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Based on over 1000 Verified Reviews.

Overview

Situated in the heart of one of the last remaining areas of lowland and montane rain forests in the world, Primate Lodge - Kibale is ideally located for exploring Kibale National Park and a riveting chimp-trekking adventure.

The park is a key eco-tourism and safari destination in East Africa, home to over 300 species of birds and 13 species of primates, including colobus monkeys and various communities of habituated chimpanzee.

Primate Lodge has a range of accommodation options to suit adventurous travellers at any budget, from a secluded campsite and deluxe safari tents to spacious private cottages in the forest for that ‘being one with nature’ feeling. Truly intrepid guests should not miss a chance to stay in the Sky Tree House. Nestled in an enormous tree deep in the forest and perched about 10 metres / 32 feet above an elephant meadow, this unique unit offers magnificent views over the forest canopy and enjoys regular visits from rare animals like acrobatic colobus monkeys and shy forest elephants.

The lodge boasts two restaurants, offering international and local dishes.

Set out on morning and afternoon expeditions, seeking out chimpanzees and the dozen other primate species that can be found in Kibale National Park. Enjoy guided nature walks through the forest, as well as night walks in search of the forest’s nocturnal animals. And no experience at Primate Lodge is complete without a visit to the neighbouring tea plantations or a walk through the local forest tribes’ villages.

Highlights

  • Magical location in Kibale National Park
  • Start chimpanzee trekking in less than five minutes' walk from the lodge
  • Early morning and nocturnal forest walks
  • Bird watching of more than 300 species
  • Complimentary Wi-fi in all public areas of the lodge

Activities

  • Guided walks
  • Live music & entertainment
  • Bird watching
Located within the National Park you really are immersed in the forest surrounded by birdsong, butterflies and even the odd monkey. The lodges location allows for extra sleeping time as they are only a 5-minute walk from the chimpanzee trekking base.
Bonita Cronje

Bonita Cronje

Africa Safari Expert

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Rooms

Luxury Cottage

Primate Lodge has nine spacious safari tents set on raised wooden platforms, each sheltered by large thatched roofs and secluded in the forest. These tents are equipped with amenities like double or king-sized beds with mosquito nets, lounge areas with comfortable arm chairs, reading tables, en suite bathrooms, and shaded verandas from which to marvel at the superb forest views.

 

Standard Cottage

There are seven mid-range Forest Cottages equipped with king-sized bed or twins with mosquito nets, and spacious en suite bathrooms. Take a seat in a comfortable lounge chair on your spacious veranda and watch monkeys leap from tree to tree as you enjoy your morning coffee.

Other Rooms

Elephant Banda

Popular with honeymooners and couples looking for a more romantic retreat, the Elephant Banda consists of an upstairs bedroom with king-sized bed and a spacious downstairs living area. Relish the private lounging and dining moments on the expansive upstairs veranda with breath-taking views over the forest.

Sky Tree House

The secluded Sky Tree House is situated about 200m / 656ft into the rainforest and offers the truly adventurous at heart a unique opportunity to experience the African jungle up-close-and-personal. Built in a colossal tree about 10m / 32ft above the ground, it overlooks an elephant meadow and the gorgeous emerald forest canopy. The Sky Tree House receives regular visits from black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and forest elephants – and even groups of chimpanzee if you are really lucky! This single-bedroom unit is not self-contained and can accommodate two guests in separate beds.

Facilities

Primate Lodge - Kibale is a unique eco-lodge offering deluxe safari tents on raised wooden platforms, as well as spacious forest cottages.

The lodge has a large dining terrace, a bar and a sheltered lounge area with a small library – a great place to curl up with a good book after an adventure-filled day exploring the wonders of the African rainforest. Or cosy up next to the camp fire and share chimp-trekking stories with your fellow adventurers.

Dining

The lodge’s main restaurant serves international and local breakfasts, lunches and dinners in a charming seated setting. Another restaurant offers take-away international and local meals from an à la carte menu.

General facilities

  • Bar
  • Restaurant
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Traveller Reviews

Primate Lodge - Kibale
LJ

Lynne Jones

The Primate Lodge Kibale was very adequate, we were warmly welcomed, as we were in all the accommodation, quite a walk up to and back from our tent though, which was very comfortable. The chimpanzee walk was remarkable, our wonderful guide Ronald ma de it memorable, sharing his knowledge and insights into chimp behaviour, and I was in seventh heaven taking photos. A funny incident happened- a local television crew came past when we were resting waiting for the chimps, and they were walking fast and wearing rain ponchos, which the chimps didn't like, and when the crew got up close to photograph the chimps, one went berserk- screaming and racing through the undergrowth and ran past and smacked one of them on the leg, we thought the cameraman would have a heart attack!
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LK

Lois Kelley

"Primate Lodge was great and I'm glad we stayed there. The proximity to the chimpanzee trek was ideal. We had a great time there."
ED

Erika Daileda

"Primate Lodge in Kibale was excellent in all regards. The room was very nice and comfortable, the staff very friendly and attentive, the food excellent, and the location great."

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