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.
Video tour Primate Lodge Kibale – Kibale Forest National Park
Lodge
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!
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
RATES
Rack rates – validity period 1st January 2023 – 31th December 2023
Please enquire regarding local and East African rates info@ugandalodges.com
For more information on the Kibale National Park, download the official park brochure from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
