Volcanoes Safaris, the pioneer of gorilla and chimpanzee ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda since 1997, will open its fifth lodge in May. 

Kibale Lodge will be positioned for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park in Uganda, one of the best parks to view chimpanzees in Africa, with a community of 1 500 chimps.

This expansion complements the existing circuit of Volcanoes Safaris’ four great ape lodges and will offer a seamless safari across Rwanda and Uganda, letting guests experience the unique gorilla, chimpanzee, and wildlife of the Albertine Rift.

Kibale Lodge will comprise eight deluxe rooms and a villa, plus a spa, sauna and pool. Three deluxe bandas (thatched houses) will be open by May and five more by the end of 2024.

Hand built by the Volcanoes Construction team, Kibale Lodge will bring out the characteristics of the 60.7ha site, dominated by a rocky outcrop with views of the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon) from the main ridge line looking towards the west and the Queen Elizabeth plains and the Kazinga channel to the south. The area is surrounded by lush homesteads of the Kabarole region.

Praveen Moman, Volcanoes Safaris Founder, said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of Kibale Lodge in May 2024 and to share with you new images and a teaser from a short film documenting the building of the lodge by our in-house construction team, led by Cyprien Serugero and John-Bosco Tukamuhabwa and supported by Head Carpenter Joseph Nsabimana and Botanist Celine Ishimwe. We are looking forward to sharing the unique experience of our Great Lakes hospitality with guests soon.”

Kibale Lodge is an hour’s drive from the historic hill town of Fort Portal and an hour from the Kasese airstrip, from which there are daily flights to and from Entebbe, and to Volcanoes Safaris’ four other lodges. Kibale Forest, the base for chimpanzee trekking, is a 30-minute drive from the lodge.

Guests will also be able to visit and participate in community and conservation projects, as well as walking safaris through the landscape.

Bookings will open in early 2024.