Morning vs Afternoon Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
Which dates are still available for Gorilla Habituation in June 2026?
Buffalo Safari Lodge is a newly refurbished, charming property, transformed from a four-room budget facility to an exceptional 19-room luxury space. The Lodge is located at Katunguru Bridge in Queen Elizabeth Park, and sits on 33 acres of wilderness overlooking the famous Kazinga channel water.
Buffalo Safari Lodge lies in a serene environment full of spectacular flora and fauna, elephant, buffalo, hippo’s, warthog and many bird species, all at the glance of an eyes. At the lodge you can step into natures oasis and discover a sanctuary of tranquility at the national park resort.
Step into natures oasis and discover a sanctuary of tranquility at the national park resort. It is surrounded by lush greenery and soothing sounds of wildlife, our retreat offers an idyllic setting to escape the stresses of modern life, revitalize your spirit, and rediscover a sense of balance.
A feeling of freedom, a sense of being absorbed in nature and an air of tranquility and seclusion floods every room in every cottage. Each room has been designed to make the most of the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape from every angle as well as offer a cooling retreat from the scorching savannah heat of Queen Elizabeth National Park from the bed, the sitting area, and even the upper balcony.
Spanning over 700sqm, the exquisite spaces are enormous and the entire front side of each room can open up to let in a breeze. Enormous wooden crafted beds, spacious bathrooms, and a wide sitting area male for a completely invigorating experience and the ultimate luxury safari accommodation in Uganda. A merger of Africa’s untamed beauty and modern sophistication, the design of each of their luxury safari rooms is subtly different in design and is best described as a fusion of rustic and modern styles though all share the same amenities and incredible panoramas.
Activities that can be carried out at Buffalo Safari Lodge.
Day and Night Game Drives
Guests at Buffalo Safari Lodge can embark on thrilling day and night game drives through Queen Elizabeth National Park. During the day, visitors can witness the park’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. The night drives offer a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal animals such as hyenas, leopards, and bush babies, giving travelers a well-rounded safari experience in both daylight and under the stars.
Lion Tracking
For a more specialized adventure, lion tracking provides an unforgettable experience where guests work alongside researchers to monitor and locate lions fitted with radio collars. This activity not only allows close encounters with these magnificent predators but also contributes to conservation efforts by collecting vital data on lion behavior, movements, and population health.
Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
The lodge offers easy access to boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This boat safari is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park, providing an up-close view of large concentrations of hippos, basking crocodiles, elephants quenching their thirst, and an incredible variety of bird species. The calm waters and abundant wildlife make this a must-do activity for nature lovers.
Swimming
After an adventurous day, guests can unwind in the swimming pool at the lodge. Surrounded by stunning natural scenery, the pool area provides a refreshing break where visitors can relax, cool off, and enjoy the tranquil environment while soaking up the African sun.
Bird Watching
Buffalo Safari Lodge is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. With Queen Elizabeth National Park boasting over 600 bird species, guests can enjoy guided birding excursions or simply spot unique species within the lodge grounds. Some highlights include the African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, shoebill stork, and various migratory species, making it a rewarding experience for both amateur and seasoned birders.
Nature Walks
Guided nature walks allow visitors to immerse themselves in the wilderness on foot. These walks provide opportunities to discover smaller creatures, medicinal plants, and beautiful landscapes often missed on game drives. The knowledgeable guides enrich the experience by sharing insights into the park’s ecosystems and cultural significance.
Community Walks
For travelers interested in cultural experiences, community walks offer a chance to interact with local residents living near the park. Guests can learn about traditional lifestyles, farming practices, music, and dance, and even participate in craft-making sessions. This cultural immersion not only enriches the safari experience but also supports community development initiatives.
Other Activities
The lodge also provides additional activities such as chimpanzee tracking in nearby Kyambura Gorge, photography safaris, and relaxation experiences within its serene environment. Whether one is seeking wildlife encounters, cultural exploration, or simply relaxation, Buffalo Safari Lodge offers a well-rounded and memorable safari adventure.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of the Apes,” lies within the eastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The gorge is about 100 meters deep, with lush riverine forest cutting through an otherwise savannah landscape. It is home to a small but habituated population of around 20–25 chimpanzees.
The trekking experience here is unique because you descend into the dramatic gorge, following the river trail under a canopy of tall fig trees and vines. Treks are conducted twice a day—morning and afternoon—and usually last 2–3 hours, depending on the movement of the chimpanzees. Once found, you spend about an hour observing their behavior—feeding, grooming, and communicating.
Permits are affordable USD130 and the trek also exposes you to other wildlife such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, and rich birdlife. The gorge scenery itself makes this experience distinct from other chimpanzee trekking locations in Uganda.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve lies near Bushenyi, on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and is one of Uganda’s best places to see wild chimpanzees. The forest is rich in biodiversity, with over 300 chimpanzees, about 50 of which are habituated for tourism.
Treks here are longer compared to Kyambura, as the chimps move widely in the dense forest. The trek can take 3–4 hours, and once the chimps are located, visitors are allowed one full hour to observe and photograph them. Kalinzu offers a higher success rate of finding chimpanzees than Kyambura, and the forest itself is home to many other primates, butterflies, and birds.
Permit fees are also quite affordable USD130 making Kalinzu a budget-friendly but rewarding chimpanzee trekking option. The forest’s remoteness and biodiversity give it a wild, off-the-beaten-path feel compared to busier trekking sites like Kibale.
How to get to Buffalo Safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
By air; There are daily Flights to Queen Elizabeth National Park is the easiest means of transport to access the park which only takes you approximately 1hr 15minutes to get there. You can take a flight from Entebbe international Airport or Kajjansi into Kasese Airstrip/Kihihi Airstrip and then drive to Ishasha sector for 3-4hours. The drive time from the Airstrips into the park is very short and lot to see as you enter the Park. The lodge is 1km off Kasese-Mbarara road.
By road; You can as well have a road trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is approximately 5-6 hours’ drive from Entebbe/Kampala. The drive may seem long but it is very enjoyable and scenic as you can have some stops on the road with a lot to see. We only use 4×4 vehicles for transportation considering the state of our roads in the park, the vehicles are very comfortable and spacious with pop-up roof to enable your viewing and taking of Photographs.
Why book with us at Eco Adventure Safaris for your trip.
Book with Eco Adventure Safaris your safari to see wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park while staying at Buffalo Safari Lodge. You can as well visit the Ishasha sector popular safari is 3 Day Tree Climbing Lions Safaris lions in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park contact us and we advise you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla safari packages to Ruhija sector of Bwindi ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla trekking permits.
Feel free to checkout our TripAdvisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Bwindi with us. Contact us here about things to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.