Overview
Chimps and Queen safaris
On the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park with sweeping views of the rolling savannah, the distant mountains of the moon and the forest valley from which it takes its name, Kyambura Gorge Lodge is a great base for Ugandan safari.
There are eight banda cottages with a handcrafted afro-chic theme and local artworks. Each is spacious with en suite bathrooms and verandahs taking in the vista. The main lodge is a reimagined coffee store where you’ll find the bar, lounge and dining area, as well as the swimming pool and small spa.
A private path leads directly into the gorge for chimpanzee tracking – the main draw here – plus game drives into the national park and visit some of the inspiring community projects supported by the lodge.
Facts
At a glance
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Eight bandas
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Swimming pool
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Main lodge with bar and dining area
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Direct private access to Kyambura Gorge
Experiences
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![Kyambura Gorge Lodge24]()
Chimpanzee tracking
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 walk usually lasts two to three hours and descending the steep gorge and crossing the log bridges over the river requires some agility and fitness.
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Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is considered to be one of Uganda’s most varied and beautiful protected areas. Queen, as she is affectionately known, is home to two of Africa’s big cats, the majestic lion and the leopard, elephants, buffaloes and more.
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![Tree Lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda]()
Lion research safari
Join a local scientific researcher on his daily game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park to locate and record the behavior of a lion pride being studied and learn about the conservation of the endangered big cat in Uganda.
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![Kyambura Gorge Lodge21]()
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
The Kazinga Channel is a 32km long waterway, rich in wildlife, that links Lakes Edward and George. Boat trips provide a wonderful opportunity to photograph the many animals that come to cool off at the water’s edge.
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![Kyambura Gorge Lodge4]()
Community coffee tour
See the transformation of coffee beans into delicious Ugandan coffee – all done by hand, by local community cooperative members – then sample the finished product for yourself.
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![Rwenzori Sculpture]()
Rwenzori Sculpture Foundry & Gallery
Set up by Damien Hirst, the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundry & Gallery are a short drive from Kyambura Gorge Lodge. Sculptures by rising Ugandan artists sit alongside works by leading European sculptors, the result of collaborations and artist residencies inspired by Uganda.
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![Kyambura coffee]()
Community café
In June 2014, in partnership with the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative and the local community, Volcanoes Safaris opened a non-profit training café. The café will provide a practical training institution for local youths who are disadvantaged as a result of the loss of parents, HIV/AIDS, or physical or mental disabilities.
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![Kyambura shoebill]()
Kyambura wetland
The lodge secured a degraded wetland, rewilding it back to its former glory and attracting over 200 species of birds and using it to train members of the community in birding and guiding.
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Gorge and buffer walk
Volcanoes Safaris has worked on purchasing the 3km long buffer along the northern part of the Gorge which can be seen on a 3-hour guided that takes in scenic views, local homesteads and a tree planting project.
Community & Culture
The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT), established in 2009, is a non-profit organisation that connects Volcanoes’ Rwanda and Uganda luxury lodges to the neighbouring communities and conservation activities. The VSPT receives funding through Volcanoes Safaris, which contributes $100 from safari bookings, as well as private donations by our guests and others.
The VSPT aims to create 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 and institutions to reduce human-wildlife conflict. As part of their stay at Volcanoes Lodges, guests get an opportunity to visit VSPT projects and to share the lives of the local communities. At Kyambura Gorge Lodge, these include a women’s coffee producing cooperative, a community café for training disadvantaged young people, sports grounds, a dance group, bee keeping training and a tree nursery.
Volcanoes employ over 150 staff from the Great Lakes region – Rwanda, Uganda, DRC and Burundi – many of whose families have lived through conflict, mostly based at their lodges and ecotourism projects. Empowering local staff at all levels of management is a key aspect of Volcanoes’ philosophy. The overwhelming majority of our management staff are from the region and over 50% are women; 85% of the staff at lodges come from the neighbouring communities. Staff benefit from extensive training programs and manage guest experience from beginning to end and take pride in sharing the cultures of the Great Lakes region.
Conservation
The Kyambura Gorge Eco-tourism Project has undertaken a series of activities since 2009 to safeguard the gorge ecosystem. Today, Volcanoes Safaris and Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust are the single largest stakeholders in the Gorge ecosystem after the Ugandan Wildlife Authority. Without the intervention of VS and VSPT, the survival of the gorge and chimps would be under severe threat. Conservation projects supported by the VSPT include tree planting, wetland restoration and the creation of buffer zones with neighbouring communities.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
