Primate Lodge
Located in pristine primate territory in Kibale Forest, Primate Lodge is a forest retreat for those seeking the classic chimpanzee tracking experience in Uganda. Surrounded by birds and monkeys and accommodating in classic thatched bandas, this is ideal for forest dwelling.
Primate Lodge is exactly what it says it is – an ideal location for primate viewing and chimpanzee tracking in the equatorial Kibale Forest. Between the lush trees and gardens are nine forest cottages, each designed to sleep two guests in either twin or double beds, with private balconies and views onto manicured lawns fringed with wild, primate-inhabited trees. Each cottage has an ensuite bathroom, wooden floors, wooden windowpanes, and wooden furniture. Everything has been constructed with nature in mind and the natural beauty is welcomed right into the bedrooms and living areas. Every bedroom is individually located between the trees and natural foliage for privacy and a sense of isolation in the forest.
- The location of Primate Lodge couldn’t be better with the forest being present in every element of the lodge and the famous chimpanzee trekking activity offered so nearby.
- There are nine cottages – double and twin – plus an adventurous bunk room about 200m into the forest, elevated about 10m off the ground.
- A honeymoon cottage is an additional perk for romantics with its own location in the forest, two floors with a bedroom and deck upstairs and a lounge, bathroom, and shower downstairs.
- A restaurant is found down the winding pathways where dining in the forested gardens is a favourite way to eat. A fire pit with seating offers nice fireside socialising in the evenings.
Birders will have a ball at Primate Lodge due to its fantastic location in Kibale National Park where 325 species of birds can be found. Forest trails and professional bird guides can take guests on a dedicated birding walk to spot hundreds of species including special Albertine Rift Valley endemics like black-capped and collared apalis, dusky crimsonwing, purple-breasted and blue-headed sunbird, and the red-faced woodland warbler. Not only is the forest a bird paradise, but the surrounding area is known to house the rare and endangered forest elephant, of course chimpanzees, and other primates like the colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, and the grey-cheeked mangabey. Chimpanzee trekking is the primary attraction at Primate Lodge, but for guests staying on, there are options like the culturally enriching Bigodi Village Tour, or the crater lake exploration, tea estate visits, and hikes in the Rwenzori mountains.
