Kampala, Uganda (4 February 2025): Volcanoes Safaris, the pioneer of gorilla and chimpanzee ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda since 1997, proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of its award-winning Bwindi Lodge.
Overlooking the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and with stunning views of the forest canopy, Bwindi Lodge is one of Africa’s unique lodges. From its beginnings as a simple camp in 1999, it has evolved into the leading luxury gorilla safari lodge in Uganda, with ten elegant hand-built bandas with personal butler service.
In celebration of this milestone, a Gorilla Interpretation Center will be built at the lodge in 2025, where guests can learn about gorilla conservation and research in partnership with two of Volcanoes Safaris’ key conservation partners: Gorilla Doctors and Conservation Through Public Health.
Ugandan-born founder, Praveen Moman said “We are delighted to be celebrating this remarkable journey of Bwindi Lodge. There are three important things I would like to share on this occasion. Firstly, Bwindi has been hand-built by our artisans, reflecting the rich cultures and aesthetics of the region and has been recently reimagined to offer a new level of luxury, comfort and elegance, in our distinct and renowned Afro-chic style.
“Secondly, we are honoured to be recognised for the impact of our community and conservation projects around all our great ape lodges. As the only ecotourism company to be signatories to the UN Kinshasha Declaration in 2005 on protecting great apes, our long-term commitment to gorilla conservation is central to our ethos and vision.
“To mark this anniversary, we are opening the new Gorilla Interpretation Centre, where guests can learn about the importance of vital conservation and research work undertaken to protect this iconic and endangered species.”
The Gorilla Interpretation Centre will also showcase the work of the Albertine Apes Alliance (AAA), an informal advocacy network. Established in 2022, the AAA aims to create greater dialogue and collaboration between the diverse stakeholders involved in conservation and ecotourism in the Albertine Rift to help safeguard the biodiversity of this unique area.
As with other Volcanoes’ lodges, Bwindi is run by staff from the region, including Lodge Manager Phiona Nabagesera, with the vast majority from the local communities nearby. Guests can participate in unique community and conservation activities run by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, including a visit to the award-winning Bwindi Bar, which offers practical hospitality training to local youth, fostering sustainable economic growth within the community.
As a special offer, book a 6-night gorilla and chimpanzee safari combining Kibale Lodge and Bwindi Lodge before 31 March 2025 and receive a free gorilla permit worth $800 and one complimentary night at Bwindi worth up to $1,540.
Need To Know
Lodge guests can pre-book a special fireside briefing with gorilla researchers from Conservation Through Public Health to understand gorilla health monitoring and community livelihoods program and separately with veterinarians from Gorilla Doctors.
Volcanoes Safaris’ gorilla, chimpanzee and wildlife safaris are expertly curated by our in-house team of sales consultants, managed by Conde Nast Traveler Specialist Betty Nassuna, and operated by our team of experienced, expert wildlife field guides led by Francis Kiwanuka, Ugandan Head Guide.
Bwindi Lodge is a 1 hour drive from Kihihi airstrip. There are daily flights to Entebbe, and to Volcanoes’ four other lodges. The starting point for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a short walk from the lodge.
2025 safari rates start from $8,760 per person in the low season for the all-inclusive 7-day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari to Bwindi and Kyambura. Lodge rates include accommodation and meals, all soft and alcoholic drinks (except French champagne), cellar collection wines, cocktails and single malt whiskeys, laundry services, lodge activities, and massage and spa treatments.
A $50 per person per night community fee is applied and donated to Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT), which was established in 2009 as a non-profit organization to support long-term, self-
sustaining projects that enrich the livelihoods of local communities, promote the conservation of the great apes, restore natural habitats and work with communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Guests can visit and participate in the community and conservation projects at each hosting lodge.
# # #
About Volcanoes Safaris
Volcanoes Safaris is recognized as the leader in great ape ecotourism specializing in mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and Uganda since 1997. Its curated mountain gorilla, chimpanzee and wildlife safaris to the finest Great Ape sites in Rwanda and Uganda give a unique insight into the world of the endangered great apes, their habitats and the communities that live nearby.
Additional Resources
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube | TikTok
7 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari - Bwindi Lodge Hi-Res Images - Bwindi Lodge Film
US media inquiries
Alexandra Avila, REYA Communications
UK media inquiries
Kath Kay, Indigo8
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.
