Kibale Lodge

Kibale Lodge is a beautiful exclusive safari lodge surrounded by nature, near Kibale Forest National Park, the best place in Uganda to see wild chimpanzees. From the lodge, you can see the Rwenzori Mountains, green valleys, and peaceful farmland stretching far into the distance.

It is a comfortable place that makes you feel close to nature. The air is fresh, the sounds of birds fill the morning, and the sunsets are magical. Kibale Lodge is managed by Volcanoes Safaris, a company known for combining luxury travel with community support and conservation. Every stay here helps protect chimpanzees and forests, and supports local people.

If you want a peaceful, elegant place to relax and enjoy nature after your chimpanzee trek, Kibale Lodge is one of the best places to stay in western Uganda.

Access & Location

The lodge is located just 30 minutes from Kibale Forest National Park and about an hour’s drive from Kasese Airstrip. Guests can fly from Entebbe to Kasese (a one-hour flight), then take a scenic drive through villages, banana plantations, and rolling hills. The journey itself is beautiful. You can also reach the lodge by road from Fort Portal, which takes about 45 minutes. Once you arrive, you’ll find a quiet paradise waiting for you — surrounded by forest, birds, and amazing views.

Accommodation At Kibale Lodge

Kibale Lodge has eight luxury bandas, built by local craftsmen using natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo. The design is simple, elegant, and blends perfectly with the landscape.

Each banda includes:

A private terrace with mountain or forest views
Large beds with soft linen and mosquito nets
A fireplace for cool evenings
A spacious bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers
Solar-heated water and eco-friendly toiletries
Personal butler service
Wi-Fi access

Inside, the bandas are beautifully decorated with African art, woven Kuba cloth, local woodwork, and gentle natural colors that make you feel at home.

Every room has its own story — named after one of the Rwenzori peaks, connecting you to the great mountains that rise beyond the forest. Whether you sit by the fire or on your terrace with a cup of coffee, the peace and quiet here are unmatched.

Dining & Cuisine At Kibale Lodge

Food at Kibale Lodge is one of the highlights of the stay. The chefs prepare fresh, flavorful meals made from local ingredients — many grown in the lodge’s own garden.

Guests can enjoy their meals in the indoor dining area, on the outdoor terrace, or even beside the pool.

Typical dishes include:

Filinda, a traditional Ugandan meal of beans, matoke, and groundnut sauce
Grilled chicken or pork with tropical fruit sauces
Fresh salads from the garden
Homemade bread, soups, and desserts
Jackfruit wraps and Ugandan Rolex (chapati with eggs) for packed lunches on trekking days

Breakfast includes omelettes, fruit, porridge, and fresh juice. For dinner, enjoy a three-course meal with soup, a main dish, and dessert.

Guests are encouraged to try local flavors and traditional recipes. The chefs are happy to adjust meals for dietary needs and always cook with care.

Wellness & Relaxation

Kibale Lodge is not just a place to sleep — it’s a place to rest and refresh your body and mind.

The lodge has a lovely swimming pool with views of the hills, a sauna, and a spa offering daily massages, which are already included in your stay.

After a long trek in the forest, nothing feels better than a warm massage, a swim, or a quiet nap by the pool. The lodge also has several walking paths and gardens where guests can relax, watch birds, or simply listen to nature.

Activities At Kibale Lodge

Kibale Lodge offers many exciting and educational activities that make your stay unforgettable.

1. Chimpanzee Tracking

This is the main attraction of Kibale Forest. Early in the morning, you’ll head out with a trained guide to track a family of wild chimpanzees. Watch them swing through trees, play, and interact — it’s a truly special experience.

2. Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

For those who want to spend even more time with the chimps, this longer experience allows you to spend up to four hours with a group that is being studied by researchers.

3. Birdwatching

The area around Kibale Lodge is home to over 370 bird species. Expert guides help guests spot birds like the African grey parrot, Ross’s turaco, and the black-crowned waxbill.

4. Bigodi Wetland Walk

A short drive from the lodge, the Bigodi Wetland is a community project famous for birdlife and primates. You can see colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoest monkeys, as well as colorful butterflies and rare birds.

5. Tree Nursery & Reforestation Project

Guests can join the lodge botanist to visit the Volcanoes Safaris tree nursery, where native trees are grown to restore forest land. You can even plant your own tree — a small gift to Uganda’s environment.

6. Community and School Visits

Visit the nearby Sadhguru School or other local projects supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT). Learn about conservation education and how local people benefit from tourism.

Sustainability & Community

Kibale Lodge is built with a strong respect for nature. It runs mainly on solar power, and all water is filtered and reused.

Toiletries are from Healing Earth, an eco-friendly brand, and glass bottles are used instead of plastic. The kitchen uses local produce from nearby farms and markets.

Through the VSPT program, the lodge supports reforestation, women’s cooperatives, and art education. Staying here means you help protect the forest and improve local lives.

The lodge also plants indigenous trees on its 150-acre property and works to remove invasive plants so native birds and animals can thrive again.

Why Stay at Kibale Lodge

Perfect location for chimpanzee tracking
Luxury bandas with private views and personal service
Great food, spa, and swimming pool
Deep focus on sustainability and community support
Part of the respected Volcanoes Safaris group
Quiet, exclusive, and full of natural beauty

Kibale Lodge Rates

From US$990 per room per night (all-inclusive)
Includes:

Accommodation and all meals
All soft and alcoholic drinks (except French champagne)
Spa and massage treatments
Laundry service
All lodge activities

Perfect For

Couples, honeymooners, nature lovers, and anyone who wants a peaceful luxury stay while helping to protect Uganda’s forests and wildlife. At Kibale Lodge, every moment feels connected to nature — from the first bird call at sunrise to the soft crackle of the fire at night. It’s not just a lodge; it’s an experience that stays in your heart.