Activities

The VSPT now offers our guests at Kyambura Gorge Lodge the opportunity to participate in and learn the craft of bee keeping. The hives were put in place by the VSPT to demonstrate to the local community how they can use bee hives to deter elephants from raiding their crops (elephants have a natural fear of bees), as well as provide a source of added income from the honey produced. Suit up with our local beekeepers for this unique hands-on experience. The sweet organic savannah honey is now served at our Kyambura Gorge Lodge! Yum!

From Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Visitors have a chance to see locals performing the Rwandan national dance. High energy and interactive, the Intore dance can be translated through their days as a Belgian colony as Rwandan Ballet. The dance originates from warriors returning victoriously from battle. Often the returning warriors were from different tribes banded together against a common foe, so the dance is diverse and individual as well as colourful and exciting. Including the famous 'Dance of Heroes', it  is a spectacular event performed especially for you. Supported through the VSPT.

From Virunga Lodge

Murchison Falls National Park with the meandering Victoria Nile and the dramatic Murchison Falls waterfall is Uganda’s largest protected area, providing a stunning semi-arid habitat for a variety of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, giraffe and lion. The launch trip to the bottom of the Falls is unforgettable, both to experience this mighty river and to see the crocodiles, hippos and birds that bask on its banks. In the nearby Budongo Forest you can track the rare chimpanzees and go bird watching with the spectacular range of over 600 species in the area.

There is a small 30-minute nature trail located on lodge property that is great for viewing various species of birds and plants. The Mgahinga National Park is home to around 80 species of bird, some of which are endemic to the region, and there are almost 300 endemic species of wildlife in total, making this a great place to view some of nature's more rare sights surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the mountains.

From Mount Gahinga Lodge

Ishasha is a region of Queen Elizabeth National Park known for being where the rare tree-climbing Lions are. Partial to a relaxing sleep in the fig trees around Ishasha, the lions are the major attraction of the area. A day trip down to visit this variation of the iconic animal is well worth it and a fantastic opportunity to see lions in the wild.

From Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Karisoke became one of the most successful primate study sites in the world in the 1970s. For the past three decades the mountain gorillas of Karisoke Research Center have been the subject of many studies focusing on their behavior and ecology. Karisoke still functions as an important base for international research; biologists come and go, some studying the gorillas and some focusing on other aspects of the environment and its wildlife. Karisoke is still funded by the "Digit" fund, although it has been re-named as "The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund".

From Virunga Lodge

The local orphanage is five minutes' walk from the lodge where children perform songs and dances every afternoon at 17.30. The visit is free but a donation is expected. Local handicrafts are available to purchase.

From Bwindi Lodge

This short trail located on the lodge property only a 2-minute walk from the bandas offers you an incredible views of both lakes Buhero and Ruhondo as well as a massive caldera that has been heavily cultivated.

From Virunga Lodge

The Kyambura Reserve is an area to the northeast of the lodge and is an impressive savannah of typically African grassland, suddenly dropping into a staggering 100m gorge that’s 16km long. The gorge itself is a sublime piece of landscape carved out by the Kyambura River over thousands of years. Here, you can spot chimpanzees and red-tailed monkeys among other primates and the vast collection of colourful birds, especially when you’re close to the thick bushes and dense forest on one side of the plains.

You will be guided by community members trained in wildlife and conservation. These knowledgeable guides escort guests through the local communities as well as through the newly restored VSPT Omumashaka Wetland, to which about 200 species have recently returned.

From Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Walks through the forest can last between 2 – 5 hours and provide opportunities to see the many species of butterfly or any one of the 90 mammalian species, including 11 primates, of which the black-and-white Colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent.  One of the walks leads through the enchanting forest to a very beautiful waterfall. The forest birding ranks as one of the best in all of Uganda with 23 highly localised Albertine Rift endemics that can be seen here.

From Bwindi Lodge

Uganda is the source of the river Nile and is home to some of the best white water rafting in the world. The Nile flows from Lake Victoria and through the Karuma and Murchison Falls. Passing through Lake Albert, it then meanders calmly into Southern Sudan. Warm water, waves, stunning scenery and year-round sunshine make white water rafting here unique. The thrill and excitement of the Nile rapids are matched by the tranquility of the pools between them and the vibrant bird and wildlife.

You can also indulge in a short 1 to 2-hour walk around the area as well, which culminates on top of a hill that has 3 large calderas. These features are impressive in themselves but the summit also offers spectacular views of the Virungas and some great opportunities for some photography.

From Mount Gahinga Lodge

Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes situated in the Albertine Rift between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The name 'Kivu' comes from the Bantu language and simply means 'lake'. Home to the finest inland beaches in Africa, it's a great place to unwind after days on the hot and dusty road. The ideal stop-off for a bit of relaxation after a day of tracking gorillas, Lake Kivu adds yet another attractive string to the already plentiful bow that Rwanda has to offer.

From Virunga Lodge