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 the 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.
The lodge has 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.
They 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.
Primate Lodge Kibale activities
1. Chimp Tracking
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.
2. Chimp Habituation Experience
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.
3. Forest Walk
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.
4. Birding
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.
5. Nocturnal Walk
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.
6. Bigodi Swamp Walk
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.
7. Bigodi Village Walk
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.
8. Exploration of the Crater Lakes
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.
9. Sebitole Forest
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.
10. Cultural Heritage and Nature Trail
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.
11. Hike at the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains
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.
12. Visit to the tea estates
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.
Primate Lodge Kibale rates
1. Cottages
| Cottages | High season | Low season |
| Double occupancy | $470 | $400 |
| Single occupancy | $640 | $500 |
| Honeymoon cottage | $600 | $500 |
| Extra bed | $245 | $200 |
2. Meals
| Breakfast | $25 |
| Lunch | $35 |
| Dinner | $40 |
3. Extra services
| Wi-FI | Free |
| Transfer from Kasese Airstrip (Land Cruiser) | $225 |
| Transfer from Kasese Airstrip (Safari Minivan) | $190 |
Primate Lodge Kibale reviews
Tim Marshall: Lovely small lodge in the park right next to the Chimpanzee trek office. Great food, superb service, and comfortable rooms with hot showers and comfortable beds. Private all round. The only negative was they could use a fan for air movement in hot weather.
Asiteza Remmy: Primate Lodge is the ideal location if you want to dwell in the sights and sounds of the primates. Located in the serenity of the thick Kibale NP trees, the lodge offers budget accommodation with an exquisite touch of unmatched hospitality.
Mark Moussafir: They were overpriced, 800$ per night is the highest in all Uganda. It is better to get the same lodge near Kibale, pay 1/4 of the price and get your value for the money.
The food was terrible, using canned mushrooms and caned soup, trying to sell you more products, and get more money than what you have already paid.
We asked for a glass of wine and got a bottle, we said we didn’t ask for a bottle and the answer was – I forgot to tell you we only sell bottles – and so it went on and on.
Gregory Chillak: Absolutely amazing, breathtaking place. I was able to see monkey’s, baboons right from the comfort of my room and even the dining area
The staff is amazingly friendly and courteous. There was never a dull moment. The food was phenomenal, and the rooms are absolutely beautiful. I would recommend anyone to come here and I’ll definitely be back.
Vincent Ciolino: Staff, service and food were fantastic. The chef produced amazing meals as if ranked by Michelin. Can’t say enough great things about management and staff especially our porter Jockus.
Primate Lodge Kibale facilities
1. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
Reservations and inquiries
Address: Mutungo Hill, Plot 1001, Block 243, Biina Road, Kampala, Uganda.
Tel: +256 (0)393 267 153 / (0)701-426 368 / (0)772-426 368
Email: info@ugandalodges.com
Web: www.ugandalodges.com
Others
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.
