10 Day Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari Tour
10 Day Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari
This unique safari links the finest gorilla and chimpanzee sites in Africa
Explore the landscapes and wildlife of the Albertine Rift, deep in the heart of Africa, on this iconic great ape safari.
This 10-day safari will take you to see chimpanzees at Kibale, the Lost Chimps of Kyambura Gorge and the wildlife and birds of Queen Elizabeth, ending with a trek to see the enchanting Nyakagezi gorilla family in Gahinga.
You will combine treks to see the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, with walking safaris in the savannah and Kyambura Gorge, a magical sunken rainforest home to a small, isolated group of chimpanzees. Join in with unique community and conservation activities around the lodges, run by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust.
Spend three nights each at Kibale, Kyambura Gorge and Mount Gahinga as you journey through the changing landscapes of the Great Western Rift Valley, known as the Albertine Rift, and stay at some of the most exceptional great ape locations in Africa.
10 Day Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari Tour Highlights
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
Experience the thrill of trekking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, known as the Primate Capital of the World. Spend a morning or afternoon observing these dynamic chimp families swinging through the canopy and filling the air with their vibrant calls, all in their natural habitat.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Experience the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in the natural high canopies and across river bridges. Starting from Kyambura Gorge Lodge, the 2-3 hour trek involves navigating steep gorges and log bridges, demanding agility and fitness. Nearby Kalinzu Forest also offers a glimpse into the lives of 40 habituated chimpanzees.
Gorilla Trekking
Trekking mountain gorillas in dense African forests is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Groups of eight visit per day, maintaining a 10m distance to protect the gorillas. Treks last 3-8 hours, requiring some fitness, but all levels are accommodated for this unforgettable adventure.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkeys, with their striking golden fur and playful nature, inhabit the volcanic foothills of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Treks lead through bamboo forests and moorlands, offering a chance to observe these rare primates in their natural habitat.
Lion Monitoring in Queen Elizabeth
Participate in the lion monitoring project at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Collect and submit survey data on game drives to the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Team. Record GPS locations and take identification photos of lions. Your contributions aid in the protection and research of Uganda’s carnivore populations.
Kyambura Gorge Buffer Walk
The Kyambura Gorge Buffer Walk, a 3-hour guided experience, showcases the buffer area developed by the VSPT and local communities. Guests enjoy scenic views of the gorge, the park, and Kyambura reserve, while learning about the 3000 indigenous trees planted in the area.
Fireside chat with primatologist from Kibale Chimpanzee Project
Attend a fascinating lecture by Emily Otaali, primatologist and Field Director of the Kibale Chimpanzee Project. Gain valuable insights into chimpanzee behavior, tracking expectations, and conservation importance. The session includes a detailed PowerPoint presentation to enhance your understanding and tracking experience.
Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation
The Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation, located near Kibale and Kyambura Gorge Lodge, features a gallery and bronze foundry showcasing world-class sculptures inspired by Uganda’s clan totems. In 2024, VSPT partnered with the Foundation to support local artists. Guests can view sculptures at Kibale Lodge and visit the Foundation.
Visit Sadhguru School
Sadhguru School near Kibale Lodge offers world-class education, focusing on arts and culture to inspire children as changemakers for communities and the environment. In 2024, Volcanoes Safaris is supporting the school by building a new vocational center. Guests can visit to learn about its unique philosophy.
Fireside Chat with Gorilla Doctors
Join a veterinarian from Gorilla Doctors for an enlightening briefing on gorilla health and conservation strategies. Learn about their unique One Health approach and life-saving veterinary practices dedicated solely to the conservation of endangered mountain and eastern lowland gorillas.
Gahinga Batwa Village
The Batwa are thought to be one of the oldest surviving indigenous people in the Central African Region. Known for their unique culture in the forests, the Batwa of the Virunga Mountains survived by hunting small game, gathering plants and fruits, living in caves and constructing huts of leaves and branches.
Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative
The Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative offers vocational training and a sustainable income source for twenty local women, many facing significant challenges. They cultivate over 2,500 coffee plants organically, which are processed locally and served at Volcanoes Safaris lodges. This initiative not only supports these women but also serves as a wildlife buffer, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. Contributions help expand the project and sustain the community.
Kyambura Gorge Buffer
Since 2009, the VSPT has developed a 3km buffer along Kyambura Gorge, showcased through a guided walk that offers views over the Gorge, Park, and local homesteads. Plans for 2024 include expanding this buffer by twenty acres to further protect wildlife and support local communities. Contributions towards this effort are crucial for continued conservation success.
Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project
Launched in August 2023 by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project, led by Dr. Alexander Braczkowzki, collects data on Uganda's carnivores like lions, leopards, and hyenas in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area enhancing local livelihoods and supporting long-term conservation goals.
10 Day Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari Tour Rates
| High Season Safari Rates 2025 | Per Person Sharing | Single Traveler Supplement |
| 10 Day Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari | $21,036 | $5718 |
High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.
| Low Season Safari Rates 2025 | Per Person Sharing | Single Occupancy |
| 10 Day Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari | $15,180 | $2724 |
Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.
