
Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Chimpanzee Forest Lodge is a beautiful property located near Kibale National Park, the home to chimpanzees in Uganda. Dotted with colorful flowers, large trees and well-maintained gardens, the lodge offers a perfect base for visitors interested in chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. The lodge has gorgeous views of Lake Nyabikere also known as the “the lake of frogs”. From the main areas one is able to enjoy the views of this Crater Lake and its lush surroundings.
Chimpanzee Forest Lodge is a large property but has been set up in such a way that you will have privacy in a peaceful environment as the cottages are a distance away from each other as well as the main areas. The choice is up to you to spend time either in the comfort of your cottage or walk around the lush compound dotted with brightly colored flowers and green plants.
The property was formerly a British district commissioner’s residence in the 1950s during Uganda’s colonial period. In 2003 it was renovated and turned into what is now known as Chimpanzee Forest Lodge. The beauty about this lodge is its proximity to Kibale Forest National Park making it easy to transfer for activities like chimpanzee tracking, birding and nature walks in the park.
Accommodation at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
The lodge features seven (7) en-suite cottages that are situated on one separate side of the property. The beautifully decorated cottages overlook Kibale Forest and tea plantations. The cottages are surrounded by trees,, bright flowers and well-maintained gardens with stone walkways that lead to each cottage. The flowers are a great attraction to sun birds that like to forage in the lodge’s compound. Chimpanzee Forest Lodge also has two self-contained rooms in the main house which is the former residence of the British district commissioner and has a design of an ancient colonial house.
Each cottage at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge consists of;
A large comfortable wooden bed with white linen bed sheets, pillows and Ankara bed covers. Twin rooms have two wooden beds with a bedside table in the middle.
An en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet, clean towels, hand wash, bathing soap, toilet paper, a mirror and a bowl sink.
A laundry basket.
A reading chair and desk,
A balcony with seats overlooking Kibale Forest and the tea plantations.
A section for storage.
Facilities and Services
Restaurant – Chimpanzee Forest Lodge has an on-site restaurant that overlooks Lake Nyabikere and its lush surroundings. The restaurant is spacious and elegantly decorated with a touch of African décor pieces and Ankara inspired designs. The restaurant is large in size with both indoor and outdoor seating areas. The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace where staff usually set up for intimate dinners and breakfast at sunrise. The restaurant prepares delicious meals at breakfast, lunch and dinners. Snacks are also available and can be prepared on request.
Bar – The lodge features a bar area where drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic are served. Wines, local beers, and gins are available. For guests who would like cocktails those can be made as and when you order.
Reception and Lounge – The first place you encounter on arrival at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge is the main house which features a lounge area and reception. The lounge has comfortable seats both inside and outside and is a great area to relax during your stay. The reception is also in this area and the front desk staff are always available in case one is in need of any help during their stay.
Library – The lodge has a great collection of books that one can indulge in while on their stay. On a quiet afternoon you can stop by the book shelf near the reception pick up a book and read in the peaceful environment at the lodge. The library has fiction books, books about wildlife, books about nature and books about Uganda. The choice on what to read is totally up to you.
Curio station – The lodge also has a curio station where in the lodge’s reception area where you can pick a souvenir or gift. The items include baskets, beaded jewelry and crafts that are locally sourced.
Camping – Chimpanzee Forest Lodge also offers camping services in a separate section of their compound, here you can set up your tent and camp for a desired number of days.
Other services at the lodge include laundry, room service, 24 hour security, ample car parking space and Wi-Fi services.
Things to do in Kibale while staying at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chimpanzee Forest Lodge child friendly?
Yes, Chimpanzee Forest Lodge is child friendly. The property can arrange for families traveling together by putting extra beds for the children in the room. You just have to inform your ground handler or the lodge at booking time. The lodge also has a section where kids can play and enjoy the gardens. Please note that children aged 6-12 years are charged to stay at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge so there will be extra fees for shared room with children and it can only be 1-2 children per room sharing with parents.
How can I get to Chimpanzee Forest Lodge?
You can access the lodge by road and by flight. You can get to the lodge by road from Kampala which is a 5 hour drive away. If traveling by flight you take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Mweya Airstrip or Kasese Airfield. On arrival you transfer by road from Kasese or Mweya to Chimpanzee Forest Lodge which is a 2 and a half hour drive away.
Do they accept credit card payments at the lodge?
Yes, they do accept credit card payments however we usually recommend to our guests to carry some cash just in case the credit card machine is down at the lodge. It is also advisable to make payment via bank transfer for your booking in advance so that your arrival is smooth and stress free.