Kyambura Gorge Lodge

On a rise between the crater lakes and the plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Volcanoes Safaris transformed a century-old coffee store into one of Uganda’s most stylish lodges — all reclaimed timber, bold Ugandan art and a pool that looks across the savannah to the Rwenzoris.

Why We Love It

Below the lodge runs the Kyambura Gorge — the ‘Valley of Apes’ — where a marooned community of chimpanzees lives in a sunken rainforest. Tracking them down inside the gorge while elephants graze the plains above is one of safari Africa’s strangest, most wonderful mornings.

The Experience

Chimp treks, Kazinga Channel boat safaris among hundreds of hippo, game drives to the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and sundowners by the pool as the volcanic skyline turns pink.

Need to Know

Two to three nights fits perfectly between Kibale and Bwindi on our Uganda Wildlife Safari & Gorillas. See our Queen Elizabeth guide for the full picture.