Primate Lodge Kibale

PRIMATE LODGE KIBALE

★★★★☆

Kibale Forest National Park

Immerse yourself in the renowned hospitality of Uganda amidst the unparalleled beauty of Kibale Rainforest National Park, a haven for primates and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Primate Lodge Kibale invites you to experience the magic of this pristine wilderness, home to over 13 species of primates, as well as a diverse array of mammals, butterflies, and birds.

Our lodge’s greatest asset lies in its location, nestled deep within the forest and adjacent to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking and the extraordinary Chimpanzee Habituation experience. These are among the most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters you’ll find anywhere on the planet.

Step into one of our nine spacious and luxurious cottages, each tucked away in the heart of the forest for ultimate privacy and an immersive nature experience. Relax in a cozy haven featuring either two double beds or one king-size bed, a comfortable sitting area with armchairs, a reading table, and a sprawling veranda offering stunning forest views.

For those seeking a romantic escape, our honeymoon cottage is the perfect choice. Ideal for couples celebrating love or special milestones, this intimate retreat boasts private lounging and dining areas, along with a veranda that seemingly blends into the forest surroundings.

Indulge in rejuvenating massages, dine on our spacious terrace, and unwind with a drink from our well-stocked bar. Discover the essence of luxury and adventure in the heart of Kibale Rainforest National Park with Primate Lodge Kibale.

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

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Primate Lodge Kibale as you unwind by our nightly campfire. Nestled next to the lounge area, adorned with plush cushions, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of adventure. Listen to the soothing melodies of diverse bird calls and the playful chatter of nearby primates as you gather around the crackling flames. Let the warmth of the fire and the ambiance of the forest envelop you, creating unforgettable moments under the starlit sky.

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!

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!

RATES

Rack rates – validity period 1st January 2024 – 31st December 2024

Primate Lodge Kibale Factsheet

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!

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.

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