PAID CONTENT FOR VOLCANOES SAFARIS
PAID CONTENT FOR VOLCANOES SAFARIS
PAID CONTENT FOR VOLCANOES SAFARIS
Volcanoes Safaris RWANDA & UGANDA, AFRICA
VOLCANOES SAFARIS OFFERS TRAVELLERS RARE ACCESS TO THE WORLD OF MOUNTAIN GORILLAS, CHIMPANZEES AND THE CULTURES THAT SURROUND THEM
In 1997, Praveen Moman, founder of Volcanoes Safaris, pitched a tent in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park — the same place where, as a child, he first explored the wilderness with his father, Kuldip Rai Moman. What began as a simple camp near the gorilla parks has since grown into a collection of award-winning luxury lodges in Rwanda and Uganda. Today, Volcanoes Safaris offers expertly guided
mountain gorilla, chimpanzee and wildlife safaris at the region’s finest great ape sites. These tailor- made journeys provide a unique window into the lives of endangered animals, their habitats and the local communities, earning the company international recognition for its conservation and tourism efforts.
The iconic gorilla & chimpanzee circuit Volcanoes Safaris is the only company in the world to focus exclusively on the gorilla and chimpanzee parks of Uganda and Rwanda. It’s created an iconic circuit in the Albertine Rift that connects travellers
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to five handbuilt luxury lodges, three near the mountain gorilla parks. These include Virunga in Rwanda, Bwindi and Mount Gahinga in Uganda, and two chimpanzee sites, including Kyambura Gorge and Kibale. Perched high on a ridge, the magnificent Virunga
Lodge, built in 2004 as Rwanda’s original gorilla lodge, offers some of Africa’s most dramatic panoramic views overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes. The Virunga Lodge’s Map Room pays tribute to Dian Fossey, the pioneering primatologist who founded the Karisoke Research Center high in the Virungas in 1967. On the Ugandan side of the Virungas, the
charming Mount Gahinga Lodge draws inspiration from the traditional design and aesthetics of the Bafumbira people. It serves as the perfect base for trekking mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkey, climbing volcanoes and experiencing the culture of the Batwa — the oldest inhabitants of the Central African rainforest — at the nearby Gahinga Batwa Village.
Bwindi Lodge, known as the Jungle Gorilla
Lodge and one of Africa’s most unique lodges, overlooks the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with stunning views of the forest canopy and a peaceful stream. The Bwindi Bar, located at the edge of the property along the local high street, provides hospitality training for disadvantaged local youth. The renowned Kyambura Gorge Lodge — part of
the Kyambura Gorge Ecotourism project — sits on the edge of the magical gorge, a sunken rainforest home to the “Lost Chimps of Kyambura”. Built in 2024, Kibale Lodge offers breathtaking
views of the Rwenzori Mountains to the west and the Queen Elizabeth plains and Kazinga Channel to the south. Located near Kibale Forest — known as the primate capital of the world — it’s one of the best places in Africa to see chimpanzees, with a community of 1,500 chimps. Volcanoes Safaris’ newest lodge completes a
landmark circuit, linking Africa’s finest gorilla and chimpanzee sites in a truly unique journey.
Handbuilt luxury lodges All of Volcanoes’ lodges are entirely designed and handbuilt by the in-house teams of African artisans, including engineers, fundis (mechanics), decorators and upholsterers. The primary building style derives inspiration
from many sources: from the homes of African villagers, the landscape, the handmade approach and the improvised design by eye rather than the obviously contrived. The colours and textures of local fabrics and artefacts reflect the exuberance of the cultures from the Great Lakes of Africa. The timeless and distinctive design and
decoration style has been evolved in a subtle way so the lodges have not lost their essential character or ethos, as they’ve been refined to reach a new level of quality, luxury and sophistication. Volcanoes has also sought to retain the core
philosophy that was derived from Praveen’s life experiences — the simplicity of life in the bush — and to develop low-impact lodges that are sensitive to local culture and aesthetics, and connect to local communities and conservation.
Warm hospitality of the Great Lakes region The hospitality at Volcanoes’ lodges is based on the Kinyarwanda term gushimisha, which means to be warm and welcoming. Lodge staff are all from the region and the service they offer embodies their rich culture and deep traditions. The food philosophy also reflects this approach.
Homegrown ingredients and traditional cooking techniques are an integral part of Volcanoes’ menus: vegetables, salads and herbs are all grown on site, and fresh avocados and guavas are picked from trees in the lodge gardens. Signature dishes include chicken luwombo (slow-cooked whole chicken steamed in banana leaves, served with groundnut sauce and rice), traditionally served at an engagement ceremony. All Volcanoes’ lodges offer complimentary
massage and spa treatments, including the African Rungu massage. A Rungu throwing club, carved from eucalyptus wood used by Maasai warriors, is used to relax tired muscles after a long gorilla trek. The deep pressure reduces aches and pains, improves blood circulation and muscle toning.
DON’T MISS Set out on the Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari, combining two iconic chimp sites: Kibale and Kyambura
Need to know
KEY FACILITIES • Numerous lodges including Virunga, Mount Gahinga, Bwindi, Kyambura Gorge & Kibale
• Perfect locations for seeing mountain gorillas
• On-site spa with sauna • Delicious local cuisine • Room service
KEY ACTIVITIES • Visit the mountain gorillas • Chimpanzee safaris • Forest walks • Community projects • Complimentary daily massages
GET IN TOUCH
volcanoessafaris.com T: +250 788 302 069 (Rwanda) T: +256 772 741 720 (Uganda) E:
enquiries@volcanoessafaris.com
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