Photo credit Ivan Ssebuuma

PRIMATE LODGE KIBALE

★★★★☆

Kibale Forest National Park

Experience the world renowned Ugandan hospitality amidst unrivaled nature, scenery and serenity in the heart of Kibale rainforest National Park, Uganda’s primates’ paradise and home to over 13 different species of primates and numerous other mammals, butterflies and birds. 

Primate Lodge Kibale’s principal edge is our location, tucked deep in the forest and right next door to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking excursion as well as the incredible Chimpanzee Habituation, really, two of the most genuinely breath-taking wildlife experiences on the planet.

All of our nine spacious and en-suite Luxury Cottages, each secluded deep in the forest for maximum privacy and a natural ‘living in nature’ feel, come complete with 2x Double size Bed or 1x King Size Bed, a sitting area with two comfortable arm chairs, a reading table and an adjoining large veranda with excellent views to the forest.

We also have a honeymoon cottage as a double occupancy, it is very popular with honeymooners, anniversaries and the ‘hopeless romantics’ who can also enjoy private lounging and dining at the extensive cottage and a private veranda that seems to go right into the forest.

Other lodge amenities include a massage parlor, spacious dining terrace, a well-stocked bar, complimentary room service, a secluded lounge area with a small library, an evening campfire, free laundry service as well as free Wi-Fi in the public areas.

Screenshot video Primate Lodge Kibale
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Video tour Primate Lodge Kibale – Kibale Forest National Park

Lodge

Restaurant

Following the winding path you will find the main lodge located in the lush greenery. In the spacious dining room delicious meals, both international and traditional African dishes, are served with a smile.

Bar

Adjacent to the restaurant is a well-stocked bar where you can have a fresh cup of coffee or other drink, while enjoying the magical forest that encloses the lodge.

Lounge area

An open lounge area is furnished with comfortable large chairs, sofas and soft cushions, making it the ideal place to unwind and listen to the chattering of the red-tailed monkeys in the dense branches.

Camp Fire

Following the winding path you will find the main lodge located in the lush greenery. In the spacious dining room delicious meals, both international and traditional African dishes, are served with a smile.

Check In / Check Out Times

  • Check In: 02.00 pm
  • Check Out: 10.00 am

Dietary Requirements

Please inform us in advance about any special dietary requirements and we will do our best to supply this.

Drinking water

It is not recommendable to drink water from the tap. Bottled mineral water is available at the restaurant and bar.

What to bring

  • Casual light clothing
  • Warm jersey/sweater for the cooler mornings and evenings
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Rain coat
  • Sun hat
  • Sun lotion
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Torch
  • Binoculars

Valuables

The lodge is not responsible for valuables kept in the rooms. Personal items of value can be stored at the main lodge.

Power supply

The main lodge and rooms are equipped with solar powered electricity. However, due to the environment, the solar system may not charge as expected. In this case kerosene lanterns are provided at the reception. We kindly request you to use the power in an eco-responsible way and turn off the lights when leaving the room.

Adapters

Cameras and mobiles can be charged at the main lodge.

Wildlife

Keep in mind that Primate Lodge Kibale is situated in the habitat of many primates, snakes and other wild animals. Therefore we kindly ask you to keep your tents carefully zipped and doors locked when leaving your room. Do not bring food in the tent as it might attract ants or other animals. Do not try to touch or feed the primates that may be seen in the surrounding trees. Please request one of our staff members to accompany you when returning to your room at night.

Environmental commitment

We seek to minimize the impact on the environment. Nothing is left in the forest other than our footprints. Nothing is taken from the forest other than memories. We kindly ask you for your support by respecting our valued guidelines.

Further enquiries

Feel free to contact us for any additionally required information.

Being situated in the protected area of Kibale National Park, Primate Lodge is highly committed to the conservation of nature and culture. The lodge is constructed with local materials and makes use of solar powered electricity in order to minimize the impact on the environment. Moreover, the accommodation contributes to the livelihood of the surrounding communities by involving the local families in different service areas, ranging from employment and the supply of locally grown products to providing handmade crafts and cultural performances.

ACTIVITIES

The forest opens its doors for a sensational chimp tracking! Enjoy a guided primate walk in the lush expenses of the tropical rainforest, in search of the wild chimpanzees. The ranger guide will explain you more about the animals and plants species that you encounter on your way. Also look out for other primates like the Red-Colobus Monkeys and Mangabey, birds, tracks of mammals and much more!

Screenshot video chimpanzee tracking
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Video chimpanzee tracking – Kibala Forest National Park

Watch the chimps waking up, searching for food, resting, playing and going to sleep again. With the Habituation Experience you will spend an entire day with these amazing creatures and learn about their way of life. Great Blue TuracoThe project, initiated by Uganda Wildlife Authority in cooperation with the Jane Goodall Institute, focuses on habituating the chimpanzees to human presence, without necessarily altering their natural behaviour.

Be educated and entertained by experienced ranger guides. This walk especially caters for children who are too young to participate in the chimp tracking. While the parents enjoy their chimpanzee experience, the young ones will go for a forest walk and learn more about the ecosystem, followed by creative activities and games.

Accompanied by a guide, you will follow the forest trails and look out for different types of birds. Of the 325 that are recorded in this national park, 6 species of birds are endemic to the Albertine Rift region, including the Black-capped Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Purple-breasted Sunbird and Red-faced Woodland Warbler.

An exciting hike in the heart of the forest at night! A guide will take you into the forest to look for bush babies, pottos and other nocturnal animals.

At the eastern side of the national park you will find Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a protected area situated in Magombe Swamp. Different trails are available to encounter a variety of birds (137 species), primates and butterflies. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the villagers of Bigodi and the revenues are shared by the local community.

Another project initiated by the community is the Village Walk. This guided walk takes you for a closer meeting with the Bigodi Trading Centre. Accompanied by a guide, who can tell you everything about the traditional customs and lifestyle of this tribe, you will follow the village path and visit a primary school, Catholic church, traditional homesteads, learn about the crops and listen to the story telling of a Mzee (elderly man).

As you drive from Fort Portal to Kibale Forest you will pass the area of the Bunyaruguru Crater Lakes region. Here you can simply enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views. Take a hike at Lake Nkuruba to encounter different species of primates and birds. Or visit the hidden Mahoma Falls while you meet the local people as you walk through their villages and learn more about the customs of the Batoro tribe.

This part of Kibale Forest is located 12 km from Fort Portal in the direction of Kampala. The area offers different walking trails for excellent bird and primate viewing in moist evergreen forest.

A hike of 2 till 6 days for the adventurous guests, a sublime combination of nature and culture! You can start the walk at either Primate Lodge Kibale or Sebitoli Forest Camp and follow a trail deep into the forest. Not only you will explore the natural environment with its rich flora and fauna, but you will also get the chance to meet the local people and gain insights into the Batoro and Bakiga culture. Overnights will be arranged in community-run campsites near the villages of Kikoni, Nyaibanda and Nyakalongo

Kibale Forest is located almost at the foot of the “Mountains of the Moon”. Here you can enjoy a guided nature walk, with scenic views of the rolling hills, green valleys and large banana plantations. You will get a glimpse of the village life and visit a traditional healer at this home.

Kibale Forest is surrounded by large, green tea plantations and therefore your stay at Primate Lodge Kibale cannot go without a visit to one of the tea estates. Touch the fresh tea leaves and watch the workers tipping, plucking and weeding. Of course you are invited to participate! At the tea factory you will witness the progress of transforming the leaves to black (made) tea and you will get a taste of the final product!

SAFARI PACKAGES

Come and enjoy the magic of Africa’s most beautiful rainforest! Watch the chimpanzees playing, the colobus monkeys hiding and the baboons staring curiously at you. Apart from a chimp tracking you will also visit the Bigodi Swamp for encounters with other types of primates and birds.

The package includes:

  • Private transfer to/from Kampala (min. 2 people)
  • 2 nights in the adventurous Sky Tree House of Primate Lodge Kibale
  • Chimp tracking in Kibale National Park
  • Bigodi Swamp Walk
  • Crater Lakes exploration

Anxious to meet our close relatives in the dense tropical rainforest? This special package includes a full day chimp habituation which will give you the chance to spend an entire day in the presence of these amazing creatures. Join the chimpanzees early in the morning, while they climb out of their nests, and see how they play, feed and rest in the trees. A unique and unforgettable experience!

The package includes:

  • Private transfer to/from Kampala (min. 2 people)
  • 3 nights in Primate Lodge Kibale based on full board
  • Chimp Habituation Experience
  • Bigodi Swamp Walk
  • Chimp tracking in Kibale National Park

Enjoy Kibale Forest at its fullest! Spend four nights in the comfort of Primate Lodge Kibale as you go on a sensational chimp tracking and explore the region of the crater lakes with its many small lakes. Also the famous Mountains of the Moon will be visited with a scenic nature hike and you will meet the locals in the tea plantations of Fort Portal.

The package includes:

  • Private transfer to/from Kampala (min. 2 people)
  • 4 nights in Primate Lodge Kibale based on full board
  • Chimp tracking in Kibale National Park
  • Crater Lakes exploration
  • Walk in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains

RATES

Rack rates – validity period 1st January 2023 – 31th December 2023

Please enquire regarding local and East African rates info@ugandalodges.com

Visit the Kibale Forest Lodge Photo Gallery

For more information on the Kibale National Park, download the official park brochure from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Map of Kibale National Park

Incredible

We loved primate lodge, genuinely an incredible experience to be in the middle of the rainforest. The rooms were clean and spacious, showers warm, and we woke up with baboons / colobus monkeys on our veranda everyday! But best of all were the people. I cannot stress just how kind and friendly all at Primate Lodge were, special mention has to go out to Jockus, we all miss you!
K.
UK

Outstanding lodge in the heart of the forest

I cannot recommend this place enough! Despite being in the process of renovating the cottages, everything was in perfect order. The cottage itself was delightful and spotlessly clean. I loved the location of being in the very centre of the forest which mean’t we were visited by all manner of primates.
Beverly
Dubai

The very very best of Uganda

We were treated so well. We were welcomed and made to feel like family.
 We feel very safe and are so happy to visit this beautiful place and learn about the people, culture, and animals. Please think about coming. It is a dream trip that is finally happening and I love Uganda and this lodge is by far, the best ever!
Mamamarz
USA

I really loved this lodge

What an amazing lodge. I can’t emphasize on the excellent service here and how comfortable it was. I loved the spacious room and the privacy it provided. Very peaceful. You may even get some visitors from the forest.
K.
Panama

You live in the heart of the rainforest

Here you can enjoy maximum comfort in the middle of the rainforest. Don’t just use this lodge for overnight stays. Stay at least 5 days. Walk around on the paths between the chalets. You see the most beautiful tropical butterflies. Get up at night and sit on the veranda of your chalet. You can hear the sounds of the jungle, including the chimpanzees.
Werner
Germany