complimentary gorilla permit at Bwindi and a night at Kyambura Gorge Lodge on the 9-night Classic Uganda Safari.
Complimentary Rwanda Gorilla Permit on the 10-night Great Apes of Uganda and Rwanda

See other safari offers including Last Minute, Solo Traveller, Exclusive Use.

Terms Summary

All rates are in US Dollars (USD)
Rates are effective on all new 2026 bookings made from 15 May 2026.
Rates are inclusive of current government taxes and levies, which may be subject to change without notice.
The rates above include accommodation and meals, soft drinks, standard and premium alcoholic drinks, signature cocktails, cellar collection wines (except French champagne), single malt whiskeys, laundry services, any activities at the lodges, and all massages (subject to booking and availability).
Low season rates are applicable to bookings from 1 October to 14 December and 1 March to 31 May.
Children of 12 years and under staying in the same room as their parents pay US $100 per child per night. Children under 5 years stay for free.
Children of 12 years and under, occupying their own room pay adult rates.
The minimum age limit for children at Virunga Lodge is 12 years.

Payment Policy

Standard booking (Up to 3 rooms)

Full value of gorilla and chimpanzee permits plus 20% of the rest of the invoice, is payable upon receipt of invoice.
The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Final balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.
Bookings within 45 days of arrival – full payment due upon receipt of invoice

Group bookings (4 and above rooms)

Full value of gorilla and chimpanzee permits plus 35% of the rest of the invoice, is payable upon receipt of invoice
The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Final balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.
Bookings within 45 days of arrival – full payment due upon receipt of invoice

Please read our full Terms and Conditions including our cancellation policy on our website.

International Guest Terms

Special Offers

• Complimentary gorilla permit at Mgahinga and a night at Kibale Lodge on the 10-night ‘Primates of the Great Rift Valley’ Safari in Uganda

• Complimentary chimpanzee permit at Kyambura and night at Bwindi Lodge on the 7-night Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda

• Complimentary golden monkey permit and night at Mount Gahinga Lodge on the 7-night Gorilla, Golden Monkey and Batwa culture Safari in Rwanda and Uganda.

• Complimentary night at Virunga Lodge on the 7 night Primate Safari.

• Complimentary gorilla permit at Bwindi and a night at Kyambura Gorge Lodge on the 9-night Classic Uganda Safari

• Complimentary Rwanda Gorilla Permit on the 10-night Great Apes of Uganda and Rwanda

See our website for other safari offers including Last Minute, Solo Traveller, Exclusive Use.

Terms Summary

• All rates are in US Dollars (USD)

• Rates are effective on all new 2027 bookings made from 15 May 2026.

• Rates are inclusive of current government taxes and levies, which may be subject to change without notice.

• The rates above include accommodation and meals, soft drinks, standard and premium alcoholic drinks, signature cocktails, cellar collection wines (except French champagne), single malt whiskeys, laundry services, any activities at the lodges, and all massages (subject to booking and availability).

• Low season rates are applicable to bookings from 1 October to 14 December and 1 March to 31 May.

• Children of 12 years and under staying in the same room as their parents pay US $100 per child per night. Children under 5 years stay for free.

• Children of 12 years and under, occupying their own room pay adult rates.

• The minimum age limit for children at Virunga Lodge is 12 years.

Payment Policy

Standard booking (Up to 3 rooms)

• Full value of gorilla and chimpanzee permits plus 20% of the rest of the invoice, is payable upon receipt of invoice.

• The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

• Final balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.

• Bookings within 45 days of arrival – full payment due upon receipt of invoice

Group booking (4 and above rooms)

• Full value of gorilla and chimpanzee permits plus 35% of the rest of the invoice, is payable upon receipt of invoice

• The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

• Final balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.

• Bookings within 45 days of arrival – full payment due upon receipt of invoice

Please read our full Terms and Conditions including our cancellation policy on our website.