Volcanoes Safaris
Celebrating twenty years of gorilla and chimpanzee tourism in Uganda and Rwanda
1997-2017
Volcanoes Safaris is the leading luxury lodge company in Uganda and Rwanda. We have been at the forefront of reviving gorilla and chimpanzee tourism in the region since 1997.
Twenty years ago we were the first to set up simple camps in the areas around the gorilla parks. Today, Volcanoes Safaris is the leading luxury lodge company in Uganda and Rwanda:
New flying safaris make it easier than ever to visit the gorillas. Internal flights depart from Entebbe and take a short but very scenic 1-hour journey over Lake Victoria and onto Bwindi Impenetrable forest making it much easier for those on a tight time schedule. • In 2009, the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT) was established by Volcanoes Safaris Ltd. VSPT is a non- profit organization that undertakes community and conservation activities in areas that neighbour all four Volcanoes Safaris lodges and great ape habitats. The VSPT aims to create long-term, self- sustaining projects that will enrich the livelihoods of local communities, promote the conservation of the great apes, restore natural habitats and work with communities and institutions to reduce human-wildlife conflicts in the areas neighbouring our lodges. The objectives of VSPT are achieved through regular donations from Volcanoes Safaris who contribute a voluntary donation of $100 from every full cost safari purchased. • A 50-acre plot of land around Bwindi Lodge has been created to act as a buffer zone between the expanding village of Nkwenda and the forest. Tea has been planted here and is processed by local people in partnership with the VSPT, which gives them an additional source of work and income. The VSPT runs a Tea Processing exhibit at Bwindi Lodge in partnership with local communities. The tea tour demonstrates how tea is grown, picked and traditionally processed in Uganda. Tea has also proved to be a very effective buffer crop when planted between forest areas with protected wildlife and local human communities. Animals do not eat tea so feel no need to come out of the forest to ‘crop raid’, which is the source of much human-wildlife conflict in areas around National Parks, particularly in Uganda and Rwanda. We also support organizations such as the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, who carry out vital work on gorilla conservation by inviting them to give talks to guests at our lodges and channeling donations through them.
• 8 newly renovated luxury bandas. 6 doubles and 2 twins, of which 2 have a fireplace in the room. All rooms offer spectacular views of the forest. No guide/tour leader rooms available at the lodge.
• All rooms are complete with en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilet, double vanity and shower with hot & cold running water.
• Terrace overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with scenic panoramic views.
• Personal butler service for all guests.
• The Forest Spa Humula mw' Ishamba will open in April 2018. One 30-minute complimentary massage per guest per stay. Extra massages are available at extra cost.
• Full board accommodation including all soft drinks and house alcoholic beverages (excludes premium drinks). Local food tasting at Bwindi Bar.
• Complimentary laundry service.
• Power sockets/charging facilities and hair dryer in the rooms. No air conditioners.
• Wi-Fi and internet access available in the main lodge only (connection can be slow).
Getting to the Lodge
1 hour flight from Entebbe International airport
8 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda
6 hour drive from Virunga Lodge
15 minute flight from Mount Gahinga Lodge
15 minute flight from Kyambura Gorge Lodge
4-Day Bwindi Safari
This 4-day Bwindi adventure invites guests into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage Site, in search of the enchanting mountain gorillas. Spend four days on the edge of the forest, spotting monkeys, birds and other wildlife. We also welcome you to interact with and learn about the local communities of Bwindi & Buhoma.
Highlights Include:
Gorilla Tracking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Forest Walks in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Community Hospital visit
Birding
Community Project visits in Bwindi and Buhoma
High season 4-Day Bwindi Safari Price 2018: USD $3,038 Per Person Sharing USD $165 Single room supplement
Low season 4-Day Bwindi Safari Price 2018: USD $2,785 Per Person Sharing USD $114 Single room supplement
High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1 June to 30 September and 15 December to 28 February. (2018)
Low season rates are applicable on bookings from 1 October to 14 December and 1 March to 31 May. (2018)
* These rates are based on Minimum 2 people
One of Africa’s most bio-diverse rainforests and one of its richest ecosystems, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) is located in southwestern Uganda, situated along the edge of the Albertine Rift. Neighbouring the lodge, this primeval 25,000 year old forest comprises 331 km2 of jungle and contains both montane and lowland forest; in 1994 the UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site. Bwindi is not only home to just under half of the world's mountain gorilla population but also nine other primate species including chimpanzees, black and white colobus and red-tailed monkeys. The forest is filled with a spectacular array of colourful butterflies with more than 300 different species having been recorded in the park. This lush, green forest also has over 1000 species of flowering plants and more than 200 species of tree – any one of the various nature walks and trails in the park will lead guests through glades of giant ferns and ancient primary rainforest. Bwindi is also a prime destination for bird watching; its 350 birds species include 90% (23 species) of all Albertine Rift endemics and 14 species recorded nowhere else in Uganda - an experienced birder can easily identify up to 100 species in a day. There are only two populations of mountain gorilla found anywhere in the world: one in Bwindi and the other in the Virunga Massif (Uganda, Rwanda & DRC). Mountain gorillas are a critically endangered subspecies of the Eastern gorilla, with only about 880 left in the world. Tracking gorillas in the so-called ‘impenetrable' forest is a magical experience. Nothing can prepare you for the impact of encountering a fully-grown silverback gorilla, up to three times the size of an average man yet remarkably peaceable, playful and tolerant of human visitors. It is a privilege to spend an hour sitting with and watching these wild relatives.
