Explore the landscapes and wildlife of the Albertine Rift, deep in the heart of Africa, on this iconic great ape safari.
Launched in 2024 to celebrate the opening of Kibale Lodge, this 10-day safari will take you to see chimpanzees at Kibale, the Lost Chimps of Kyambura Gorge and the wildlife and birds of Queen Elizabeth, ending with a trek to see the enchanting Nyakagezi gorilla family in Gahinga.
You will combine treks to see the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, with walking safaris in the savannah and Kyambura Gorge, a magical sunken rainforest home to a small, isolated group of chimpanzees. Join in with unique community and conservation activities around the lodges, run by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust.
Spend three nights each at Kibale, Kyambura Gorge and Mount Gahinga as you journey through the changing landscapes of the Great Western Rift Valley, known as the Albertine Rift, and stay at some of the most exceptional great ape locations in Africa.
2025 Rates from $12,650 per person for this all-inclusive 10-day safari. As a special introductory offer, book before 31 March 2025 and receive a complimentary gorilla permit worth $800 and a night at Kibale Lodge worth up to $2,000.
Experience the thrill of trekking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, known as the Primate Capital of the World. Spend a morning or afternoon observing these dynamic chimp families swinging through the canopy and filling the air with their vibrant calls, all in their natural habitat.
Experience the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in the natural high canopies and across river bridges. Starting from Kyambura Gorge Lodge, the 2-3 hour trek involves navigating steep gorges and log bridges, demanding agility and fitness. Nearby Kalinzu Forest also offers a glimpse into the lives of 40 habituated chimpanzees.
Trekking mountain gorillas in dense African forests is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Groups of eight visit per day, maintaining a 10m distance to protect the gorillas. Treks last 3-8 hours, requiring some fitness, but all levels are accommodated for this unforgettable adventure.
Golden monkeys, with their striking golden fur and playful nature, inhabit the volcanic foothills of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Treks lead through bamboo forests and moorlands, offering a chance to observe these rare primates in their natural habitat.
Participate in the lion monitoring project at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Collect and submit survey data on game drives to the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Team. Record GPS locations and take identification photos of lions. Your contributions aid in the protection and research of Uganda’s carnivore populations.
The Kyambura Gorge Buffer Walk, a 3-hour guided experience, showcases the buffer area developed by the VSPT and local communities. Guests enjoy scenic views of the gorge, the park, and Kyambura reserve, while learning about the 3000 indigenous trees planted in the area.
Attend a fascinating lecture by Emily Otaali, primatologist and Field Director of the Kibale Chimpanzee Project. Gain valuable insights into chimpanzee behavior, tracking expectations, and conservation importance. The session includes a detailed PowerPoint presentation to enhance your understanding and tracking experience.
The Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation, located near Kibale and Kyambura Gorge Lodge, features a gallery and bronze foundry showcasing world-class sculptures inspired by Uganda’s clan totems. In 2024, VSPT partnered with the Foundation to support local artists. Guests can view sculptures at Kibale Lodge and visit the Foundation.
Sadhguru School near Kibale Lodge offers world-class education, focusing on arts and culture to inspire children as changemakers for communities and the environment. In 2024, Volcanoes Safaris is supporting the school by building a new vocational center. Guests can visit to learn about its unique philosophy.
Join a veterinarian from Gorilla Doctors for an enlightening briefing on gorilla health and conservation strategies. Learn about their unique One Health approach and life-saving veterinary practices dedicated solely to the conservation of endangered mountain and eastern lowland gorillas.
The Batwa are thought to be one of the oldest surviving indigenous people in the Central African Region. Known for their unique culture in the forests, the Batwa of the Virunga Mountains survived by hunting small game, gathering plants and fruits, living in caves and constructing huts of leaves and branches.
The Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative offers vocational training and a sustainable income source for twenty local women, many facing significant challenges. They cultivate over 2,500 coffee plants organically, which are processed locally and served at Volcanoes Safaris lodges. This initiative not only supports these women but also serves as a wildlife buffer, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. Contributions help expand the project and sustain the community.
Since 2009, the VSPT has developed a 3km buffer along Kyambura Gorge, showcased through a guided walk that offers views over the Gorge, Park, and local homesteads. Plans for 2024 include expanding this buffer by twenty acres to further protect wildlife and support local communities. Contributions towards this effort are crucial for continued conservation success.
Launched in August 2023 by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project, led by Dr. Alexander Braczkowski, collects data on Uganda’s carnivores like lions, leopards, and hyenas in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area, enhancing local livelihoods and supporting long-term conservation goals.
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
| High Season Safari Rates 2025 | Per Person Sharing | Single Traveler Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Day Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari | $ 17530 | $ 4765 |
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 Safari Rates 2025 | Per Person Sharing | Single Traveler Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Day Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari | $ 12650 | $ 2270 |
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.
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.
