Kibale National Park, a 795-square-kilometer rainforest in western Uganda near Fort Portal, is famed as the “Primate Capital of the World” for its 1,500+ chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. This lush sanctuary, ranging 1,100–1,590 meters in elevation, offers a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets, blending comfort with the wild. Here’s where to stay during your primate adventure.
Luxury Lodges
For upscale travelers, Primate Lodge Kibale, nestled within the forest near Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, offers nine eco-friendly cottages with en-suite bathrooms and verandas overlooking the canopy. Kyaninga Lodge, 20 minutes away on Kyaninga Crater Lake’s rim, features eight thatched cottages with Rwenzori Mountain views, a pool, and fine dining. Both promise luxury amid nature.
Mid-Range Options
Mid-range stays deliver value and charm. Kibale Forest Camp, just outside the park near Bigodi Wetland, offers 10 safari-style tents with private bathrooms and forest views perfect for chimp trekkers. Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, 23 kilometers from Fort Portal amid tea plantations, provides cozy cottages with park vistas. These balance comfort with proximity to activities.
Budget Choices
Budget travelers find welcoming options too. Rwenzori View Guest House in Fort Portal offers simple rooms and bandas, a 45-minute drive from Kanyanchu. Nkuruba Nature Reserve, near a crater lake, provides community-run bandas and camping, supporting local livelihoods. UWA-managed campsites at Kanyanchu suit adventurers with tents, steps from the forest’s edge.
Location Tips
Stay near Kanyanchu for chimp trekking, Bigodi for wetland walks, or Fort Portal for urban access (5–6 hours from Kampala, 320 kilometers). Flights to Kasese (1 hour from Entebbe) cut travel time, followed by a 2-hour drive.