Kyambura Gorge Lodge is famous for its chimp-trekking opportunities. © Volcanoes Safaris

Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Queen Elizabeth National Park Luxury Uganda Safari Safari Lodge

Indulgence comes in all forms at Kyambura Gorge Lodge. This luxury Uganda safari lodge, converted from a former coffee store, is invigorating in both the views and the experiences it offers. Track chimpanzee and search for tree-climbing lion, then relax with a cup of coffee produced by a local cooperative.

The place

We’ve come to Kyambura Gorge Lodge to explore and discover a part of East Africa that’s new to us, and this luxury Uganda safari lodge is the perfect place from which to do it. But first of all, those views – after our combined air-and-road transfer from Entebbe, the undulating plains are a balm to the soul. Further off, we can spot the brooding mass of the Rwenzori Mountains. Also known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’, they lend an otherworldly aspect to the panorama. Much closer by, the ground falls away into the densely wooded Kyambura Gorge, home to the chimpanzee we’re so keen to spend time with. We’re both immediately struck by the lushness of the vegetation around us and we feel a growing awareness of just how rejuvenating nature can be. Of course, that could be the lingering aroma of coffee – this luxury Uganda safari lodge was once a coffee store and has lost none of its power to awaken the senses.

We’ve come to Kyambura Gorge Lodge to explore and discover a part of East Africa that’s new to us, and this luxury Uganda safari lodge is the perfect place from which to do it.

But first of all, those views – after our combined air-and-road transfer from Entebbe, the undulating plains are a balm to the soul. Further off, we can spot the brooding mass of the Rwenzori Mountains. Also known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’, they lend an otherworldly aspect to the panorama.

Much closer by, the ground falls away into the densely wooded Kyambura Gorge, home to the chimpanzee we’re so keen to spend time with. We’re both immediately struck by the lushness of the vegetation around us and we feel a growing awareness of just how rejuvenating nature can be. Of course, that could be the lingering aroma of coffee – this luxury Uganda safari lodge was once a coffee store and has lost none of its power to awaken the senses.

The room

Our room at Kyambura Gorge Lodge is nothing short of delightful. I notice that the Wi-Fi signal my phone found in the main area has faded, but I don’t miss it. A discreet knock opens up the possibility of a smile from our personal butler and two glasses of homemade lemonade. We stroll around the room, drinking in the views of the near-endless savannah. The brightly coloured bedspread catches my eye, and I trail my fingertips along the delightfully rough stone walls. A seed pod falls on the tin roof with a sharp tap, bringing me back to myself. My partner has discovered the outdoor shower and is now reclining in the unique hanging cocoon chair. We feel enveloped in Nature – in a welcoming, embracing way – the soft green hues and waving leaves carry no menace at all. I find myself hoping for rain so that I can lie in bed and listen to it. With the plants around us seeming to grow almost as we watch, it’s likely my wish will be granted during our stay.

Our room at Kyambura Gorge Lodge is nothing short of delightful. I notice that the Wi-Fi signal my phone found in the main area has faded, but I don’t miss it.

A discreet knock opens up the possibility of a smile from our personal butler and two glasses of homemade lemonade. We stroll around the room, drinking in the views of the near-endless savannah.

The brightly coloured bedspread catches my eye, and I trail my fingertips along the delightfully rough stone walls. A seed pod falls on the tin roof with a sharp tap, bringing me back to myself. My partner has discovered the outdoor shower and is now reclining in the unique hanging cocoon chair.

We feel enveloped in Nature – in a welcoming, embracing way – the soft green hues and waving leaves carry no menace at all. I find myself hoping for rain so that I can lie in bed and listen to it. With the plants around us seeming to grow almost as we watch, it’s likely my wish will be granted during our stay.

What sets it apart

Kyambura Gorge Lodge offers many experiences – yet all are very Ugandan. In other words: recognisably East African, but a little different. Even the animals here behave oddly: lion climb trees, and chimpanzee appear unconcerned that their human cousins should choose to return the forest and stroll among them. Inspired by this cornucopia of wonders, the lodge arranges numerous different ways to experience the best of the ‘Queen’, as the national park is affectionately (and reverently) known. All we have to do is choose whether to glide between bathing elephant on a boat cruise or go search of arboreal big cats. Personally, I’m tempted by a visit to the coffee cooperative – I’ve always liked to know where my food and drink comes from, and this is too good an opportunity to miss. It also underlines that while this luxury Uganda safari lodge may be in the wilds, it is also very much rooted in the local community.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge offers many experiences – yet all are very Ugandan. In other words: recognisably East African, but a little different.

Even the animals here behave oddly: lion climb trees, and chimpanzee appear unconcerned that their human cousins should choose to return the forest and stroll among them. Inspired by this cornucopia of wonders, the lodge arranges numerous different ways to experience the best of the ‘Queen’, as the national park is affectionately (and reverently) known.

All we have to do is choose whether to glide between bathing elephant on a boat cruise or go search of arboreal big cats. Personally, I’m tempted by a visit to the coffee cooperative – I’ve always liked to know where my food and drink comes from, and this is too good an opportunity to miss.

It also underlines that while this luxury Uganda safari lodge may be in the wilds, it is also very much rooted in the local community.

At a glance

  • A rustically styled yet luxury Uganda safari lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge has eight unique double and twin bandas constructed from stone and wood and orientated to make the most of the rolling savannah views. Rooms are all en suite with outdoor shower, and the lodge has a large saltwater swimming pool.
  • Personal butler service and complimentary 30-minute welcome massage, private dining available, private activities available (additional cost) and in-room massage treatments available (additional cost).
  • Game drives, lion-research drives, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruises, birding, coffee cooperative visits and hiking trips to the Rwenzori Mountains (six-day minimum duration).
  • Children are welcome at the lodge, and one of the double bandas is designed to be used as a family room. The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking is 16.

  • A rustically styled yet luxury Uganda safari lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge has eight unique double and twin bandas constructed from stone and wood and orientated to make the most of the rolling savannah views. Rooms are all en suite with outdoor shower, and the lodge has a large saltwater swimming pool.
  • Personal butler service and complimentary 30-minute welcome massage, private dining available, private activities available (additional cost) and in-room massage treatments available (additional cost).
  • Game drives, lion-research drives, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruises, birding, coffee cooperative visits and hiking trips to the Rwenzori Mountains (six-day minimum duration).
  • Children are welcome at the lodge, and one of the double bandas is designed to be used as a family room. The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking is 16.

Prices

  • Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
  • It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
  • Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
  • However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

  • Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
  • It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
  • Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
  • However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

When to Go

On the whole, the two dry seasons are the best time for a Queen Elizabeth safari. There’s less chance of rain, and this lack of precipitation also leads to thinning vegetation, making wildlife easier to spot. Conditions for chimp trekking are easier when it’s drier underfoot, and you’ll most likely emerge from the shade of the trees into warm sunshine. Birders do best from late May to September, when the most species are present. Increased demand for gorilla trekking from June to September means you should book well in advance.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is at its prettiest during the two wet seasons, which, in true East African style, neatly intersect their drier counterparts. During the low-season months of April, May, October and November, you won’t quite have the park to yourself – but it may feel like it. Heavy rains during these months may interrupt some activities (and make ephemeral roads impassable), but the trade-offs come in the form of lush, green landscapes, migratory birds, and – after the afternoon thunderstorms – lovely lucid air and epic views. Discounts are also possible.

Get an obligation-free safari proposal

We'll tailor-make the experience that suits you best!

Enquire Now

Looking for inspiration?

Sign up for our occasional newsletter and we’ll feed your imagination with exciting safari ideas.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get an expertly planned safari trip proposal

Enquire Now

Want to get in touch?

Contact Us

Creating your canvas!

By clicking on the heart, you’ve just added your first safari item to your canvas, which is where you can curate your personal collection of luxury safari inspiration. View and save your canvas by clicking here, and you'll be able to access it at any time by tapping on the heart icon in the menu bar.

Got it