Kibale Forest Camp

Kibale Forest Camp is one of the best budget and mid-range lodges near Kibale National Park, offering a peaceful and authentic forest experience. The camp sits in a private patch of evergreen forest just outside the southern part of the park. Here, guests can listen to the calls of colobus monkeys, spot colorful birds, and enjoy the calm beauty of nature all around them.

The lodge is owned and operated by Nature Lodges Uganda, a trusted company that also manages Fort Murchison Lodge, The Bush Lodge, Eagles Nest Mburo, and The Airport Guest House Entebbe. Like all Nature Lodges properties, Kibale Forest Camp offers great service, warm hospitality, and excellent value for money. Whether you are looking for an affordable safari stopover or a quiet base for chimpanzee trekking, Kibale Forest Camp is a lovely place to relax and reconnect with nature.

Access & Location

Kibale Forest Camp is located in western Uganda, near Kibale National Park, famous for its chimpanzees. The camp sits close to the Magombe Swamp, home to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, one of Uganda’s top birding areas. It takes about 6 hours to drive from Kampala or 1 hour from Fort Portal town to reach the camp. The Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, where chimp tracking begins, is only a 10-minute drive away.

As you arrive, you’ll notice how beautifully the camp blends into the forest. The air feels cool and fresh, the trees are alive with the sounds of birds and monkeys, and butterflies float around in the sunlight. This is the perfect place to escape the noise of the city and enjoy the peace of the Ugandan forest.

Accommodation Kibale Forest Camp

Kibale Forest Camp offers two main accommodation types to suit different budgets — Safari Tents for mid-range travelers and Non-Self-Contained Tents for budget travelers. All rooms are surrounded by lush greenery and designed to give guests a true feeling of being close to nature, without giving up comfort.

Safari Tents

The camp has 12 African-style safari tents, each tucked away among the trees for privacy. These canvas tents offer a classic safari atmosphere and are built under grass-thatched roofs to keep them cool and shaded.

Each tent has:

Twin or double beds with mosquito nets
A private ensuite bathroom with a hot shower and flush toilet
A dressing area with a mirror and washbasin
A private veranda where guests can sit and relax

From your veranda, you can often see monkeys, especially black-and-white colobus and red colobus, jumping in the treetops. At night, you might hear the soft hoot of an owl or the rustle of small forest animals nearby. These safari tents are ideal for guests who want a comfortable stay and a little touch of luxury in a natural setting.

Non-Self-Contained Tents

For travelers on a budget, Kibale Forest Camp also offers 9 non-self-contained tents, each comfortably furnished with two single beds, a bedside table, and a power outlet for charging devices. The tents are also set under grass-thatched roofs, creating a small private terrace outside. Guests share a clean communal ablution block with hot showers and flushing toilets.

Fresh towels and bed linen are provided. These tents are perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, and anyone who wants to enjoy the forest atmosphere without spending too much.

Restaurant & Bar

The heart of Kibale Forest Camp is its beautiful thatched restaurant and bar, built entirely from wood and natural materials. The open design allows guests to enjoy the views of a colorful garden filled with tropical flowers, birds, and butterflies.

Meals are served in a cozy and friendly setting. The food is fresh, simple, and delicious — combining both local and international dishes. Because fresh ingredients are brought from Kampala, the lodge works with a set menu, but the chef is always happy to adjust for dietary needs if informed in advance.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all made with care. Guests love the warm hospitality of the staff and the homely feeling of the restaurant. A special treat is the early morning coffee or tea served on your tent veranda — the best way to start the day before chimp tracking or a forest walk. In the evening, guests can enjoy drinks at the bar or relax around the campfire, sharing stories from the day while listening to the sounds of the forest.

Activities At Kibale Forest Camp

Kibale Forest Camp is the perfect base for exploring Kibale National Park and the surrounding areas. The park covers about 795 square kilometers and is home to 13 primate species, including over 1,500 chimpanzees. Guests can choose from a wide range of activities — from wildlife adventures to cultural and community experiences.

1. Chimpanzee Tracking:

The most popular activity! Start your morning at the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, just 10 minutes from the camp. Guided by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you’ll follow chimpanzees through the forest as they play, feed, and communicate in the trees. It’s an unforgettable wildlife experience.

2. Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Spend extra time — up to four hours — with a chimpanzee group that is being habituated to human presence. This special activity allows guests to learn more about chimp behavior and research.

3. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk

Just next to the lodge lies the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area. The walk takes about 2–3 hours and offers a chance to see eight species of monkeys and over 200 bird species, including the colorful Great Blue Turaco.

4. Bird Watching

Kibale and Bigodi are a paradise for bird lovers. With over 350 species, including hornbills, sunbirds, and kingfishers, guests can enjoy guided birding walks through the forest and nearby swamps.

5. Forest Walks & Night Walks

Guided forest walks are available during the day and night. The day walks reveal butterflies, birds, and primates, while night walks give a chance to see bush babies, tree hyrax, and other nocturnal animals.

6. Crater Lakes Exploration

Take a scenic drive or guided hike through the Ndali-Kasenda crater lake region near Fort Portal. The lakes are stunning, with calm waters surrounded by hills and farms.

7. Mahoma Waterfalls & Tea Estates Visit

Visit the Mahoma Waterfalls or take a guided walk through the nearby tea plantations to learn how Ugandan tea is grown and harvested. It’s a relaxing and cultural experience.

Why Stay at Kibale Forest Camp

Kibale Forest Camp is more than just a place to sleep — it’s a true nature experience. The camp is peaceful, affordable, and surrounded by wildlife. It’s the best choice for budget and mid-range travelers who want comfort, friendly service, and easy access to chimp tracking.

Owned by Nature Lodges Uganda, known for their welcoming properties like Fort Murchison Lodge, The Bush Lodge, and Airport Guest House Entebbe, the camp guarantees professional service and genuine Ugandan hospitality.

Here, you can enjoy the forest at its best — simple, serene, and full of life. Whether you’re relaxing on your veranda, listening to monkeys call in the distance, or sharing stories by the fire, Kibale Forest Camp offers a stay you will never forget.