Kibale Lodge

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guiding at Kibale

Volcanoes Safaris has launched a new guide training program at Kibale Lodge. Every quarter three young local youth are recruited to join the nature and guiding team, led by Volcanoes’ guide Saidi Kakuru, and begin their training on wildlife and conservation on the 150 acres of rejuvenating land surrounding Kibale Lodge. Since May 2024 over 100 bird, mammal and primate species have been recorded by our trainees at the Kibale site. Guests at Kibale Lodge can participate in a 2-hour guided birding walk around Lake Lugembe. A donation of $1000 supports 3 trainees guides to join this program for 3 months. A donation of $2500 will provide binoculars, guide books and a camera to a group of 3 trainees.

Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation

The Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation comprises of an award-winning Sculpture Gallery and Bronze Foundry in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and between Kibale and Kyambura Gorge Lodge. The world-class sculptures are based on the traditional clan totems of Uganda. As part of the opening of Kibale Lodge in 2024, Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust proudly announced a cultural partnership with the Foundation to support local contemporary artists in their incredible work. See the bronze sculptures on display in the rooms at Kibale Lodge and visit the Foundation as part of your safari.

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.

Sadhguru School, near Kibale Lodge, brings a world class international education to children in rural Uganda. The school focuses on arts and cultural education, nurturing children to become change-makers, dedicated to improving communities and the environment. Volcanoes Safaris is supporting Sadhguru School by building a new vocational centre at the school in 2024. Guests staying at Kibale Lodge can visit Sadhguru School and learn about their unique philosophy. To support Sadhguru School: A donation of $2500 will cover school fees for a student for one year